Outdoor Recreation Roundtable

A WARM WISCONSIN WELCOME: ORR Vice President of Programs Chris Perkins keynoted this year's Wisconsin Governor's Conference on Tourism, where he joined Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, Secretary of Travel Wisconsin Anne Sayers, and Director of the Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation Cassie Mordini and team to celebrate Wisconsin's $11.2 billion outdoor recreation economy and identify strategies for the state's outdoor recreation and tourism sectors to thrive together. Perkins' remarks, titled "A Summit of Opportunity:How Outdoor Recreation Builds Communities, Economies, and Tourism" highlighted the role that Wisconsin's outdoor recreation economy plays in its state competitiveness, public health, and thriving local economies. (Photos: James Netz) #25in2025 Confluence of States

This National Conference of State Legislatures webinar featuring ORR's Chris Perkins, Arkansas' Katherine Andrews, and Pennsylvania's Nathan Reigner is a perfect showcase of the value of the $1.2 trillion recreation economy. NCSL was a valuable voice in supporting the passage of the EXPLORE Act and we appreciate their spotlight on state offices of outdoor recreation nationwide! Confluence of States Benjamin Nasta #25in2025

Ambreen F. Tariq's recap of her time at the AIM Expo with the Motorcycle Industry Council captures why the powersports segment is a vital contributor to outdoor access, a culture of stewardship, and the strength of the outdoor recreation economy. "My time in Nevada was a reminder of the power of firsthand experience. After meeting and sharing stories with so many powersport lovers, I replaced my assumptions about this community with a deep new appreciation for their commitment to stewardship, innovation, and inclusivity. This is just one more example of how the great outdoors can broaden our perspectives and unite us in our shared love for exploration and adventure."

This week, Tennessee's $13 billion outdoor recreation economy brought together state leaders, members of the General Assembly, recreation advocates, and agency professionals to celebrate the value of the Volunteer State's great outdoors. The event was coordinated through the state’s Office of Outdoor Recreation and the Tennessee Outdoor Partnership (TOP) — a public-private partnership representing eight state agencies—including the Departments of Environment and Conservation, Agriculture, Tourism, Economic and Community Development, Health, Transportation, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, and the University of Tennessee — alongside private industry leaders like the Nature Conservancy and Tennessee Wildlife Federation. Congratulations to Brian Clifford and his team for the great success!

Tribal leadership in outdoor recreation investments: In Wyoming, outdoor recreation is playing a central role in a new economic development plan on the Wind River Reservation, home of the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes, led by the Wind River Development Fund. New grants from the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation will help build new signage, kiosks, picnic areas, parking, and restrooms at trailheads, boat ramps at lakes, a new powwow structure for cultural events, an outdoor education center and more. ORR was proud to showcase Alexandra Calloway-Nation of WRDF at our National Leadership Forum on Rural Development last year, and applauds Paul F. Huberty and Erika Warren-Yarber for their leadership and efforts to chart a bright future for the people of Wind River. Thanks to Katie Klingsporn and WyoFile for the coverage. #25in2025 Confluence of States

NEW DATA: Outdoor recreation is the #1 reason that people move to Maine. According to the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development in a new report, outdoor recreation outranks family, employment, and many other key factors that go into a decision to put down roots in the Pine Tree State. ORR applauds The Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation, Maine Outdoor Brands, and the leading outdoor recreation organizations across the state who helped build and release Maine's 10-Year Outdoor Economy Roadmap, which positions Maine as a national leader to take advantage of these preferences. #25in2025 Confluence of States Jeff McCabe Jenny Kordick

NEW RESOURCE: As part of this week's launch of the '25 in 2025' campaign, we worked with Confluence of States to showcase 5 steps to help you create an office of outdoor recreation in your state. "How to Create an Office of Outdoor Recreation" highlights strategies, messaging, and tactics utilized by states nationwide to create new outdoor recreation offices. As we work collectively to create the 25th office across the country, we hope this resource plays a contributing role in your state's success! The resource can be found in the comments below. Maribel Castañeda, MPA

Outdoor recreation and the Governor in the New Mexico Roundhouse! New Mexico Economic Development Department's New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division hosted Outdoor Recreation Day at the State Capitol, bringing together Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham with outdoor businesses, organizations, and youth program participants to showcase New Mexico’s thriving $3.2 billion outdoor recreation economy. Congratulations to ORD Director Ana Karina Armijo and team for this outstanding showcase of New Mexico's outdoor recreation economy. Confluence of States #25in2025

ENSHRINED IN LAW! The Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation is now enshrined in state law after Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed HB1607 yesterday. Established via Executive Order in 2021, the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation has been spectacular in delivering on its vision to make the Natural State a national outdoor recreation leader. Director Katherine Andrews and team have worked tirelessly to integrate outdoor recreation as a tool for state competitiveness, public health, and community benefit. ORR applauds Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, First Gentleman Bryan Sanders, state legislators, and the countless outdoor recreation advocates within and outside state government who have made this historic day possible, coinciding perfectly with the launch of ORR's '25 in 2025' campaign launched yesterday. Confluence of States

WHICH STATE WILL CREATE THE 25TH OFFICE OF OUTDOOR RECREATION? Today, we're launching a national challenge to create the 25th office of outdoor recreation in partnership with the Confluence of States, leading outdoor recreation businesses and associations, and conservation groups from across the country.   We're also releasing a new resource called "How to Create a State Office of Outdoor Recreation" to support your state's effort, full of strategies that recreation advocates have employed to create offices of their own.   Throughout the year, we'll highlight the extraordinary impact of current state offices of outdoor recreation, and this fall we'll celebrate the 25th office (and ideally many more) in person.   Join the campaign here: https://lnkd.in/gukmQEBj