Issue 138 Campground & RV Park E News

More than half of RV owners plan to use their RVs more often this spring/summer than they did last year by enjoying frequent weekend vacations and staying closer to home, according to a new survey by RVIA.

The latest Campfire Canvass survey of RV owners reveals that 53% intend to use their RV more this spring/summer despite higher fuel prices, while 38% plan to use theirs the same amount and just 9% say they’ll use their RVs less.

Of the respondents who plan to use their RVs more often, 65% said one of the reasons is to take more mini-vacations. “RV owners love the RV lifestyle and when gas Continued Page 2

Continued from Page 1 prices rise, they don’t stop RVing,” says RVIA President Richard Coon.

“With more than 16,000 campgrounds throughout the country, RVers adapt by traveling closer to home and staying longer in one place. Whether they travel five or 500 miles, they can still have a great outdoor experience.”

home, 42% will travel fewer miles and 37% will stay longer in one place.

Joe Halat is one RV owner who isn’t letting higher gas prices stop him from enjoying the RV lifestyle.

“Gas prices are high, but not high enough to spoil our fun,” says Halat, a 62year-old native of Rochester, N.Y., who owns a 38-foot motorhome.

“Prices may keep my wife and me from traveling far distances, but we’ll continue to RV. It’s the only way to travel.”

“We may spend a little more on gas, but the amount we save in hotel and food costs more than makes up for it,” says David Fuller, a 57-year-old commercial filmmaker from Gorham, Maine, who’s planning to make an RV trip to Washington, D.C. this summer with his wife in their travel trailer.

Like Halat, RV owners remain passionate about the RV lifestyle despite higher fuel prices, while at the same time they’re concerned about fuel costs. According to the study, 68% said they expect fuel prices to affect their spring/summer travel plans. Of those respondents, 61% said they’ll travel closer to

Surprisingly, 32% said they wouldn’t be affected by higher prices. As gas prices increase, RV owners cite the affordability and value of RV travel as a major benefit to owning an RV.

Frances Stuart, a 56-yearold engineering consultant, and her husband John, 57, a VP of technology for an engineering company in Albuquerque, N.M., are also among those not allowing gas prices to impact their travel plans.

“We bought an RV to use it and we are,” says Ms. Stuart. “We have a trip to Monument Valley, Utah, coming up in May. We’ve already spent a weekend

at NASCAR in Phoenix and we’re planning to return there for another race in November.”

RV family vacations are, on average, 27 to 61% less expensive than other types of vacations, according to a study by international travel and tourism experts Collier’s PKF Consulting USA. According to the survey, many families plan to take shorter but more frequent trips in their RVs. Sixty-

three percent plan to spend at least five or more weekends in their RVs. Nineteen percent said they plan to reserve a seasonal site at a campground this summer, and visit it on weekends.

RV owners appreciate the health benefits associated with RVing. According to the study, 77% say they’re more physically active on RV trips than they are at home and on other types of vacations.

Shirley and Eugene Goles and their family, from Baltimore, Md., have camped at the Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Quarryville, Pa. almost every Easter for nearly 40 years.

“That’s when our family starts our summer camping trips,” Shirley said, adding that the tradition started even before the 175-site campground joined the Jellystone Park chain in 1991.

“We just love the park and the area that it’s in,” Shirley said, adding that their children, grandchildren and many other family members have all grown up having their Easter egg hunts and other holiday activities at the Quarryville Jellystone Park.

Jellystone Parks are nationally famous for their family friendly activities, which take place most weekends throughout late spring, summer and fall.

But while most activities are geared toward children and teenagers, some Jellystone Parks also have

Easter activities specifically for adults, including the Jellystone Park in Hagerstown, Md., which holds separate egg hunts for men and women with about 200 to 300 plastic eggs that are stuffed with coupons that can be redeemed for soda, candy, game room tickets and other assorted adult beverges.

“We have to hold these egg hunts separately.

Otherwise, the men will push the women out of the way to get the eggs,” said park co-owner Vicki Vitkun.

children. A big egg hunt is also planned. Additionally, a local church hosts a live Easter Pageant, and they will send their cast members – including a high priest, a blind man and Jesus – will come to the park in costume to share their experiences. www.rusticcreekranch.com Canyon Lake, Texas: Activities at this park include a nighttime flashlight Easter egg hunt for the older kids with thousands of eggs and a church service on Sunday. www.jellystonehillcountry.com

The Quarryville Jellystone Park also offers separate Easter egg hunts for children and adults as well as an egg rolling and decorating contest, a visit by the Easter bunny, and nighttime DJ dancing with a light show.

