America Outdoors: Economic Insights to Help Outfitters Navigate the New Normal

Ever worry that an economic disruption (recession, inflation, or otherwise) will negatively impact your outfit? We can’t predict the future, nor the specific effects it’ll have on your outfit. But we can learn from our past to more easily navigate the uncertain waters of today’s “new normal.”

Let’s reflect on three big indices, and how they reacted to three significant disruptions in recent memory. By doing so, we’ll be better prepared to navigate the ups and downs of outdoor recreation business ownership - no matter the economic climate.

The three disruptions we’ll look at in this article are…click here to read the entire article.

CT Mirror: CT to Partner with Private Businesses to Boost Parks, Recreation

Under the initiative, known as the “partnership for parks,” Connecticut could see more of its state parks offering activities like disc golf, bicycle and boat rentals or glamping; refreshments at on-site cafes or concession stands; and event planning services for weddings and other gatherings. 

“It’s a win-win,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. “It’s great for boosting small business and other economic development opportunities in the state … It’s a win for DEEP because these are the kinds of extra services and amenities that we don’t have the bandwidth to provide … And most importantly, it’s a win for the public. 

“That was the home run right there,” said Neil Johnson, store manager at REI Co-op in Milford and board member with the Connecticut Outdoor Recreation Alliance. “But it’s really just the beginning. Now the hard work happens of [figuring out] what that role is able to collaborate on — and derive results around — for the benefit of the state of Connecticut and the outdoor recreation industry writ large.

Bruce Donald, a manager with the nonprofit East Coast Greenway Alliance, which works to develop the region’s network of trails, said one of the first things the outdoor industry office should address is the state’s relative lack of campsites. Click here to read the entire article.

People for Bikes: EXPLORE Act Passes House Natural Resources Committee

The bipartisan Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) to improve and expand America’s outdoor recreation economy while delivering sustainable economic boosts to rural communities. The EXPLORE Act recently unanimously passed through the House Natural Resources Committee. The comprehensive package contains several ground-breaking recreation bills, including the Military and Veterans in Parks (MVP) Act, Outdoors for All Act, Outdoor Recreation Act, Biking on Long Distance Trails Act, and many others.

If signed into law, this bipartisan outdoor recreation legislation, which complements the Senate’s America’s Outdoor Recreation Act (AORA), will significantly improve and expand access to outdoor recreation opportunities on our public lands and waters. Click here to read the entire article.

SFGate: With Skis in Hand, Lamont Announces Plan to Expand Offerings at CT State Parks

On Thursday, January 11, 2024, Governor Lamont and Katie Dykes, commissioner of the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, announced the creation of a new DEEP Office of Outdoor Industry and Experiences. It will solicit partnerships with the private sector, including business, nonprofits and other groups. Dykes announced that the agency has issued a public request for information (RFI) in an initial step toward expanding services.

"We know how important that coordination is with the private sector to deliver better outdoor experiences for Connecticut residents and visitors," Dykes said, highlighting the DEEP's desire to review new ideas for expanding services for an outdoor industry that is valued at $4.6-billion and already supports 46,000 jobs. The 2022 state budget provided for an $80-million investment in parks' infrastructure. Click here to read the entire article.

Governor Lamont & Commissioner Dykes: New Office of Outdoor Industry & Experiences and Partnerships in Parks Initiative Request for Information

Today, Governor Lamont and DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes announced the launch of a new Office of Outdoor Industry & Experiences as well as the Partnerships in Parks Initiative Request for Information. Additionally, the Governor’s press release included quotes from CORA and REI.

DEEP will host an Informational Webinar on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. for anyone considering submitting a response to the RFI or interested in providing other comments. Please register in advance.

Anyone may provide feedback on the RFI by submitting written comments that will be shared on this website. Email deep.partnershipsinparks@ct.gov, by Friday, February 16, 2024, with “Parks RFI Comment” in the subject line.

NESJ: Connecticut mountain biking: 5 must-ride spots

Connecticut is home to several New England Mountain Biking Association (NEMBA) chapters which provide a lot of energy for mountain biking throughout the state. The Nutmeg State is home to all types of mountain bike trails – you can find tough climbs at Case Mountain State Park, singletrack with coastal views at Bluff Point, or lift-access downhill trails at Powder Ridge.

If your favorite part of a day on the mountain bike is the post-ride beers, Norbrook Brewery has you covered with a professionally built trail system on-site and freshly brewed beers. Or, if you’re looking for skinnies and rock rolls then you’ll love Pomfest Forest. No matter what type of rider you are, there’s a trail system for you. Click here to read the entire article.

