September 11, 2019 - Governor Whitmer joined representatives from conservation nonprofits and outdoor businesses in Grand Rapids to celebrate Michigan's outdoor recreation industry. Held within the greenspace of Outside Coffee Co. and at the doorstep of Woosah Outfitters, leaders in the industry shared the impact of the state's recreation economy, the changing industry landscape and how Michigan can position itself to help drive the national discussion on outdoor recreation.
| "From the Great Lakes to our expansive forest lands to a vast network of trails, Michigan boasts unparalleled natural resources and countless opportunities for outdoor recreation,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer |  |
“Our state is well-positioned to be a leader in this new effort to support and promote the outdoor recreation economy." The establishment of an Outdoor Recreation Advisory Council and more recently, an Office of Outdoor Recreation; Michigan has advanced its efforts to be recognized as a leader of outdoor recreation with Whitmer's announcement that Michigan is set to sign onto the Confluence Accords this October.
Stoked is an understatement!
Michigan's move to join the Confluence of States this fall is an important next step in ensuring Michigan brings a unified "outdoor voice" to the national conversation surrounding outdoor recreation and conservation.
"While each of the states that belong to the confluence is unique, there is a shared commitment to promoting love for outdoor experiences, facilitating a sense of place and improving the mental and physical health of our residents," Jonathan Jarosz, Executive Director of Heart of the Lakes and member of the Michigan's Outdoor Recreation Advisory Council, explains how the National Confluence benefits the states.
"While each of the states that belong to the confluence is unique, there is a shared commitment to promoting love for outdoor experiences, facilitating a sense of place and improving the mental and physical health of our residents," Jonathan Jarosz, Executive Director of Heart of the Lakes and member of the Michigan's Outdoor Recreation Advisory Council, explains how the National Confluence benefits the states.
| Jarosz continued, "Not only do the Accords bring together diverse states, but they also provide a unifying platform of diverse businesses and stakeholders that make up the industry." The Confluence Accords were drafted in January 2018 in Denver and then finalized and signed by eight original states: Colorado, Montana, North Carolina, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and Wyoming. Michigan and Maine are next in line to sign the accords, with Michigan earning the title — first in the Midwest — to join the Confluence of States. |  |
According to the Outdoor Industry Association's 2017 National Outdoor Recreation Economy Report, Michigan:
- Generates $26.6 billion a year in consumer spending.
- Creates 232,000 direct jobs and an annual $7.5 billion in wages and salaries.
- Contributes $2.1 billion in state and local tax revenue.
Michigan offers more than 8 million acres of publicly accessible lands, 12,000 miles of state-designated trails, and enviable Great Lakes, rivers and streams.
“As an owner of an outdoor recreation-based business whose value is tied to the character and quality of the natural environment, Michigan's decision to sign on to the national Confluence Accords is a big deal that we enthusiastically support," says Chris MacInnes, President of Crystal Mountain Ski Resort and co-chair of Michigan's Outdoor Recreation Advisory Council. ”We believe it will give Michigan access to best practices of other members, who also value outdoor resources and understand their connection to a thriving state economy and quality of life."
“As an owner of an outdoor recreation-based business whose value is tied to the character and quality of the natural environment, Michigan's decision to sign on to the national Confluence Accords is a big deal that we enthusiastically support," says Chris MacInnes, President of Crystal Mountain Ski Resort and co-chair of Michigan's Outdoor Recreation Advisory Council. ”We believe it will give Michigan access to best practices of other members, who also value outdoor resources and understand their connection to a thriving state economy and quality of life."
The Accord signing announcement was followed up with an introduction to the new Director of Michigan's Office of Outdoor Recreation, Brad Garmon, who discussed Michigan's vital role in the industry.
 | "Historically, Michigan has been a national leader in conservation and recreation issues – from inspiring a young Ernest Hemingway to creating the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund that's become a national model for recreation funding," said Garmon. |
Garmon continues, "now it's time to apply that tradition of national leadership to the outdoor recreation economy." Michigan will officially join the Confluence of States during a joint signing at the end of October in St. George, Utah.
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