Here’s a sampling of what’s being planned at Jellystone Parks in several cities east of the Rockies:

Frankenmuth, Mich.: This park mirror’s the Osterbrunnen Easter decorating traditions of Franconia, Germany, and decorates the park with thousands of eggs and ribbon. The park will also have an Easter egg hunt, Easter decorating, movies, games and crafts.

Bremen, Ga.: This park’s Easter egg hunt involves hayrides with an antique tractor and real bunnies.

The park is also planning train rides, Easter egg basket making and other children’s activities. www.georgiajellystone.com

Fremont, Ind.: This park will have egg dying and an egg hunt as well as other activities, including bingo, cartoons, wagon rides and free pancakes. Real baby chicks and bunnies will also be on hand. www.jellystonesbest.com

Burleson, Texas: Activities include making an Easter basket, and parents will have the option of filling them up or having Yogi Bear deliver them to their

Horn Lake, Miss.: This park is planning egg dying, an Easter egg hunt, spoon races and a coloring contest. www.memphisjellystone.com

www.frankenmuthjellystone.com

Nashville, Tenn.: This park’s activities include crafts, such as decorating you own Easter basket, egg games and an Easter egg hunt. www.nashvillejellystone.com The Goles Family doesn’t limit their Jellystone camping to the Quarryville Park at Easter. They also visit the Jellystone Park in Hagerstown, though they have a tradition of closing out the camping season with a visit to the Quarryville Park in October, when the park hosts its Halloween themed weekends, with costume contests, trick or treating and campsite decorating.

“About 15 families will join us for camping for Halloween. At times we have had as many as 65 in our group,” Shirley said. For more information on activities and events at the Quarryville Jellystone, visit www.jellystonepa.com.

Activities listings for the Hagerstown Jellystone is available at www.jellystonemaryland.com

Spaces are opening up at RV parks and resorts in the inland and desert areas of Southern California as snowbirds from the Pacific Northwest and Canada make their way back home.

But activities and special events are continuing at several parks, which is good news for Southern California residents looking for getaway vacation before the summer heat arrives. And even if you don’t have an RV, that’s not a problem, since many parks offer condo or park model rentals.

“Now is a very good time for people from San Diego to Los Angeles, Orange County and the Inland Empire to take a trip inland or to the desert to enjoy the wildflowers, the pleasant weather and the wonderful activities and amenities that many of our inland parks provide,” said Debbie Sipe, executive director of the California Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds.

Consider these examples: Emerald Desert RV Resort in Palm Desert: This resort, which features condo rentals and RV storage, offers many activities, including water aerobics, bocce ball, yoga and Zumba classes, game nights as well as barbecue potlucks and poolside breakfasts and lunches and margarita receptions with chips and salsa. The resort is also offering discounts to Knott’s Soak City Water Park beginning May 1st as well as special rates on the weekend of May 19th. Visit www.emeralddesert.com for a complete activities schedule and information on special deals and promotions.

Fountain of Youth Spa in Niland: Originally conceived as a snowbird RV resort with healing natural hot springs, the Fountain of Youth Spa has since become a diversified, year-round vacation resort with cottage rentals, vacation homes, and an increasing array of health

and wellness services, including onsite hair and nail salons, massage therapists, as well as therapeutic exercise classes, including water aerobics, tai chi and yoga.

With advance reservations, massage, hair, manicures and pedicures will be provided through May. Visit www.foyresort.com for more information.

Golden Village RV Resort in Hemet: This park will have a Beer Fest on April 16th, featuring beers from around the world, as well as a chilicooking contest with a $250 first place prize. The resort will also feature a car show with food, arts and crafts vendors as well as a 20 piece Bavarian band, country music and a DJ. An ice cream social is slated for May 11th and a barbecue with live music is scheduled for Memorial Day weekend. The resort also offers many activities, including water volleyball, water aerobics, Tai Chi classes, shuffleboard and card games. Visit

www.goldenvillagepalms.com

for more information.