Hartford Courant: CT City Boosts Efforts for Trail Linking to National Greenway. It’s About Much More Than Recreation

The Hartline is framed as a way to better connect city neighborhoods and spur sorely-needed economic development along its path by increasing foot traffic. The plan for the Hartline has been percolating for more than two years. Together with iQuilt, a nonprofit Suisman founded whose goal is to make Hartford a more walkable city.

The $65 million Hartline, a 7-mile greenway between the Bloomfield town line and the Hartford park that would follow the rail line, then city streets and finally a new pedestrian ramp and bridge over Interstate 91 to the Connecticut River.

In the Hartford region, notable gaps in the 3,000-mile trail from Maine to Florida exist in Simsbury, Bloomfield, Hartford and East Hartford. The Hartline would fill a crucial gap that exists in Hartford. Click here to read the entire article.

CT Magazine: Explore Rugged Slopes and Tremendous Views Hiking West Mountain in Simsbury

Welcome to the West Mountain trails, a study in natural-world contrasts. My exploration began in the northern portion of West Mountain at a cul-de-sac. I was quickly swallowed up into nature with a trail marked with white blazes that passed a waterfall flowing down a rock face and a difficult ascent to the top of the mountain.

Located atop the ridge west of Simsbury Farms Recreation Area,” the Simsbury Land Trust notes in its Walkbook, “this land is unique in that it consists of the east slope, ridge top, west slope, a portion of the clearly defined geological fault line and 10 acres of slope on the much older Western Highland. The Simsbury Land Trust and town properties have preserved the integrity of 500 acres of continuous traprock ridge from McLean Game Refuge to the Tulmeadow Farm Triangle.”

Before reaching the campus of The Master’s School, an independent, college-preparatory Christian day school, hikers can find the remains of a ski-rope tow. The miniature-looking house contained a machine that towed skiers up and down a steep hill to the east. The slope can still be seen, and it must have been pretty challenging as the hill drops off quickly.. Click here to read the entire article.

Hartford Courant: A Deep Divide Exists Over Who Should Repair a Shuttered CT Park. Could It Be Great Once Again?

The 260-acre Batterson Park, owned by Hartford but located in Farmington and New Britain, has been closed since 2015. The state allocated $10 million to clean up the park’s 165-arce pond, remove invasive plants, bring in additional sand for the beach and replace the crumbling concession building and bath house.

Hartford public works was to do the work and the city would partner with Farmington and New Britain to maintain it, together with the nonprofit Batterson Park Conservancy once renovations were complete. While initially scheduled to reopen as early as this year, work was delayed and Speaker of the House Matt Ritter eventually called for the state to take over the park.

The state legislature in June tapped the Department of Energy and Environmental Protectionto study recreation and redevelopment options and the feasibility of public-private partnerships for the park. The final report is due to the state’s environment committee by Jan. 15, 2024

The state is now planning on gathering input from residents on what to do with the property. Public comment sections are planned in Hartford, Farmington, and New Britain.

The first public comment hearing will be held in Farmington on Monday in town council chambers. The second hearing will be held at the Hartford Public Library on Wednesday at the downtown library branch at 500 Main St. The third hearing will be Thursday in the New Britain Police Community Room at 10 Chestnut St. All of the meetings will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and will be accessible on Zoom. Click here to read the entire article.

The Daily Outdoor Retailer: Outdoor Industry Contributes More Than $1 Trillion to U.S. Economy

The U.S. economic impact of the outdoor industry has exceeded the trillion-dollar mark for the first time.

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis late last week released economic data from its Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account for 2022, showing the outdoor industry generated $1.1 trillion in economic output for the United States, up 19% from 2021.

“The state of the outdoor recreation economy is strong, and sustained investment in outdoor recreation and our shared public lands and waters pays dividends for our local and national economies and quality of life,” said Jessica Turner, president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, in a news release. “Our industry continues to provide benefits to communities across the country – big, small, urban, and rural alike.”

“Outdoor recreation is not only a source of physical and mental health benefits but also a key driver of job creation and economic development for rural and urban communities alike,” said Taldi Harrison, director of community and government affairs for REI Co-op. “The latest findings from the Bureau of Economic Analysis underscore the importance of continued investments in public lands, recreation infrastructure, and reducing barriers to increase participation.” Click here to read the entire article.