Massachusetts Governor Names Director of Mass. Office of Outdoor Recreation

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper announced the appointment of Paul Jahnige as the first Director of the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR).

The EEA established the Office in December 2022 to elevate and enhance outdoor recreational opportunities throughout Massachusetts and the associated benefits to the economy, health, environment, and quality of life. Jahnige will work alongside state agencies, including the Department of Fish and Game (DFG), the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), the Massachusetts Marketing Partnership (MMP), and the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT). 

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Press Release: REI Co-op Makes Third Grant Award to Newly Formed Nonprofit to Increase Access and Opportunities in the Outdoors

By Jeff Shaw l September 25, 2023 l Media

(Rockfall, CT) - In just two years since receiving its 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization status, the Connecticut Outdoor Recreation Alliance (CORA) received another $5,000 to advance their mission of promoting outdoor recreation opportunities and stewardship in Connecticut. These funds will enable CORA to present and sponsor the upcoming 5th Annual CT Trails Symposium, host education programs, consult on CT Trail Finder trailside services initiative and build brand awareness. This REI Co-op grant award is the third grant the organization has received, totaling $17,000.

“It’s just remarkable to think that in less than four years, CORA grew from a small, informal group of businesses, user groups, and conservation organizations into an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to elevate the voices of more than 75 outdoor businesses and recreation nonprofits. The grant dollars received is a recognition of the value of promoting outdoor recreation in Connecticut. And all of it is 100% volunteer-driven. I’m excited to see what the next year brings,” said Paula Burton, President, CORA and Member of the Board of Directors, New England Mountain Bike Association.

CORA is also sponsoring an educational session at the “Connecting Connecticut: 5th Annual Connecticut Trails Symposium on October 13, 2023. The session entitled, “Working Together to Grow the Outdoor Recreation Economy,” will focus on how partnerships and collaboration across the public and private sectors can support thriving outdoor economies. Learn how the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation and Maine Outdoor Brands, along with other organizations and agencies, are working together to build, grow, and sustain the outdoor recreation economy at the state and local level. The Symposium is October 10-13, with events at various locations. Registration information can be found on CORA’s website www.ctoutdoors.org 

In addition to promoting outdoor businesses and recreation opportunities, CORA also:

• works with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), having collaborated on a number of projects, such as the 2023 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP);

• advocates annually in the state budget process for more state resources for trails;

• raises awareness of the physical and mental health benefits of being outdoors;

• promotes the establishment of a dedicated statewide Office of Outdoor Recreation; like 16 other states;

• increases access to the outdoors for all residents (such as the above mentioned CT Trail Finder project, identifying lesser known trails and promoting trailside services) and promoting events shared by outdoor recreation groups.

“REI is proud to partner and support local advocacy for life outside. We recognize the critical role that outdoor recreation partners play in advancing those causes,” said Neil Johnson, REI Milford store manager. “We’re thrilled with the progress CORA has made to further their mission to educate, inspire and mobilize stakeholders across Connecticut to support outdoor recreation.”

As a member-owned co-op, REI invests deeply in the outdoor community, supporting efforts that create access to - and steward - the outdoor places that inspire us all. To learn more about the co-op’s investment, click here.

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About Connecticut Outdoor Recreation Alliance (CORA)

CORA is a concerted effort to grow outdoor recreation by supporting the development of Connecticut’s outdoor recreation economy. We believe outdoor recreation is created through the intersection of resources (parks, trails, waterways, etc.), users (hikers, boaters, skiers, etc.) and supporting organizations (businesses, nonprofits, educational institutions, etc.). As businesses and supporting organizations and individuals, we stand for the protection and promotion of the outdoor recreation resources used by visitors and residents of Connecticut.

Governor & DEEP Announces Launch of CTParks.com to Showcase CT State Parks

CORA is thrilled to see Governor Lamont and DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes announce the launch of CTParks.com! Highlighting Connecticut’s 142 state parks and forests that cover more than 255,000 acres of pristine coastline, rolling hills, and enchanting forests, should get residents and visitors alike excited about their next outdoor adventure.