The Springs at Borrego RV Resort in Borrego Springs: This park, located in the desert near Anza Borrego State Park, offers many activities, including water aerobics classes and an onsite health and wellness center. Upcoming activities include a mini music festival on April 23rd and 24th with Jacqui Foreman, a folk singer-songwriter, and classic pop by Patty Holley and Dayton Borders. The music will be performed on an outdoor stage. Other events are planned in late spring and early summer.

Visit www.springsatborrego.com for more information.

The California Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds operates CampCalifornia.com, a travel planning website that features a statewide list of camprounds, RV parks as well as activities and special events throughout California.

The Good Sam Club, world’s largest organization of recreational vehicle (RV) owners, is throwing the biggest RV celebration in its history this week, with a nationwide celebration in appreciation of its US and Canadian members, including a new high-profile celebrity spokesman, a new racing affiliation, new club benefits and the opportunity for great savings on RV accessories at Camping World.

The celebration kicks off with the announcement of country music superstar Tim McGraw as a spokesperson for the Good Sam Club and the club’s

support of McGraw’s 2011 “Emotional Traffic Tour.” As part of the new partnership, McGraw will lend his image and voice to Camping World Retail SuperCenters through store signage and messaging. He will also be featured on the cover of the upcoming edition of the Camping World and Good Sam Club magazine, Highways. Camping World and Good Sam will offer their members and customers VIP ticket giveaways to McGraw’s “Emotional Traffic” tour and the chance to enter and win an exclusive meet-and-greet opportunity in an upcoming sweepstakes.

Country Music superstar Tim McGraw

New Berlin, PA – The Virtual Outdoor Hospitality Expo, which is slated for November 11th of this year (11/11/11), has begun to receive sponsorship and booth registrations from participants in last year’s event.

The Expo which is conducted entirely on the Internet has received completed applications and payment from sponsors Leisure Interactive, Checkbox Systems, Pelland Advertising, MCPS for Campgrounds, Best Parks In America and from exhibitors Campground Automation, Evergreen Insurance and Leavitt Recreation and Hospitality Insurance.

As mentioned in an earlier Press release, David Gorin & Associates is now the Presenting or Platinum Sponsor of the event.

This week, Campground Expo – the Producers of the Event – have formally begun marketing the Expo to nearly one thousand suppliers to RV Campgrounds, Marinas, Golf Resorts, Ski Resorts, Canoeing and Paddleboat Resorts and Dude Ranches around the world.

“There are some major difference this year,” says Art Lieberman producer of the Expo, “this year our

An example of how a Virtual Booth could look like for the 2011 Expo software provider will actually “build the booth” for the exhibitors from files they supply. This will allow our people to market the event to the larger audience we are targeting and to publicize the event with more vigor.

We also have the assistance of Evanne Schmarder as our Publicist and Advertising Manager, who has expertise in this field through her company, Roadabode Productions.

We also will, once again, be pre-registering thousands of possible attendees by having the software send out user names and passwords to thousands of owners of hospitality businesses, informing them of their preregistration.”

Deanne Bower, coProducer of the Expo, is excited about the demo site which is being built. “Unlike last year,” Deanne says, “our demo site for the Expo will be the ACTUAL EXPO ITSELF. It is already a workin-progress and will have the actual Lobby, Expo Hall with 5 actual exhibit booths, the Conference Room, Lounge and Resource Center which can be viewed by a potential exhibitor after they log in.”

This is also the first time that two Expos are being marketed: the first show in November of this year, and the new Spring Expo, which will begin on February 10th of 2012.

Sponsors and Exhibitors may choose to participate in one or both of the events.

The 2011 Expo is now been renamed “David Gorin & Associates Presents - The Virtual Outdoor Hospitality Expo II”.

The Virtual Outdoor Hospitality Expo II is scheduled to take place on 11-11-11 for 2 days and another 60 days in an ondemand status.

The producers may be contacted by calling 877901-EXPO (3976) or by email at campvirtualshow@yahoo.com.

Their website (currently being updated) is www.outdoorhospitalityexpo.com.

Pelland Advertising maintains the Expo’s Webpage.

ND_- 4/8/11. Many people, who expected flooding, unfortunately got it. The camping season for the KOA Campground along Highway 52 southeast of Minot is just a few weeks away, but at this point most of her property at the campground is underwater.

