Hoosier National Forest photo contest continues | Environment

The annual National Parks Foundation ‘Share the Experience” photo contest is underway.  If you have a great photo of Hoosier National Forest, you can enter.

Now in its 12th year, the contest offers cash prizes and provides an opportunity for amateur photographers to submit pictures taken at any federal lands site for the chance of having their image selected for use on the America the Beautiful Federal Recreation Lands Pass. Approximately 500,000 passes are utilized annually.

“Share the Experience is a perfect opportunity for individuals and families to get active out in our public lands and share their own perspective and appreciation of these special places with everyone,” said Neil Mulholland, President and CEO of the National Park Foundation. “These places belong to us and we need to actively celebrate and support them.”

Drawing entries from across the country, the contest receives approximately 14,000 submissions each year. Contestants are encouraged to take pictures spanning the more than 500 million acres of Federal Lands.

“As the only television network dedicated to celebrating the people, places and stories of the United States, Destination America is the ideal channel to partner with the National Park Foundation and Active Network to promote this contest based on America’s most treasured natural landscapes,” said Marc Etkind, SVP content strategy, Destination America. “As summer gets under way, it’s the perfect time to encourage all Americans to get out and enjoy these beautiful parks created for all of us and future generations.”

Active Network and the National Park Foundation will manage the photo contest on behalf of the National Park Service and other participating federal agencies. Active Network is also sponsoring the three top prizes, including a $15,000 grand prize.

“We are deeply committed to enabling easier access to America’s natural resources and fostering an appreciation of the great outdoors,” said Steve Connolly, senior vice president, Outdoors at Active Network. “We have worked hard with National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS) to develop technology that enables families to get outdoors this summer. With this contest, we challenge Americans to get active and capture an image that showcases the natural beauty of our nation’s parks, forests and recreational lands for the enjoyment of Annual Pass holders all-year-round.”

Entries will be accepted through December 31, and all contestants must be at least 13 years of age. Contestants are able to view a complete list of rules and prizes as well as submit their photos directly at: www.sharetheexperience.org.