Governors Launch Outdoor Recreation Learning Network

The National Governors Association (NGA) has launched the Outdoor Recreation Learning Network to help governors and their staff leverage their states’ unique natural, cultural and historical outdoor recreation resources to advance economic, workforce, health and environmental benefits. The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) is a founding sponsor.

“ORR is proud to partner with the National Governors Association to launch the game-changing Outdoor Recreation Learning Network,” said Jessica Wahl, executive director of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. “This partnership will ensure that the outdoor recreation sector has the support it needs at the state and local level to continue to grow, providing jobs, outdoor access for all, and health and quality of life benefits for generations to come.”

ORR has been working with states across the country to set up Offices of Outdoor Recreation. Fifteen states across the country now have outdoor recreation offices or task forces dedicated to growing this essential part of the economy by increasing collaboration, investment and more.

To promote these offices and provide support and coordination for the creation of new offices, the NGA Center for Best Practices will partner with state outdoor recreation directors to convene governors, their staff and other state officials. Through peer-to-peer exchanges, the network will spotlight strategies states can use to advance outdoor recreation. It will focus on key issue areas, including conservation, stewardship, education, workforce training, economic development, infrastructure, public health, equity and wellness.

The founding sponsors of the Outdoor Recreation Learning Network also include REI Inc. and the Outdoor Industry Association.