Outdoor Recreation Roundtable Announces New Project on Sustainability with University of Colorado Boulder Graduate Student Team

The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), the nation's leading coalition of outdoor recreation trade associations, is proud to announce a collaborative project with four graduate students from the University of Colorado Boulder Masters of the Environment (MENV) Program to unify and propel sustainability efforts within the outdoor recreation industry. ORR was selected as a partner organization by the MENV Capstone Program, a collaborative effort between students and organizations to advance sustainability and resilience locally and nationally. The new project underscores ORR’s commitment to addressing the most pressing issues facing the future of outdoor recreation for the benefit of the nation’s economy, communities, health, and environment. 

“The outdoor recreation industry has a history of innovation and for being stewards of our land and water to create a healthier future for the next generation. A thriving outdoor recreation industry means addressing the climate crisis and leading by example when it comes to reducing our carbon footprint. We must rise to this challenge in everything we do,” said Whitney Potter Schwartz , ORR’s Senior Vice President. "In an industry as varied as ours, compiling best practices in a way that not only showcases innovation on sustainability, but also fosters coordinated efforts and plots a clear path for future policy action in line with our products and vehicles will be incredibly valuable. This partnership with the University of Colorado at Boulder and dynamic team of students will be instrumental in developing a framework around sustainability that serves the entire recreation industry." 

The project is supported by Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA , which has a long-standing history of natural resource conservation and support of sustainability across the industry. 

“Support for the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable gives Yamaha Rightwaters the opportunity to collaborate with the next generation of dedicated conservationists. Together, we can promote the importance of healthy marine environments to new audiences,” said Joshua Grier , Sustainability Program Manager, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit. “We look forward to following the students as they advance sustainable resource messages and programs within the outdoor recreation industry.” 

Natalie Ooi , University of Colorado Boulder Associate Teaching Professor, Sustainability in the Outdoor Industry Specialization Lead, MENV Program, said, “MENV is excited to be partnering with ORR on this forward-thinking capstone project. This is a fantastic opportunity for graduate students to help shape the conversation around sustainability at an industry level, and provide guidance to outdoor recreation organizations of all sizes that are looking to have a positive impact on the environment.” 

ORR announced the team of graduate students from the University of Colorado Boulder Masters of the Environment Program who will be leading the project: 

Sam Bruckner , currently a first-year Sustainability in the Outdoor Industry student with the University of Colorado's Masters of the Environment program, brings a blend of musical artistry and a passion for skiing, offering a fresh perspective on sustainability initiatives. 

Olivia Hubbard , a current first-year Environmental Policy student at the University of Colorado’s Masters of the Environment program, brings a background in political science and a focus on water policy, infuses her deep-seated environmental passion into crafting policies that will shape the future of outdoor recreation. 

Gwynnie LaMastra , an MBA and Masters of the Environment dual degree candidate at the University of Colorado in Boulder with a focus on sustainability in the outdoor industry, brings her experience as a paralegal and her leadership as a triathlete to foster sustainability within the outdoor industry. 

Hannah Reed , a first-year graduate student in the University of Colorado’s Masters of the Environment program specializing in Environmental and Natural Resources Policy, brings her extensive experience in outdoor education and administration, aiming to ensure that the natural world is preserved for the enjoyment and benefit of all. 

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ABOUT ORR     

The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable is the nation’s leading coalition of outdoor recreation associations representing the more than 110,000 outdoor businesses in the recreation economy and the full spectrum of outdoor-related activities. The most recent data from the U.S. Department of Commerce shows that outdoor recreation generated $1.1 trillion and 5 million American jobs in 2022, comprising 2.2% of the nation’s economy and 3.2% of all employees in the country.