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Arc’teryx, a company with a history of supporting the preservation of wild spaces, has announced its withdrawal from Outdoor Retailer in Salt Lake City, Utah, due to the state’s efforts to rescind protection of Bears Ears National Monument and other public lands.
The company’s announcement stands in support Patagonia’s decision Feb. 7 to leave Outdoor Retailer for the same reason. “Utah Gov. Gary Herbert signed a resolution on Friday urging the Trump administration to rescind the Bears Ears National Monument, making it clear that he and other Utah elected officials do not support public lands conservation nor do they value the economic benefits – $12 billion in consumer spending and 122,000 jobs – that the outdoor recreation industry brings to their state,” said Rose Marcario, President and CEO of Patagonia Inc.
Both companies sell high performance clothing and gear targeted at the outdoor enthusiast and sports person.
“Protecting public lands for future generations is a critical part of our brand values and we will use our influence in a way that is consistent with those values, ” said Jon Hoerauf, president of Arc’teryx. On March 6 Hoerauf and 21 other outdoor industry leaders will meet with key Congressional offices and representatives of the new administration to urge them to protect public lands now at risk.
Arc’teryx will also be increasing its funding commitment to the Conservation Alliance by $150,000 over the next three years to support the protection of Bears Ears and other public lands at risk. Funds that would have been spent to attend Outdoor Retailer will be reallocated to the Conservation Alliance’s new Public Lands Defense Fund.