The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) on Wednesday celebrated the creation of Tennessee’s new Office of Outdoor Recreation.
The announcement marks the 23rd State office of outdoor recreation across the U.S.
Outdoor recreation generates $11.9 billion for Tennessee’s economy, is 2.4% of its GDP, and creates 109,657 jobs, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
ORR President Jessica Wahl Turner said, “Gov. (Bill) Lee and the agency leads from the Tennessee Outdoor Partnership who helped generate today’s announcement are showing the nation what the $1.1 trillion outdoor recreation economy means for states and communities. The new office will take Tennessee’s $11.9 billion outdoor recreation economy to the next level and help promote strong relationships between agencies and with communities of all sizes to connect Tennessee’s residents to the great outdoors. We cannot wait to support their future work and watch the economic, health, and community benefits this new office will create.”
Brian Clifford will lead the new Tennessee office.
“This office will help us leverage Tennessee’s unparallelled natural resources and beauty,” Lee said, “to improve our quality of life and create lasting memories for Tennessee families and visitors.”
A new website to accompany the office outlines its vision and goals.
Katherine Andrews, chairman of the Confluence of States and director of the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation, said, “On behalf of the Confluence of States, I am thrilled to congratulate Tennessee on the establishment of their Office of Outdoor Recreation. Tennessee’s commitment marks an important milestone, joining nearly half of states across America that recognize the critical role outdoor recreation plays in our communities and economies. The gap in the middle of the country is beginning to fill up and we are seeing more momentum in coverage of the entire US with support from a state level. This new office will serve as a resource, partner, and leader working across state government and communities to support the outdoor recreation economy in Tennessee. I look forward to working hand in hand with our neighbor and moving our collective work forward.”
