MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Backcountry Hunters and Anglers is the next in a list of organizations to cancel upcoming events, but one of the first national outdoors-oriented groups to do so.
BHA released a statement Friday afternoon following President Donald Trump’s national emergency declaration informing members that due to the COVID-19 threat to public health, all events will be canceled from March 16-April 5. BHA cited the federal guidelines for event planning and execution issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and those laid out by state and local agencies.
This includes the upcoming Pint Night at Mountain State Brewing Company on March 26. Every $1 from every beer bought from 6-8 p.m. was to be donated to BHA for conservation purposes. Raffles were also going to be present during the event to raise more money for the organization.
The organization noted that it may postpone the events to a later date and are still planning on holding its national event, the North American Rendezvous in Missoula, Mont., June 4-6. Like other cancellations, BHA will be monitoring the situation closely to update members.
The organization also will be closing its Missoula headquarters and is prompting staff to work from home. This should not stop BHA in its quest to preserve public lands, waters and wildlife, however. Members are asked to reach out by email if they have any questions.
“We appreciate your understanding and support as we respond to this rapidly evolving situation,” the release stated. “Please take care of yourselves, your family and your communities.”
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