Alaska, Don’t Forget That Responsible Development Drives Our Recreation Economy!

April 28, 2019

As you and I get ready to enjoy the grandeur of our great state this summer, let’s not forget that most of what we’re going to do involves the oil and gas and mining industries.

How, you might ask?

If you take a second to think about it, pretty much every Alaskan recreation activity is tied to oil, gas, or mining in some way or another.

First, let’s start with fishing.  Those boats, graphite rods, aluminum and titanium reels, waders, boots, QuikFish, nets, hooks, and even fishing lines – those are all products of responsible resource development. They require energy and fossil fuels to produce.

Boating?  Well, those kayaks, oars and personal protection devices didn’t come from hemp.  Neither did our base layers and dry bags.

Camping?  We’ll skip over the RV, trailer, 5^th-wheel or camper, since those are obvious.  Tents, sleeping bags, stoves, mosquito coils, water jugs and even our Cornhole targets and beanbags are all derived from minerals and petrochemicals.

Our coolers, water bottles, hiking sticks, knives, lights, portable power, smokers, hammocks, camp chairs, fire rings, whistles, kiddy pools and so much more are all made possible by the hard-working, dedicated men and women who work in natural resource development and energy-creating jobs.

As we enjoy the Alaskan summer season, let’s not forget to say “thanks” to them for their efforts.