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Announcing Michigan's Outdoor Recreation Industry Office

5/21/2019

 
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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.
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“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.
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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." 
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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.”
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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.
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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.

Walloon Lake Trust + Conservancy Seeks Director of Conservation Programs

5/14/2019

 
Walloon Lake Trust + Conservancy is seeking a full-time Director of Conservation Programs. The Director of Conservation Programs directly influences the Conservancy’s activities to acquire land or interests in land, oversees management of fee properties (Preserves), leads water protection initiatives, administers the conservation easement stewardship program, and assists with communications, fundraising, regional planning as well as staff and volunteer management in coordination with the Executive Director. 

Land Conservancy of West Michigan Seeks Land Protection Coordinator

5/14/2019

 
The Land Conservancy of West Michigan is seeking a full-time Land Protection Coordinator. The Land Protection Coordinator works with the Land Protection Director to lead land protection efforts including acquisition of conservation easements and fee simple nature preserves, coordinate with other organization and government entities on community projects, and to work with the Conservation Easement Stewardship Specialist to manage issues related to conservation easement properties.

Chippewa Watershed Conservancy Seeks Executive Director

5/14/2019

 
The Chippewa Watershed Conservancy is seeking a full-time Executive Director.  Responsibilities include supporting and implementing the CWC’s strategic plan and associated management plans, implementing land conservation and stewardship policies and practices of the CWC, be the official representative of the CWC to develop and maintain community relations and outreach, be responsible to build endowed and designated funds by active fundraising, financially manage the CWC, and provide staff and volunteer management and leadership. 

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Heart of the Lakes strengthens the collective efforts of organizations dedicated to the conservation of Michigan’s environmentally and economically significant land and water. We provide leadership, innovative ideas, and advocate for smart public policy for the benefit of our communities and for generations to come.
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Heart of the Lakes
PO Box 1128
Bay City, MI  48706
Heart of the Lakes is a statewide organization that concentrates and strengthens the efforts of Michigan’s land conservation community. Founded by Michigan’s land conservancies, Heart of the Lakes does what no individual organization can do on its own-- unites them under the common goal of protecting Michigan’s land. 

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Heart of the Lakes
P.O. Box 1128 Bay City, MI  48706
989-292-3582

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