The Hate part:
No one should have to do cleanups on pubic land outside of
cleaning up just what you took in. I
find it infuriating that some people show no respect for the value of our
public land, no respect for others who wish to recreate there and no respect
for the sport of recreational shooting.
Having to cleanup someone else’s trash at shooting sites is
not part of my recreational plan! I hate
that part!
The Love part:
Cleanups are much more than simply removing trash. It’s the people part I like best. It’s the comradery, the teamwork and the
spirit of the volunteers. It’s the
statement we make when we join together as a unified voice to say; “We value the
privilege”, “We are committed to responsible recreation” and “We
respect all who visit public land”.
If you think about it, there are many positive things you
can attribute to volunteering. Things
like; the self-satisfaction you get from knowing you did the right thing, the
good you do for the environment, the stand against irresponsible recreation and
a whole lot more. Whether we like it or
not, we still do it with great anticipation of making a better outdoor adventure for
everyone. I love that part!
The Challenging part:
I see the forest without any trash. Healthy trees free from bullet holes. No broken glass to step on. People recreating and abiding by the
rules. A dream you say? A goal I say!
It’s a goal prefaced with a challenge… “Find a solution to
the problem”! I had hoped for a simple
solution… “Just clean it and they will
keep it clean”. Not so! “Tell them about the rules and they will
abide by them”. Some do, many don’t. “Raise more awareness”. Not easy for one person to do, but, one can
do a lot! “Make better places to shoot
where they are easy to clean, safer to use and more user friendly than
stumbling through the thick brush or boulders of jagged rock”. That’s not easy thing to convince forest officials
and it takes an upfront investment. It
is, however, a viable and good option.
Achieving the goal is going to take a variety of efforts. There is no one singular solution to this problem. Our goal is a big challenge. One I feel is worthy of my efforts.
Reach the Goal part:
The ‘common sense’ side of me says “It’s too big for one
person to do. I need help”. Many people feel the same way as I and many
have supported the efforts towards the goal. Being encouraged by their support, Trash No Land was formed.
Its purpose is to represent the recreational target shooting community
on public land. It is to be an
organization where gun owners ban together and meet the challenge head on. Its multiple people doing multiple things,
all focused on the common goal. Its innovative
thinking, discussion, planning, communicating, partnering, boots on the
ground. Its people
and their unique talents working together to make a better recreational
experience. And that's the best part of all!
Join Trash No Land and let’s get to work! Together!
Thank you all!
Bill Cogley
