<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=07B8Rr_0vlzX53d00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=07B8Rr_0vlzX53d00" width="1200" height="678" ><figcaption>Photo courtesy PGC.</figcaption></figure>WARREN, Pa. – What started 20 years ago as a conversation around a campfire in Missoula, Montana has grown into so much more. Just two decades later, it has become the defender of long-running traditions throughout North America.The Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BHA) is an organization that aims to preserve the public wildlands and clean waterways of the continent, which is no easy task. Adam Eckley, the Pennsylvania chairman of the international organization, said it is a crucial mission and one that more people should be aware of around the globe.<div style="position:relative;width:100%; height:0; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uqpyprYZ9l4?enablejsapi=1&version=3&playerapiid=ytplayer" allowfullscreen frameborder="0" style="width:100%; height:100%;top:0; left:0; position:absolute"></iframe></div>“The founders of our organization recognized that there was a need for a nonprofit conservation group that was focused on the public land and clean water resources where fish and wildlife live,” said Eckley.Overall, the BHA seeks to “ensure North America’s outdoor heritage of hunting and fishing in a natural setting, through education and work on behalf of wild public lands, waters, and wildlife.”Since its humble beginnings, the group has grown into 45 different chapters across 49 states. In Pennsylvania, a state featuring 2.2 million acres of state forests and parks, within 20 state forests, 100 of the 124 state parks are open to hunting during established hunting seasons.“The Pennsylvania Chapter was founded in 2015,” said Eckley. And, as the group heads into its tenth year, its focal points remain the same. “Our Pennsylvania Chapter focuses our efforts in three categories.”Eckley said those include:<ul><li>State-level policy initiatives</li><li>Stewardship and habitat restoration projects</li><li>R3 of hunters and anglers.</li></ul>The “R3” involves an additional three goals, to recruit, retain, and reactivate the commonwealth’s hunters and anglers.BHA aims to offer a “voice” for the natural beauty of the area, pushing to be sure these features stick around for a long time.“One way or another, if somebody wants to get out in the outdoors, we’re going to help them do it,” said Eckley. “Our mission statement is we are the voice for public lands, water, and wildlife.”To this end, the BHA will host a Pint Night at Bent Run Brewing Co. beginning at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28. All ages are welcome to attend the event, which will provide a chance to better understand the nonprofit and its goals.In addition to BHA leaders, local experts on the Pennsylvania Game Commission and other agencies, such as the Koppenhafer Agency of Rolling Bones Outdoors, will assist with an open conversation about hunting, public lands, and conservation.“We’ll have some great raffles and door prizes, as well,” said Eckley.The BHA will also offer its annual membership, a $35 annual fee, which Eckley calls “the best $35 you’ll spend all year.” The membership includes a subscription to “Backcountry Journal,” the quarterly magazine of the BHA, which covers stories on hunting, fishing, conservation, and fair-chase ethics, not to mention “stunning photography.”Additionally, members are provided with BHA decals, special discounts, event invitations, a monthly e-newsletter, and one bonus, Eckley said, that may not have a measurable value.“Experience the satisfaction of actively contributing to the protection of the backcountry and the traditions you cherish,” he said, a benefit BHA simply calls a “Feel Good” perk.Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP online here. Those who cannot attend can register for a membership online. Donations are also accepted for the nonprofit organization here.For more information on BHA, visit https://www.backcountryhunters.org/ or attend the Saturday event at Bent Run, which begins at 4 p.m.</div></body>

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Backcountry Hunters and Anglers to Host Informational, Membership Event at Bent Run Saturday

WARREN, Pa. – What started 20 years ago as a conversation around a campfire in Missoula, Montana has grown into so much more. Just two decades later, it has become the defender of long-running traditions throughout North America. The Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BHA) is an organization that aims...