Artifact 5- Community Archery Park Proposal

PRT 508- Risk Management for Parks, Recreation Tourism & Sport

Link to Artifact: Community Archery Program Proposal

Submitted 20 June 2011

Author Travis J. Casper

Reflection

PRT 508 Risk Management for PRT provided me with the opportunity to increase my ability to recognize, better understand and prepare for risk management as it pertains to hunting as a recreational activity. This course gave me insight to legal concepts related to specific managerial functions, impacts on functions in recreational environments that result in more efficient and successful operations, and protection for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.   This knowledge enhanced my understanding and ability to make more informed decisions in planning and management of resources and services.   The study of risk management in recreation has enabled me to equip and train Hunter Education Specialists and Volunteer Hunter Education Instructors with the knowledge they need to better manage potential risks associated with hunter education coordination.

Wildlife Agencies are seeking new partnerships with organizations to increase the recruitment and retention of our stakeholder groups. The artifact I selected for this course was the proposal I completed for a community archery park. As the NC Wildlife Resources Commission seeks new and initiative partnerships the idea of an archery park is highly likely.

I have already used elements of this paper in discussions with members of the NCWRC, the Army Corp of Engineers, and another conservation partner in discussions of an archery range possibly to be built in Wilkes County.  

As hunter education moves forward we are in continuous meetings and conversations on how we can reduce risks and better serve our stakeholders. Hunter education programing has a clean safety record in North Carolina and aspects from this class will ensure this record is held intact.

Forbush Archer at Lentz Hunter Education Complex near Ellerbe, NC
NCWRC File Photo

This course will enable me to assist in the fulfillment of the agency’s Strategic Plan by addressing these specific goals.

Goal 1:  All North Carolina citizens have the opportunity for safe and readily available participation in hunting, fishing, boating, and other wildlife-related activities

This course provided me an in-depth knowledge of the impacts of recreation on active-healthy lifestyles and sustainable communities, and their connection to contemporary societal issues ensuring hunting, fishing, and boating as accepted and viable recreation in North Carolina.

Goal 2: Create a work environment where priorities are clear; the decision-making process is efficient and effective; and employees feel a sense of creativity, accountability, value and satisfaction in their achievements and their contributions to the agency’s mission.

Having a better understanding of the risk management concepts and theories I hope to generate a safe and effective work environment for agency staff, volunteers, and constituencies.