This week, more 150 outdoor recreation industry leaders came together virtually with federal agency and conservation partners for Outdoor Recreation Roundtable’s annual forum, Partners Outdoors.
During the first day of the virtual event, attendees participated in discussions on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the industry, participation trends, how the recently passed Great American Outdoors Act and fully funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund will improve outdoor recreation infrastructure and access, and how rural communities can build their economies through recreation.
The event coincided with the start of Great Outdoors Month and a presidential proclamation from President Biden. Coordinated by ORR and celebrated every year in June, Great Outdoors Month encourages healthy, active outdoor recreation through hundreds of local events organized by partner organizations taking place in all 50 states.
“Now is the time to deliver recreation differently, and more importantly, to expand access to public lands and benefits for all Americans,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “The visitation increase we saw in 2020 and expect to see again this year provides a great opportunity to meaningfully serve more Americans, increase the economic vitality and quality of life in communities, improve mental and physical health, and connect even more people to conservation.”
ORR and the recreation community also celebrated 2020’s Legends Awards recipients during the event. Since 1991, Legends Awards have honored employees from federal agencies that manage outdoor recreation on public lands and waters for outstanding work to improve outdoor recreation experiences and opportunities for the American people.
