My name is Justin and I am an avid outdoorsman who frequently utilizes public right-of-ways to access our natural resources. Like many other outdoorsmen, it worries me that our rights to access these natural resources are being noticeably infringed upon.

A legislative proposal, the NC Senate Bill 220 Section 4, threatens the essence of our rights. This bill stifles public open access handed down through generations to our public waterways. If it's passed, this bill will result in conversion of these public accesses into unauthorized zones, thus attracting a punishment as severe as a class three misdemeanor.

Over the years, outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and boating, have provided both residents and visitors with immeasurable recreational and economic benefits. According to the Outdoor Industry Association, the outdoor recreation industry in North Carolina generates about $28 billion annually, supporting over 260,000 jobs. It further enhances the state tax revenue by $1.3 billion (Source: Outdoor Industry Association).

Denying citizens access to these public waters has not only personal implications for people like me, enthusiastic outdoorsmen, but also far-reaching socioeconomic impacts that could affect many families financially dependent on these activities and the entire state at large.

We urge our local representatives and all stakeholders to stand up for us, for all outdoorsmen, and for the great people of North Carolina who cherish their natural heritage. We can't let NC Senate Bill 220 Section 4 pass. Protect our rights to public waterways.

End this encroachment on our outdoors. We need your signatures. Support our cause by signing this petition.