The merry-go-round has completely sunk, while the swing set, is just barely

reaching sticking out of the water. The Mouse River hasn’t crested in Minot yet, that will most likely happen this weekend.

Owner Sandy Boe, will be expecting to see more water through Tuesday.

Boe is doing what she can to protect her business and protect her home nearby.

Article: www.kfyrtv.com

From Brian Schaeffer, President - TexasAdvertising.net Have you ever said, " I really want to take our business to the next level."

We hear this all the time.

So, here's my question for you - "Is growing your business a burning ambition or is it just an inflammation of the wishbone?"

response we receive when we ask parks "How's business?" is - "We are holding our own" or some version that really means we are doing what we always did and getting the about the same results we always got.

Is it possible YOU are holding your business back? The most common

Big news flash - Doing what you've always done MIGHT get you what you

always got, but it will never solve a burning ambition to increase your top line.

When was the last time you stopped everything you were doing and thought about creative ways to market your park. Better still, when was the last time you spent an hour visiting with folks who had creative ideas to market your park?

Times are changing, demographics of our customers are changing.

How your customers (and potential customers) want to be reached is changing.

Here are a few questions Do you know what a QR code is? Do you have a ".mobi" site? How's the monthly blog on your website working out? Have you partnered up with fellow RV parks or dealers on any ad campaigns lately? How often do you study your website analytics or the stats on your last park e-newsletter blast? Have you searched the major search engines using key terms that RVers use to see where you come up - or if you come up at all.

I can hear the responses now - they all boil down to some version of "Who has time for all of this." I remember a KOA seminar given at a TACO convention where the speaker was talking about taking the time to work "on" your business not just "in"

your business. If you ever plan to have more than an inflammation of the wishbone you are going to have to take a moment to stop and smell the marketing roses.

No one is advocating an abandonment of certain staple items of marketing your campground. Contrary to some thoughts - print advertising isn't dead, getting your park brochures / rack cards into the hands of potential customers is still important. And, having an informative, well optimized website is critical. But creative thinking and diversification is more important than ever. When industry partners bring new ideas to you - take the time to listen and try some new things.

Here are two interesting examples #1) Several years ago a very successful park (and marketing client) was experiencing 89% yearround occupancy and on weekends the park was running 102% occupied due to very nice overflow site hook-ups. The owner decided to cut his marketing budget by 1/3 (against my recommendation). Within two years the year-round occupancy fell to 70% -still good, but a far cry from 89%! What happened?

Continued

Continued New parks came into the area and they ramped up their marketing (while my client decreased his presence) and local jobs that provided monthly guests ended. It took three years to get the park back to 80% occupancy and during that time the owner agreed to NO creative marketing. #2) We recently had a marketing client who agreed to let us set up a Groupon (never heard of them - go to www.Groupon.com) offer involving Kayak rentals. It was a three day online offer for either two hour kayak rentals or all days rentals.

We were hoping to get him

100-200 new customers and visitors to his website and campground. We achieved this goal in the first TWO HOURS of the offer. The client ended up with 1,700 new customers to his park and his website and an extra $10,000 in his pocket from one weekend's online offer!

So, what is the bottom line?

Please don't expect your business to blossom if you aren't willing to get a vision for a different approach. It doesn't have to be knee jerk, but you have to be open to new ideas. Not all new ideas cost money there are many fantastic FREE things available in the web world and there are creative money-saving co-

op programs available through your association and industry partners. If you have been putting all your marketing eggs on one basket, consider diversifying - then verifying then be ready for the happy problem of expanding your FLEET OF KAYAKS! Marketing representatives from your state association, national directories and other industry partners will be contacting you and sharing their programs - some old,

some new, some borrowed, some that will make you blue - but some will turn your business green and I don't mean from an ecological standpoint. Ask lots of questions and if you need to bounce your thinking off of someone, give me a call or shoot me an email. I want to fan the flames of that burning ambition!

Brian Schaeffer brian@texasadvertising.net

SIOUX FALLS, SD April 4, 2011 – Horizon RV Resorts has hired Pamela Wright of Sioux Falls based Focused Words to develop and manage their social media outreach program.

