The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) announced the addition of three new members: the Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership (ORIP), the University of New Hampshire Department of Recreation Management and Policy, and the University of Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Tourism and Hospitality (WORTH) Initiative. This marks a significant expansion of ORR’s commitment to promoting and supporting the outdoor recreation industry across the nation, the organization said in a release.
“The ORR membership is a powerful network of trade associations, businesses, nonprofits and state entities. Together we are the leading influencer for the recreation sector and recreation activities in America. When ORR speaks, so does the $1.1 trillion recreation economy,” said Jessica Wahl Turner, president of ORR. “We are delighted to welcome the Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership, the University of New Hampshire Department of Recreation Management and Policy, and the WORTH Initiative to our coalition. Their involvement strengthens our collective voice and amplifies our impact as a leading industry in the nation.”
Since Governor Tim Walz’s 2023 announcement creating ORIP to expand Minnesota’s nearly $12 billion outdoor recreation industry, Director Randolph Briley has aligned efforts between the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Explore Minnesota Tourism (EMT) and Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation (IRRR) to enhance and expand Minnesota’s outdoor recreation economy for the social and economic benefit of all Minnesotans.
“Community is the foundation of a successful outdoor industry. Outdoor Recreation Roundtable does a fantastic job nurturing and growing that community across the spectrum of the outdoor recreation sector. We’re excited to be a part of that community,” said Randolph Briley, director, Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership.
The Department of Recreation Management and Policy at the University of New Hampshire prepares students for rewarding careers in a variety of settings throughout the recreation industry. Students can pursue undergraduate degree options in Therapeutic Recreation, Program and Event Management or Outdoor Leadership and Management, and graduate degree options in Recreation Therapy, Recreation Administration or Adaptive Sports.
“UNH is excited to join ORR because of our aligned mission to support recreation as a driver of rural community and economic development. ORR’s resources have been instrumental in our research and policy work and in helping us promote economic and workforce opportunities in New Hampshire’s growing outdoor recreation sector,” said Jayson Seaman, chair and associate professor, UNH Department of Recreation Management and Policy.
The mission of the WORTH Initiative is to support, expand and diversify Wyoming’s economy through outdoor recreation, tourism and hospitality industries. The WORTH Initiative is actively working to establish educational products and services, as well as other training programs, certifications, and certificates relevant to the outdoor recreation, tourism, and hospitality industries. Chris Perkins, Vice President of Programs at ORR, spoke at the Wyoming Outdoor Summit this year, which was planned and executed by the WORTH Initiative Team.
“Joining the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable allows us to collaborate with key national stakeholders in outdoor recreation. In addition, it gives us a voice on important national-level policies that affect Wyoming’s $2 billion outdoor recreation industry. We are looking forward to expanding areas of synergy between our shared priorities,” said Dan McCoy, Director, WORTH Initiative, University of Wyoming.