(McLean, VA) FNH USA is pleased to announce that it has become an official corporate sponsor of Tread Lightly!, a national initiative to protect and enhance recreation access and opportunities by promoting outdoor ethics to heighten individuals' sense of good stewardship. The collaboration will help advance Tread Lightly!'s mission and elevate the nonprofit's Respected Access is Open Access campaign.

"With an alarming trend in public land closures to recreational shooters, there has never been a better time for our company to get involved with an organization like Tread Lightly!," said Mark Cherpes, President and CEO of FNH USA. "In fact, we hope our partnership will create momentum within the firearms industry and encourage other companies to get involved with this worthy cause."

"With this commitment, FNH USA is solidifying itself as a leader in proactive protection of recreational shooting opportunities on public land," said Lori McCullough, Tread Lightly!'s executive director. "Their sponsorship will go a long way towards furthering Tread Lightly!'s cause to protect and enhance recreation access and opportunities by promoting outdoor ethics to heighten individuals' sense of good stewardship."

A key element of the partnership is FNA USA's platinum sponsorship of Save Recreational Shooting in Arizona, an event scheduled to be held on April 12, cohosted by Tread Lightly! and the Arizona Game and Fish Department. This event will raise awareness of issues surrounding recreational shooting and also money to support a special pilot project initiated to help keep Arizona's Sonoran Desert National Monument open to recreational shooters. If successful, the pilot project which is a collaboration between federal and state agencies as well as partners from the private sector will keep at least 500,000 acres of unique desert landscape open to recreational shooting and likely be replicated throughout the country.

The project will implement long-term strategies of Tread Lightly!'s multi-dimensional education and outreach campaign, Respected Access is Open Access- including public service advertisements, volunteerism, educational materials, training programs, and other tactics.

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FNH USA, LLC is a U.S. subsidiary of FN Herstal S.A., a global leader in the development and manufacturing of high-quality, reliable firearms for the military, law enforcement and commercial markets. A pioneer in innovative firearm technology since the days of John M. Browning, the company supplies a variety of products to customers in more than 100 countries worldwide. Based in McLean, VA with manufacturing operations in Columbia, SC, FNH USA is responsible for all U.S.-based sales and marketing efforts. To learn more, visit www.fnhusa.com.

Tread Lightly! is a national nonprofit organization with a mission to promote responsible recreation through ethics education and stewardship programs. Tread Lightly!'s educational message, along with its unique training and restoration initiatives are strategically designed to instill an ethic of responsibility in outdoor enthusiasts and the industries that serve them. The program is long-term in scope with a goal to balance the needs of the people who enjoy outdoor recreation with our need to maintain a healthy environment. Tread Lightly!'s award-winning materials, programs and services are solutions to some of the nation's most pressing recreation issues. Individuals and businesses can commit to Tread Lightly! and protect outdoor access by becoming a member at www.treadlightly.org.

To register for the Arizona fundraiser, or to become a member of Tread Lightly!, visit treadlightly.org.

Contact: Jeanette Hanfling, media@fnhusa.com