“I hired Pamela to create and manage our social media outreach program not only because of her expertise in this field, but because I knew that I could not personally dedicate the time and attention that this kind of outreach effort requires,” said Randy Hendrickson, Horizon RV

Randy Hendrickson

Resorts president, adding, “The results we’ve achieved so far have been incredible.”

Wright initially created a blog for Horizon’s Las Vegas RV Resort property, which focused on current guests at the resort. A Facebook page was then created using the parks website design and a Twitter profile followed.

By integrating the three different social media tools, Wright has been able to achieve a synergy of users.

She then prepared an email blast that went out to all of the guests of Las Vegas RV Resorts.

Reaffirming the loyalty that the Las Vegas RV Resorts guest feel, the email blast resulted in a 7% click through rate.

“Working with Pamela has been spectacular,” Hendrickson said. She is

truly an expert with handling the various components of social media, and the impact of her program on Las Vegas RV Resort has been immediate and substantial.

We will be implementing her program at our other parks in short order! She is a joy to work with and takes the time to really understand our brand, the particular nuances of our parks, and target solutions accordingly.”

Through her company, Focused Words, Wright has been working with RV parks for the last two years assisting them in setting up their marketing programs, analyzing their social media needs and helping them increase their RV Rally group business. Her blog, www.FocusedWords.com/blog, addresses issues directly related to the issues of managing RV parks.

A former workamper and full-time RVer, Wright previously managed parks ranging from 185 to over 300 sites. She can be reached by email at pwright@FocusedWords.com,

or by phone 800.478.0516.

Pamela Wright is founder and president of FocusedWords, a social media and marketing company serving the Outdoor Hospitality industry.

Pamela has been involved with the RV industry for the past 8 years, and has extensive experience within the industry. Pamela’s marketing efforts have been recognized by the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds.

Contact Information: Pamela Wright 303.895.1124 www.FocusedWords.com

The Barry and Corcimiglia families, owners of the Jellystone Park™ Campground in Fremont, Indiana, have been recognized with the Facility of the Year Award by the Jellystone Park franchise system.

The award is given to the Campground that has added new amenities and facilities while also showing sustained improvements on current amenities.

Located on northeastern Indiana’s beautiful Barton Lake, Fremont’s Jellystone Park Campground offers 540 scenic campsites and 36 cabins and cottages; three additional rustic cabins will be available this season. The campground features a wide array of amenities, from indoor and outdoor pools to a water

playground, Zoomflume and Speed & Tube waterslides, five playgrounds, kiddie train rides, Water Wars, paddle and rowboat rentals, and so much more.

A new lounge pool will make its debut in the swimming area this season. Planned activities and themed weekends make camping more fun than ever all season long.

This year’s weekend lineup includes Fantasy and Fairytale Weekend (May 13-15), when guests can dress up as their favorite storybook character; Honor our Heroes Weekend (June 3-5), which offers 25% off two-night reservation fees to all active military, veterans, firefighters, police, EMTs and teachers; and Cindy Bear’s Sweet

Delights Weekend (July 2931), where each guest’s sweet tooth will enjoy special treats!

The park earned the Facility of the Year award in part due to the 2010 addition of a fourth swimming pool complete with a pavilion. “We are honored to have received the 2010 Facility of the Year Award from our franchisor,” said Roger Barry, who has owned the

Fremont park for more than 30 years. “We take great pride in providing excellent amenities and customer service so each guest has the ultimate camping experience.” The campground has won the Facility of the Year award a total of five times since joining the Jellystone Park family in 1982.

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Fremont opens for the 2011 season on April 16.

SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Office of Tourism, part of the Governor's Office of Economic Development, is launching a $2.1 million regional television "Life Elevated®" advertising campaign to promote Utah's state and national parks, and other summer attractions. Television commercials are airing on local and cable stations in Las Vegas; Los Angeles; Denver; Phoenix; and Portland, Oregon, beginning today.

The campaign consists of a new 30-second commercial spot and four 15-second

commercials that can be viewed online at www.youtube.com/user/utaht ourism.

"The new spots will focus on Utah's red rock, outdoor adventure, alpine attractions, and annual arts and events," said Leigh von der Esch, managing director of the Utah Office of Tourism. "The shorter themed spots will allow us to tailor our message to travelers in targeted markets who may be looking for the warmth of southern Utah or the cool mountain settings of northern and central Utah."

