August 29, 2006 - During the Tuesday general business session, delegates adopted substitute resolution 39 to develop and promote a Union Sportsman’s Association to offer IAFF and other union members a place to share their love of hunting, fishing and the outdoors.

More than 70 percent of IAFF members identify themselves as hunters and anglers and enjoy camping or other outdoor activities. The IAFF — along with 20 other AFL-CIO unions — has allied with the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP) to unite union men and women who share a common interest in hunting, fishing and shooting.

Founded on Theodore Roosevelt’s love of conservation issues and the outdoors, TRCP is focused on conserving, maintaining and enhancing access to land and water available to the general public.

TRCP and its partners work to ensure that the nation’s lawmakers, land managers and public agencies are addressing the core areas of concern for: expanding access to quality places to hunt and fish; protecting habitat essential to healthy fish and game populations; and increasing funding necessary for better management of the nation’s fish and wildlife recourses.

The new Union Sportsman’s Association, which will feature its own magazine, web site and affinity program to promote U.S., Canadian and union-made products and equipment whenever possible, and offer discounts on merchandise and trips.

The IAFF and the other unions involved in the development of the Union Sportsman’s Association will contribute a proportionate share of the start-up costs for the first two years of operation under the auspices of TRCP. After that time, the Union Sportsman’s Association will become self-sufficient through advertising and sponsorships and no further investment from the participating unions will be required.

For more information, visit the TRCP booth in the exhibition hall or go to www.iaff.org/unionsportsmen.