Outdoor Recreation Roundtable’s Post

Today is Tourism Economy Day at the State House! Did you know? The Vermont visitor economy has a $3 billion annual economic impact, supports 35,000 jobs, and represents 11.5% of our workforce. We are proud to be convening businesses, legislative leaders, and Administration officials for a day of collaboration and advocacy that elevates the collective contributions of the visitor economy to Vermont. Our advocacy work today is centered on three key pillars: 1️⃣ Workforce Development: Investing in training and education to meet industry demands. 2️⃣ Economic Recovery and Resiliency: Supporting programs to address economic injuries from disasters and build resilience. 3️⃣ Workforce Housing: Advocating for housing solutions to meet future needs. Learn More: https://lnkd.in/eKe3qa8g Ski Vermont/Vermont Ski Areas Association

We just lovvvvve being outside! The evidence in new data released by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis proves this. We love being outside to the tune of $1.1 trillion. Woah! That's 2.2% of the country's GDP, making up 4.98 million jobs. Colorado is the playground state, come play! Learn more in this Denver Gazette article below. 👇 https://lnkd.in/gaMeiT3c

Over the last fifteen years, outdoor recreation visits have steadily increased on America’s parks and public lands. Over the same time period, real funding for recreation has decreased at land management agencies. This month, Outdoor Alliance and dozens of other outdoor recreation organizations and businesses have joined together to ask Congress to fully fund outdoor recreation budgets at the Forest Service (USFS) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Persistent funding shortfalls affect outdoor recreation experiences and degrade our public lands and waters. Without adequate funding, public lands see greater maintenance issues, trail erosion, trash, and parking problems. Outdoor recreation is also a significant economic driver, contributing $1.1 trillion to the U.S. economy. Investing in outdoor recreation will maintain this economic growth and provide a return to taxpayers. Current budget proposals are inadequate for managing our public lands, which are treasures that we need to steward as a country. https://lnkd.in/g3xERTSQ

Outdoor recreation is vital to Arizona’s economy — the latest numbers from the Bureau of Economic Analysis makes that much clear. Here’s what’s important: – The outdoor economy is contributing more than $1 trillion to the U.S. economy – Outdoor recreation in Arizona makes up 2.5% of the state’s economy – And adds $11.7 billion to the local economy And it’s local outdoor recreation businesses like our members that make up this thriving outdoor industry in Arizona. You don’t have to be an economic guru to understand why these numbers are decisive. The reality is: investments in our public lands are mandatory for a strong, sustainable economy in Arizona. Read our statement on these eye-popping numbers here: https://lnkd.in/gq9u4aKS #Arizona #OutdoorIndustry #OutdoorRecreation #OutdoorEconomy

A thorough and thoughtful approach! Great resource for rural regions.

Niagara Falls, a majestic wonder known worldwide for its breathtaking beauty and awe-inspiring power, harbors a lesser-known narrative that delves beyond its surface allure. Beneath the veil of mist lies a tale of environmental sacrifice and systemic neglect, intricately woven into the fabric of history. This narrative is not merely about nature’s grandeur but about the communities that surround it—communities that have long borne the burden of societal disparities and environmental injustice. For decades, Niagara Falls has been a focal point of industrialization and development, its natural resources harnessed to fuel the engines of progress. Yet, as the falls became a symbol of human ingenuity and ambition, the communities in its vicinity found themselves marginalized and overlooked. The practice of redlining, a discriminatory lending policy that systematically denied financial services to neighborhoods deemed “risky” or “undesirable,” further exacerbated the divide. These areas, predominantly inhabited by marginalized groups, were deprived of essential resources and investments, perpetuating cycles of poverty and environmental degradation. Once celebrated as a symbol of romance and human achievement, Niagara’s fame as a honeymoon destination and wonder of the world has quickly become a narrative swept away over time. The true story of Niagara is a narrative of resilience amidst neglect, where the beauty of nature masks the enduring scars of injustice. Through the lens of historical evidence and the voices of its residents, this project aims to shine a light on the complex interplay between environmental exploitation and social inequality in a landscape where the echoes of past injustices continue to reverberate. This project is in progress; follow along here or on my Instagram @hofmann_matt for updates. In collaboration with Jennifer Wybieracki