Mount Airy, North Carolina.

City commissioners agreed to set a public hearing on April 21, on rezoning requests.

Involving a site on North Andy Griffith Parkway targeted for a recreational vehicle park. Alma Venable, the owner of Mayberry Motor Inn, has petitioned the city to rezone a 1.47acre portion of her land there from R-6 to B-4.

Venable is seeking to use her combined commercial property to develop the RV park adjoining the motel.

Her nephew, Mike Marsh, addressed city officials Thursday and pointed out that RV spaces and

hookups have been sought by past visitors to the motel, who couldn’t be accommodated. “And that’s money going out of the city,” Marsh said.

“She’s all for Mayberry and increasing the looks of the motel,” Venable’s nephew told city officials. In addition to providing the RV facility with a Mayberry flavor, plans call for such amenities as tree buffers and a bathhouse.

“She wants to make it nice and neat,” Marsh added.

Mayor Deborah Cochran commented that the RV park would fit in with the overall character of the Andy Griffith Parkway corridor that is dominated by businesses.

Hiring new employees is a gamble. No matter how good you are at interviewing, you can increase your odds in hiring by creating a system of recruiting, interviewing, and selecting the right person for the right position. Have you ever hired someone who turned out to be a total disappointment?

their decision more on wishful thinking than on an objective set of criteria.

Using an interviewing system allows you to not only ask consistent jobrelated questions but it also helps you continuously improve your interviewing process. Often the problem of poorly performing new hires is the result of sloppy interviewing.

significant goal in the past.

9. What is one thing on which you think you could improve? What have you done to develop or manage that weakness?

people? What have you done about it? (Do they have a handle on their strengths and weaknesses?

Profiles show this information.)

10. What are you looking for? (Question his/her answers.)

The purpose of this article is to give you a few ideas in developing a system that will improve the consistency of hiring quality people who have both the ability and willingness to do the job.

The following questions should be asked in every interview and are effective in developing your interviewing skills. Learn to be a casual interrogator.

Take notes. Talk ten percent and listen ninety percent.

12. What was the most difficult ethical dilemma you have encountered in your employment?

20. This question relates to job performance. Do you presently use illegal drugs or have you used illegal drugs in the last two years?

(Let them know at this point if a drug test will be required before employment.)

The goal of the interview should not be to hire the job candidate but to make sure there is a job match.

1. How did your position contribute to the company?

A job match includes not only a match in job skills, work history, and education to the job but also a match between the supervisor and new employees, as well. An article in Fast Company magazine said that one of the biggest mistakes companies make is hiring a job candidate with the right skill set and the wrong mind set on the belief that they can change him or her. A mind set includes such characteristics as work ethic, attitude toward authority, ability to handle conflict, and integrity. Most people, especially sales managers, view job candidates through rosecolored glasses. They base

2. Tell me about the most difficult challenge and how you handled it.

3. What did you like the most about your employer?

4. Tell about a time you disagreed, and how did you handle it?

5. What did/do you like the least about your employer?

Why?

11. If you could create an ideal job, what would it be?

13. If you were me looking at your work history, what would you think? (Will they sell themselves?)

14. If I were to call employer "A," what do you think he would say about you? "B"? "C"? (Shows relationship with employer.

Watch for self-confidence.)

15. What did your last performance review say?

The one before that?

16. If a position at _____ was no longer an option, with what company or industry would you seek employment and why?

6. Tell me about your favorite boss and worst boss?

17. Do you have any mentors?

7. Why are you leaving or why did you leave?

18. What are the main things you learned from him/her that would help you in this job or career?

8. What would you say are your strong points? Give an example of how you used your strengths to achieve a

19. What would you consider your major problems in working with

21. What was the first "job" you ever had?

22. What would you call a difficult day's work?

23. Do you feel that today you are about where you expected to be? (Do they relate to goals, dreams, objectives?)

24. Who in your life would you consider the most successful person? Why? (What kind of model do they relate to?)

25. Where do you want to go with your career?

(Direction) 26. What part of this job do you think you would enjoy the most?

Remember to ask the question, and then question the answer. Be a casual interrogator, not a professional visitor. The cost of hiring mistakes in this part of your business is too high.

