Announcing Michigan's Outdoor Recreation Industry Office

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources today announced the creation of an Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry, in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, on behalf of the Michigan Strategic Fund. ​

“Every year, millions of Michiganders spend their summers swimming and kayaking in our Great Lakes and inland lakes, hiking and biking on our trails, and climbing the dunes on Lake Michigan,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

“And it’s not just Michiganders. People come here from all over the world because of the outdoor experiences our state has to offer."

The Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry will be overseen in part by Michigan’s Outdoor Recreation Advisory Council, the first such council in the Midwest. The council makes recommendations to the DNR and the MEDC on ways to improve partnerships, attract businesses, and support conservation and public recreation assets.

"With the longest freshwater coastline in the US, seven million acres of public forest, and hundreds of miles of world-class trails and trout streams, Michigan's outdoor assets support a unique Great Lakes lifestyle — and one of the larger outdoor recreation economies in the country," said Brad Garmon from Michigan Environmental Council.

And It's Rad!!
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​When asked about the connection between outdoor recreation and conservation, Jonathan Jarosz, Executive Director for Heart of the Lakes said, "It's simple.  We believe that the precedent exists for the adventurers of today to become the fiercest defenders of wild places tomorrow." 

Jarosz continued, "The common narrative of outdoor recreation and conservation is one of relevancy.  How we address issues of outdoor access, stewardship, and next-generation leadership are all key to the future of Michigan's natural resources.  The places we protect, the organizations we support, and the communities we call home — all say something — about who we are, our values, and our passions." ​

“An office like this, dedicated to bringing greater focus on the economic impact of Michigan’s outdoor recreation, is critical to the industry,” said Linda Hubbard, president and COO of Carhartt, Inc., who also serves on the Outdoor Recreation Advisory Council.

The new Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry will work to:

• Expand the outdoor recreation economy in the state.
• Build awareness about the importance and value of the businesses – large and small –that comprise the industry.
• Collaborate with industry partners to anticipate emerging recreation trends.
• Promote outdoor recreation activities across the state.
• Create support for the stewardship of Michigan’s natural resources.

“The outdoor recreation economy is a massive industry, accounting for 2.2% of American GDP,” says David Weinstein, State and Local Policy Director for Outdoor Industry Association.  “State offices of outdoor recreation industry actually create efficiencies within state government by breaking down silos between different agencies that have responsibilities within this sector – from outdoor recreation infrastructure to public health and wellness to economic development and more.”

As 11 other states have realized, a recreation-sector lead in state government is an important point of contact for business, NGOs, and other governmental jurisdictions, all of which are working to bolster their state’s recreation economy.

"At the essence of our work, we recognize the need for all Michigan citizens to simply get outdoors and connect with our natural resources and each other. We support this new office of Outdoor Recreation Industry as another signal of the growing importance placed on sustainable public access in both the public and private sectors," said Bob Wilson, Executive Director of Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance.

Heart of the Lakes would especially like to thank Recreational Equipment, INC., Colorado Office of Outdoor Recreation, and the Outdoor Industry Association for their ongoing support and encouragement to get us to this place.