Outdoor Recreation Roundtable

BREAKING: President Biden has signed the EXPLORE Act into law. ORR thanks its members, many bipartisan leaders within Congress, and supporters in the outdoor recreation and conservation communities for their efforts to make this historic accomplishment possible.

💡 🌲 Huge win for outdoor recreation in rural America: Just before the holiday, the U.S. Economic Development Administration was reauthorized with new language unlocking billions of dollars in outdoor recreation investments. ORR's work helped guide the bill to identify and support outdoor recreation for the first time. The bill text states, "In awarding grants, the Secretary may also consider the extent to which a project would support outdoor recreation to spur economic development, with a focus on rural communities." This legislation will grow the Public Works program’s funding for communities to invest in recreation infrastructure such as boat ramps, trails, and campgrounds. These investments are critical for the expansion of Main Street economies, ensuring a sustainable economic future and enhancing the quality of life for residents across the nation. “This legislative milestone is a testament to the undeniable value of outdoor recreation to America’s rural economies and the overall well-being of our communities,” said Jessica (Wahl) Turner, President of Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. “By creating new investment opportunities in outdoor recreation infrastructure, planning, and jobs, this legislation is acknowledging the transformative power of this industry that supports every corner of the country." International Economic Development Council National Association of Development Organizations (NADO)

Passage of the EXPLORE Act is one of the most transformative steps to promote and ensure outdoor access for all in American history. Among the bill's many provisions: - EXPLORE gives every fourth grader in America a pass to every federal public land and water site across the country. - EXPLORE codifies the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program, which provides grants to improve recreational opportunities in urban and underserved communities. - EXPLORE requires agencies to conduct a complete assessment of the accessibility of recreation infrastructure and trails for people with disabilities as well as develop new accessible trails. - EXPLORE enables agencies to enter into agreements to make assistive technologies available on federal lands and waters. - EXPLORE directs Secretaries to develop a national strategy and spread awareness and educational materials about outdoor recreation opportunities for veterans and military service members. - EXPLORE directs Secretaries to develop a national strategy to increase youth recreation visits to federal lands. We are so proud to lead on this historic accomplishment.

BREAKING: The EXPLORE Act has passed the U.S. Senate and now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law! Thanks to the leadership of Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and John Barrasso (R-WY), Congressmen Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), and ORR members across the country, Congress has achieved a groundbreaking bipartisan achievement that cements the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation industry as a cornerstone of America’s economy and a necessity to quality of life for all Americans.   “Today’s passage of the EXPLORE Act will supercharge the outdoor recreation industry and is a victory for our economy, our communities, our quality of life, and our shared connection to the outdoors," said Jessica (Wahl) Turner, President of Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. "By advancing this transformative legislation, Congress has shown its commitment to ensuring every American has access to world-class outdoor experiences, from our backyard to the backcountry, while supporting the businesses, workers, and communities who make those experiences possible."

🎣🦆 Outdoor access is king: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) just announced a request for public input on where you would most like to see new or improved public recreation access to ensure that everyone has access to the outdoors. 🏹🌲USFWS is requesting input on opportunities where public access for fishing, hunting and other outdoor recreation could be improved. The public is encouraged to identify Service-managed lands, including national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries that meet the complete criteria.

If you've spent time in the Pacific Northwest, you know how big outdoor recreation is for the region. It was another banner year for outdoor recreation in Oregon, generating $8.4 billion and growing over 8% (!!) from the year prior. Take a listen to Kate Porsche, Executive Director of the outstanding OSU Center for the Outdoor Recreation Economy as she unpacks this year's historic figures from the Beaver State.

We’re proud to see ORR President Jessica (Wahl) Turner help contribute to the great legacy of work at Outward Bound USA!

Alabama is putting outdoor recreation front and center as part of its innovation economy. “You can build your business here, you can build a life here, and you can truly enjoy Alabama’s natural beauty,” said T.C. McLemore, Executive Director of Outdoor Recreation Programs at Innovate Alabama. 

Good news for your Monday: the U.S. Department of the Interior just opened a $450 million funding opportunity for community parks nationwide. Thanks to the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program (which would be codified in law through the EXPLORE Act) disadvantaged urban communities that lack access to close-by outdoor recreation can apply for grants for community-sponsored park projects for up to 50% of project costs. “Families and children across the country today have modern and accessible local parks thanks to investments from the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “Everyone – regardless of background or zip code – should have access to the benefits that nature provides, and this program has made that vision a reality for communities in every corner of the nation.” Photo: Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Innovation runs through the outdoor recreation economy, as evidenced by Winnebago Industries' inclusion in Newsweek's list of America's Most Responsible Companies 2025! Led by President and CEO Michael Happe, Winnebago was recognized for its performance across environment, social, and corporate governance categories. This is the third consecutive year Winnebago has been recognized for its extensive corporate social responsibility efforts and excellence.