By Larry

The Environmental Protection Agency is one of the more visible federal agencies. It brings science to bear on protecting and improving our environment: everything that affects air, water and soil. These findings are used to create safe health standards for industries and products.

Implementing standards costs money, creates debate over the merits and tradeoffs in the lawmaking and regulatory process, and introduces political factors. By intention, the meeting ground between science, economics and politics is noisy. Dialogue and debate are the result, as intended.

The EPA makes reports to Congress, as well as furnishing information and setting standards for the states. Based on these reports, both federal and state legislators implement the findings through legislation which is then translated into regulation and enforcement mechanisms, a constant and expanding process.

What makes the EPA powerful is that its authority is a complete cycle. It

advises Congress in the making of environmental laws. It then writes the regulations that spell out the intent and implementation of the law.

Finally, it enforces the regulations as well as pressuring the states to implement and enforce them. It funds demonstration projects, holds hearing and imposes fines on violators.

We all pay the costs and benefit from environmental standards that protect our health. There will be debate and news items about specific environmental problems and costs as science does indeed meet politics and economics. The Chesapeake Bay area (16 states), the clean coal debate (17 states) the continued battles for water rights in the western states, the Gulf of Mexico cleanup, the ban on drilling in the Gulf, and the Great Lakes issues are some of the more dramatic ones from which to learn.

That is the point: listen and learn. Your future and mine are at stake.

KNOWLTON TWP. — Camp Taylor Campground, located in the township’s Columbia section, was awarded in March the Corporate Citizen Green Award during the Garden State Green Fest held at Kean University, recognizing their positive environmental business practices.

The Garden State Green Awards, also known as the "Boggies," honor individuals and organizations that have made a significant contribution to the environment.

The awards are named after the once abundant Bog Turtle, which is now among 16 indigenous animals on the New Jersey endangered species list.

Located on more than 400 acres of forested habitat off Mount Pleasant Road, Camp Taylor was recognized for maintaining green business practices

since it began in 1966.

The Corporate Citizen Green Award was given for the campground’s conservation and preservation of energy and resources, including the use of fluorescent and compact fluorescent bulbs, low-volume pressure assisted flush toilets, automatic shut-off faucets, and coin-metered showers to conserve water. Their roads remain gravel, not paved, to keep impervious surfaces at the bare minimum.

Along with these conservation efforts, Camp Taylor has developed feed plots for wildlife, as well as a separate lake to provide a water source for animals during droughts and to serve as a resource for fighting forest fires. A swimming lake designed to ensure the continuous flow of fresh water was built rather than installing a pool maintained with chemicals.

Campers are required to

recycle glass, tin, aluminum and plastic.

A developed woodland management plan ensures a healthy forest. Firewood is harvested on site, and bringing firewood into the campground is prohibited to prevent the spread of non-native invasive beetles. Sites were built in their forest with care to protect the surrounding species of trees and natural brush. Artificial lighting is kept to a minimum to prevent light pollution and facilitate stargazing.

The Taylor family encourages the “leave no trace” philosophy, and design campground activities to promote environmental awareness, education and preservation. The gift shop located on the campground provides many gifts made from recycled, tree-free and sustainable materials.

While “green” has become the new catch phrase for businesses, Camp Taylor has been following these practices for decades.

Clayton and his wife Jean continue to carry out the ideals of the founder, Joe Taylor.

“My father always stressed our responsibility as stewards of the land,” said Clayton Taylor. “Our children represent the third generation to continue his legacy.” Jessy and Joshua, along with Josh’s wife Meagan, are now working to preserve this ideal for generations to come. Camp Taylor has been recognized by the state Department of Environmental Protection under the Environmental Stewardship Initiative, and is a past recipient of the Warren County Tourism Award and the Governor’s Tourism Award.

Article: www.nj.com

Republican state lawmakers representing much of northern Michigan said Monday they want to give local governments the option of taking over 23 state forest campgrounds that could be closed as early as next month.

Lawmakers said they're developing legislation that would allow land rights and management responsibilities of a site to be transferred for $1 if local governments agree to keep a property open for campground purposes.

Twenty-three state forest campgrounds in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula could be closed as early as May 19 under a proposal from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The campgrounds targeted for closing are seldom-used compared to other campgrounds.

Many are near some of the other 110 state forest campgrounds that would

remain open for the upcoming season.