CORA Incorporated as a Nonprofit

In late 2019 a small, informal group of businesses, user groups, and conservation organizations met to discuss how Connecticut might do more to promote outdoor recreation. To better support and organize those efforts, last year we began formally incorporating with bylaws and a board of directors. And now we're pleased to announce the IRS has designated CORA a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, completing the process.

Many thanks to the volunteers who worked on those applications and to REI Co-Op for the initial grant that helped cover related costs! If you now would like to contribute financially to CORA's work, please contact us.

State of the Outdoor Market - Update from the Outdoor Industry Association

The Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) has shared its recent presentation on current trends in the national outdoor recreation economy. How much has participation in outdoor recreation increased? Which segments are likely to continue to increase after the pandemic? How are supply chain disruptions and climate change impacting business and participation? Take a look!

OIA represents manufacturers, retailers, distributors, suppliers, sales representatives, and related nonprofits across the country. It provides a voice in recreation and trade policy, sustainable business innovation, and increasing outdoor participation.

Study: Climate change puts outdoor economy in peril

University of Massachusetts-Amherst researchers have found average annual temperatures in New England have risen faster than the global average. The impacts on outdoor recreation vary: for example, fewer days of snowfall and more frequent tropical storms, but also warmer waters attracting popular sport fish like the black sea bass. Read John Moritz’s story in CT Insider.

State Outdoor Business Groups Collaborate to Promote Outdoor Recreation Economies

CORA has joined with other state groups and national industry partners in a new State Outdoor Business Alliance Network (SOBAN). The informal coalition will share information and best practices as we work to promote outdoor recreation infrastructure and participation that support our economies.

SOBAN’s first project was to work with Headwaters Economics, an independent, nonpartisan research group, on a report highlighting how investments in outdoor recreation can benefit state and local economies. “Inspiring the Future Outdoor Recreation Economy” describes how the national outdoor recreation sector is thriving and provides specific examples from states across the country.

In 2019 outdoor recreation contributed $459.8 billion to the national gross domestic product, and employment grew to over 5.1 million people. Participation in outdoor recreation continues to grow, even during the pandemic (up 4.6% from 2019 to 2020), and new participants are younger and have more racial, ethnic, and gender diversity.

Investments in outdoor recreation can pay dividends in attracting and retaining businesses and residents, improving public health, and spillover spending and tax revenue as visitors spend money at other nearby businesses. They not only can help lead economic recovery after the pandemic but also provide pathways for long-term economic success.

Read the complete report on SOBAN’s website.

Connecticut State Parks Reopen Amid the Pandemic

CORA’s President, Christine D’Andrea, joined Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont and Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Katie Dykes to announce Connecticut’s State parks, beaches, nature centers, and campgrounds are re-opening with COVID-19 guidelines for the safety of visitors and staff. At approximately the 17:00 mark, Commissioner Dykes and Christine elaborated on the importance of outdoor recreation to Connecticut’s economy.

State Budget Boosts Trails & Parks

CORA submitted testimony in support of increased funding for Recreational Trails and State Parks in the State’s 2022-2023 budget. Key items include:

• $2.5 million increase in the Passport to the Parks Fund each year for State Park operations, and $41 million in 2022 and $44 million in 2023 for State Park infrastructure improvements.

• $10 million each year for the Recreation & Natural Heritage Trust to add land to State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management Areas.

• $3 million to revive the Recreational Trails & Greenways matching grant program (though applications continue to far exceed even those funds). 

Testimony from board members Christine D’Andrea and Neil Johnson focused on how trails and parks support conservation, public health, and economic development. Access to outdoor recreation enables individuals of diverse backgrounds to experience nature, improve their physical and mental health, and - especially during the pandemic - safely connect with others. During the pandemic the Connecticut Trail Census reported a 38% increase in trail use from 2019 to 2020, and the State Department of Energy & Environmental Protection reported increases in park visitations, boating certificates, and fishing licenses. 

Their testimony also emphasized how in general outdoor recreation amenities attract families and businesses, create healthy communities, and foster a high quality of life. In every corner of the state individuals who visit recreation sites often also visit nearby restaurants, breweries, stores, and service stations. Overall, outdoor recreation in 2020 contributed $3.3 billion to Connecticut’s GDP, $1.9 billion in wages and salaries, and over 41,000 jobs (US Dept of Commerce: ORSA).