Today we launch our manifesto “A Better Future for Parks and Green Spaces”.   With huge budget cuts, a vast number of people not living close to a green space, and the need to create new parks as the population grows, we are facing a parks and green spaces emergency 🌲   Our manifesto calls for the next UK government to address the challenges we face across health and wellbeing, social cohesion, climate change and nature loss. The manifesto outlines three key priorities:   1.    Access for All: Everyone should have access to a quality park or green space within a 10-minute walk of home.   2.    Planning Reform: A planning system that protects and creates more new parks and green spaces.   3.    Revalued and Reimagined: Increase funding for parks and green spaces to improve their quality and make them more multi-functional.   Read the full manifesto ▶ https://lnkd.in/eu2GVjHb

A key to preserving our natural spaces, is getting our urban spaces right. This can mean different things in different environments, countries and cultures, who are solving for different "recipes" of issues. Not enough housing, land consumptive development aka sprawl, and how it impacts ecosystems and city infrastructure costs, development in or retreating from hazard areas, complete-community building. All sorts of things. Here's a toolkit that WSP in New Zealand colleagues have developed with a New Zealand (and Wellington) lens. #wearewsp Read more here: https://bit.ly/4f3DVLO

As the general election approaches, it's time to choose leaders who prioritize sustainability, fairness, and prosperity. Neil Doig, your Green Party candidate for Ossett & Denby Dale, is dedicated to creating a greener, more prosperous and equitable future for our community. Key Reasons to Vote Green: 1) Strong Public Services: We're committed to enhancing the NHS, improving schools, and upgrading energy infrastructure to meet the needs of every citizen. 2) Green Economy: We focus on renewable energy and sustainable practices to create jobs and boost the economy. This means meaningful employment and increasing incomes for everyone. 3) Climate Action: Our science-backed plans tackle climate change and protect our planet for future generations. 4) Fair Taxation: We ensure economic justice by taxing the super-rich and closing tax loopholes, so everyone pays their fair share. 5) Water Quality: We aim to improve water quality and protect our seas, lakes, and rivers from sewage dumping by water companies. 6) Affordable Housing: We're committed to building truly affordable homes and transforming the planning system to ensure new developments include great community services, finally ending the housing crisis. 7) Healthcare Access: We ensure free healthcare for all and reduce waiting times in the NHS, making quality care accessible to everyone. Democratic Participation: We empower our members to shape policies and decisions, ensuring everyone's voice is heard. 9) Investing in infrastructure and our community with better transport solutions, safer bike lanes, regular buses, and cheaper train tickets. Neil Doig and the Green Party believe in creating abundance through sustainable economic policies that foster businesses and industries solving meaningful problems. By promoting green jobs and industries, we generate economic growth that benefits everyone in Ossett and Denby Dale. With the general election on the horizon, I urge each of you to exercise your right to vote. Whether you’re a seasoned voter or considering registering for the first time, this is our chance to shape the future of our nation together. Let’s stand united for a brighter future! What policies do you want to see? Which of these reasons to vote Green is the most important for you? Please like, comment and share to get this important message heard by more people! Published and promoted by Ruth Love of 78 Storrs Hill Road, Ossett, WF5 0DA on behalf of the Wakefield Green Party. #GreenParty #NeilDoig #Ossett #DenbyDale #GeneralElection #RealHopeRealChange #Sustainability #ClimateAction #FairTaxation #RenewableEnergy #EconomicJustice #PublicServices #GreenEconomy #VoteGreen #AffordableHousing #CleanWater #HealthcareForAll

How can new housing help cities meet affordability, climate, and health goals? Happy Cities and Hey Neighbour Collective have compiled a series of case studies to inspire happier, more resilient, and socially connected housing for people of all ages, incomes, and life experiences. Check out the case studies for: ⭐ Inspiration on how to develop housing that prioritizes social connection, wellbeing, and inclusion 💡 Insights into policies that can enable more socially connected housing 🏙 Built examples of denser housing forms that support local government goals, including health, sustainability, affordability, and equity And, tune in this morning to the BC Healthy Communities Society webinar to hear more about this work! https://lnkd.in/gAF6WtsR Explore more of our work on socially connected housing here: https://lnkd.in/gpXZSYwt