This has been an inspiring weekend for Americans, but especially so if you live in the DC region (ACA offices are in Fredericksburg, Virginia, about an hour south of DC).
Regardless of your political persuasion, if you paddle, you're probably well aware of the many issues that combine to create pressure on our recreational waterways. Environmental concerns, world energy needs, and development all influence your experiences in canoes, kayaks, and rafts. It doesn't stop there: motorized boating regulations, navigability, and even Homeland Security concerns all have impacts on where you paddle.
You may not be as aware of the long, proud history of the American Canoe Association in advocacy and stewardship. The ACA works with local paddle clubs to establish water trails that increase paddling opportunities and help protect fragile waterway environments. We work closely with the U.S. Coast Guard and other legislative bodies at the national, state, and local levels to help mitigate the impact of regulations, while keeping our mission of paddler safety as a priority. We work at the federal level to help influence government spending on critical environmental protection initiatives. And, we partner with other like-minded nonprofits around the country to represent the millions of people who love outdoor recreation.
When you support the ACA, you not only support our daily mission and operations. You help make your back yard a better, safer place to paddle.
Happy paddling!
Martin Bartels
ACA Executive Director
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