Five new states commit to outdoor recreation principles

The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) joined outdoor recreation leaders from Maine, Michigan,Nevada, New Mexico and Virginia as they committed to advance the principles contained in the Outdoor Recreation Industry Confluence Accords on behalf of their governors.

ORR is a founding sponsor of the National Governors Association (NGA) Outdoor Recreation Learning Network. The signing ceremony brings the total number of states committed to the four pillars of the accords (conservation and stewardship, education and workforce training, economic development, and public health and wellness) to a historic 13. There are also 16 states with Offices of Outdoor Recreation or task forces created or in development

“ORR is proud to sponsor the National Governors Association Outdoor Recreation Learning Network to support more states recognizing and expanding their unique outdoor recreation economies by establishing Offices of Outdoor Recreation,” said Jessica Wahl, executive director of ORR. “By signing the Confluence Accords, these five states are committing to increasing local jobs, protecting our nation’s treasured places, growing local economies and much more.”

According to new information from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, outdoor recreation makes up 2.2 percent of U.S. GDP, generating $778 billion in gross output, supporting 5.2 million jobs and growing faster than the economy as a whole. 

The signing took place as part of the first summit of the National Governors Association Outdoor Recreation Learning Network.

For more information on ORR, the Confluence Accords or today’s announcement visit www.recreationroundtable.org.