Deerfly Diaries

Backbone Media at SHOT Show 2009 in Orlando

I just returned from the SHOT Show in Orlando, Florida.  In a time when all you hear about is the poor economy, the crowds and the buzz were reassuring.  As a PR rep it's my job to keep busy and do a lot of talking.  I sure did both last week.  Preliminary estimates were 25,384 attendees, 22,098 exhibiting personnel and a record 1,425 members of the media for a total attendance of 48,907.  Down 6% from last year's record breaking attendance in Vegas, but up 3% from the 2007 Orlando show.  Not bad during a recession.

I was there with Backbone Media representing my clients Gerber, Brunton, and Sitka, talking to the media and spreading the good word of their new products for 2009.  Overall, it was a successful trip.

A view from Gerber's booth.

The author entertaining the editors from some of the Intermedia titles like Petersen's Bowhunting, North American Whitetail, and Petersen's Hunting.

Sitka's new Coldfront Jacket and Pants in the new GORE OPTIFADE pattern. 

The rocker in me had fun staying at the Hard Rock Hotel in Orlando.  Above are glam shoes from the likes of Mick Jagger and Elton John.

Last Chance for Public Comment on the White River National Forest Travel Management Plan

Here's a copy of the email I just sent to the White River National Forest Travel Management Plan.  Tuesday, January 6, 2009 is the deadline for public comment.  For more information, please see PowderToThePeople.org. For more information on the Forest Service process click here.

I would like to express my concern about the proposed plans that affect the east side of Richmond Ridge on Aspen Mountain.   The proposed plan limits use public use of public lands and is not in keeping with the USFS mission.  It is unfair to limit access to public use while permitting a private entity, the Aspen Skiing Company, to profit off of the use of public lands.

The area in discussion is prescribed as an 7.1 Intermix area, completely outside the Aspen Mountain ski area boundary.  The prescription of the area, in the adopted Land and Resource Management Plan 2002 Revision, allows motorized use.

I hope you will take my comment into consideration on any final decisions that are made.