The newsletter is back!

The Chapter will be providing updates, action items, events, and more each month so be on the look out each month!

If you aren't currently a member join us by following the link below!

Join or Renew!

Chapter News

Vice Chair Garret Robinson participated in a fly-in hosted by the LWCF Coalition in Washington D.C.

The main purpose of the fly-in was to engage congressional members about their ongoing support for LWCF as well as thank them for their past support. The Great American Outdoors Act, signed into law in 2020, provided for permanent funding of the LWCF. However, there have been recent attempts to introduce recessions to that funding. You can read the legislative update about this here. We asked members and staff to be aware of these efforts to undermine LWCF and take an active leadership role in killing those bills and any others that may be introduced.

"Over two packed days of meetings, I was able to meet with six of our legislators from the Commonwealth of Virginia, Senator Kaine, Congresswoman Spanberger, Congresswoman Wexton, Congresswoman Kiggans, Congressman Beyer, and Congressman Whitman. I am appreciative of their time and thankful for their strong stances in support of LWCF. There was a lot of good discussion on the issues of the day and I invited each out for a "boots on the ground" discussion at an LWCF funded site within their respective districts. Pleased to say that there have already been follow ups and hopefully we will be able to reengage during the summer recess."

Read the full article here

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources has initiated a stakeholder process aimed to reduce conflicts between deer/bear hound hunters and private landowners. If you are interested in learning more or participating, a survey form is available until June 23rd.

Hound Hunter and Landowner Survey

Upcoming Events

202 3 Muster In The Mountains-Hosted By Ohio BHA July 21-23

Spring Sweepstakes-Live Until June 17th

Eastern Shore Fish Camp July 28-30th

AFI Main Events Page

2023 Eastern Shore Maryland AFI Duck Camp

Armed Forces Initiative Corner

The Armed Forces Initiative is the BHA program focused on getting the military community into the backcountry to create more conservationists in this essential demographic. BHA’s Armed Forces Initiative strives to ensure that those on Active Duty, in the National Guard, Reservists, Veterans, and Gold Star Families continue to take active roles as public landowners while providing a constructive outlet for current or transitioning service members to continue their selfless service and enjoy the camaraderie of likeminded individuals. Patriotism and selfless service carries on in our mission to protect public land and water access along with the ethical chase of wildlife.

The Mid-Atlantic region is actively seeking leaders interested in becoming a state liaison for expanding AFI in Maryland, West Virginia, Delaware, and Washington D.C. If you are interested you can fill out an AFI Leadership Application here.

We are in need of committed AFI volunteers to participate in stewardship projects through the region. Please be sure to follow us across social media for updates on current and upcoming projects. With your help we can make a difference in our region today and for future generations of outdoor recreationists. For more information contact Garrett Robinson [email protected]