Three outdoor recreation programs joined the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR).
The Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership (ORIP), the University of New Hampshire (UNH) Department of Recreation Management and Policy and the University of Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Tourism and Hospitality (WORTH) Initiative are new ORR members.
ORR President Jessica Wahl Turner said, “Their involvement strengthens our collective voice and amplifies our impact as a leading industry in the nation.”
Minnesota ORIP
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz created the ORIP in 2023 to expand the state’s nearly $12 billion outdoor recreation industry. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, Department of Natural Resources, Explore Minnesota Tourism and Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation aligned to fulfill the ORIP’s mission.
UNH Department of Recreation Management and Policy
The program prepares UNH students for outdoor recreation careers. Students can pursue degrees in therapeutic recreation, program and event management or outdoor leadership and management. Graduate degree options include recreation therapy, recreation administration or adaptive sports.
UNH Department of Recreation Management and Policy chair and associate professor Jayson Seaman said ORR’s mission aligns with UNH’s.
Seaman said, “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.”
WORTH Initiative
University of Wyoming’s initiative’s mission is to diversify, expand and support Wyoming’s economy through outdoor recreation, tourism and hospitality industries. WORTH establishes related educational products and services in addition to training programs and certifications.
The WORTH team hosted ORR Vice President of Programs Chris Perkins at the Wyoming Outdoor Summit this year.
University of Wyoming WORTH Initiative Director Dan McCoy said ORR “gives us a voice on important national-level policies that affect Wyoming’s $2 billion outdoor recreation industry.”