State forest campgrounds are more rustic and have fewer amenities than Michigan's state parks.

Forest campgrounds generally are unstaffed, but require upkeep that is increasingly difficult given the Department of Natural Resources' budget problems.

State Sen. John Moolenaar, R-Midland, stressed the plan would be voluntary.

"It's up to the locals," Moolenaar said in a statement. "If they want to take ownership of the campground they can. If they don't want that responsibility, then there would be no obligation to do so."

Moolenaar released a letter sent to local officials in counties where the campgrounds may close, asking them to consider taking over the sites.

CASTLE ROCK, Wash. -- It was another successful week for Tents for Troops, the organization providing free camping for active duty military members, as 10 RV parks joined the network.

The program was started in Castle Rock, Wash., at the Toutle River RV Resort.

Since the programs inception in 2010, it has rapidly expanded across the country and is now in 30 states.

The idea is that active duty military members will have a place to camp for free anywhere across the country. It is a small way to give back to the active duty military personnel who give so much to ensure freedom and safety across the world, said Founder Charlie Curry.

“It was a busy week; when all was said and done, 10 new parks had joined up” said Lucas Karn, a volunteer with the organization. “We are extremely happy and thankful that these new parks have joined. Each one is unique and a lot of fun.”

Joining Tents for Troops is Lightner Creek Campground and Cabins in Durango, Colo. The campground features 27acres of beautiful mountain scenery, with a clear mountain stream. Lightner Creek have also been so kind as to offer their camper cabins. Their website is www.camplightnercreek.com.

Wakeda Campground LLC in Hampton Falls, N.H., was the next to join. Just 8 miles from Hampton Beach, this park offers fun for people of all ages. From miniature golf to pancake breakfasts on Sunday morning, this park has enough activities and attractions to put a smile on anyone’s face, said Karn. Their website is www.wakedacampground.com.

Another new park is Camp Taylor Campground in Columbia, N.J. This campground is situated on 400 acres of forest and mountains of Northwest New Jersey. Located on the campground is the Lakota Wolf Preserve, and you can hear the wolves howling from your campfire at night.

Their website is www.camptaylor.com.

Also stepping up for the troops is Diamond M Ranch Resort in Kenai, Alaska.

This breathtakingly beautiful park is a very special place. Diamond M Ranch has historically accurate re-creations of Gold Rush era buildings, painstakingly recreated.

This family owned and operated park, prides itself on being welcoming and providing you with an Alaskan experience you will never forget, said Karn.

Their website is www.diamondmranch.com.

Magic Circle RV also joined the Tents for Troops program. This park is located in Wilcox, Ariz., and offers a family friendly -and pet friendly --

environment, sure to provide fun for everyone.

Their website is www.magiccirclerv.com.

Another new park is MileAway Campground in Henniker, N.H. Full of activities and attractions, this park will keep you happy whether you want to stay on site, or visit the exciting events and attractions taking place close by. Their website is www.mileaway.com.

Joining the program is Parkers Crossroads RV Park and Campground.

Located in Yuma, Tenn., this park features a pool, driving range, and pool tables. Their website is www.pcrvpark.com.

Tents for Troops would also like to welcome PineCrest RV Park Resort.

Located in Russell Springs, Ky., high on a peninsula above Lake Cumberland, which is the houseboat capital of the world, this park is great for the fishing enthusiast. PineCrest RV also has a pool, and many more activities. Their website is www.pinecrestpark.com.

Another new arrival to the Tents for Troops program

is Peaceful Acres Campground in Hubbardston, Mass. With wooded sites, a stocked fishing pond, and heated indoor pool, this park really lives up to its Peaceful Acres name. Look for their website to be up and running soon.

Rounding out the list of new parks is Woodsy Hollow Campground and RV Resort, located in Woodsy Hollow, Texas.

Another family friendly park, Woodsy Hollow has its own private fishing lake, with three fishing piers, as well as a swimming pool for those that think they are fish.

Their website is www.woodsyhollow.com.

Tents for Troops would also like to ask the public to like them on Facebook. “We are starting a word-ofmouth campaign to inform people who can use this program,” says Karn “We need everyone’s help right now to spread the word.”

Tents for Troops is now in 30 states nationwide and is rapidly growing. More information can be found on their website www.tentsfortroops.org.