Over 200 Outdoor Recreation Businesses and Associations Urge Congress to Pass America the Beautiful Act Before August Recess

Infrastructure, News, Recreation Economy

Businesses spanning the entire $1.3 trillion outdoor recreation economy say there is “no better way to celebrate America’s 250th birthday” than investing in its public lands and waters  WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today over 200 outdoor recreation businesses and business trade associations representing America’s $1.3 trillion outdoor recreation economy sent a letter to Congressional leadership urging swift passage of the America the Beautiful Act before Congress adjourns for the August recess.  The signatories (see full…

Outdoor Recreation Roundtable and Confluence of States Release First National Disaster Resilience Playbook for State Outdoor Recreation Leaders

Infrastructure, News, Recreation Economy, Resources, State Offices of Outdoor Recreation

New Resource, Developed in Partnership with Confluence of States and Supported by The VF Foundation, Helps Protect America’s $1.3 Trillion Outdoor Recreation Economy Before, During, and After Natural Disasters  WASHINGTON, D.C. — As natural disasters and extreme weather increasingly threaten America’s public lands and waters, outdoor recreation businesses, and gateway communities, the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), in partnership with…

Lessons for Resilience: ORR Hurricane Helene Grantees Display Power of Recreation in Recovery

News, Recreation Economy, Rural Development

When Hurricane Helene tore through the Southeast in the fall of 2024, it tested the networks, infrastructure, and community relationships that outdoor recreation advocates had spent years building to sustain local recreation economies. In response, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable awarded Hurricane Helene Recovery and Resilience grants in 2025 to communities across the Southeast to help restore…

America 250 Is a Time to Celebrate Our Greatest Shared Inheritance: The Outdoors

EXPLORE, Health and Outdoor Recreation, Infrastructure, News, Recreation Economy

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable issued the following statement for our nation’s 250th anniversary: “As America celebrates its 250th birthday this July 4th, we have an opportunity not only to reflect on our nation’s history, but also to remind ourselves of one of the greatest gifts we share as Americans: our extraordinary outdoors,” said Jessica Turner, President of…

ORRA Praises House Committee Action on Legacy Restoration Fund Legislation

Infrastructure, News, Recreation Economy

Bipartisan Bill One Step Closer to Final Passage Washington, D.C. — Outdoor Recreation Roundtable Association (ORRA) President Jessica Turner thanked members of the House Natural Resources Committee, led by Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-CA), for passing the Great American Outdoors Act 250 out of the committee today. The bill, with…

Outdoor Recreation Roundtable Announces New Grant Programs to Advance Rural Economies, Community Health, and Quality of Life through Outdoor Recreation

Health and Outdoor Recreation, News, Recreation Economy, Rural Development

New grant opportunities will direct funding to Recreation Economy for Rural Communities (RERC) community participants and rural Mountain West communities to turn outdoor recreation plans into local health, access, and community impact Washington, D.C. — June 17, 2026— Today, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), the nation’s leading coalition of outdoor recreation associations, announced two new grant…

Outdoor Recreation Roundtable Statement on Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Passage of the America the Beautiful Act

Infrastructure, News

Washington, D.C. — The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable issued the following statement applauding the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee for advancing the bipartisan America the Beautiful Act and thanking Senators Daines, King, Heinrich and Lee for their leadership in strengthening and reauthorizing the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund: “At a time when…

ORR Elevates Bold Vision for Outdoor Recreation as Public Health Solution with Health and Human Services Secretary and Interior Secretary During Roundtable in Grand Junction

Health and Outdoor Recreation, News

Following the roundtable, ORR welcomed HHS and DOI marking Great Outdoors Month®, connecting outdoor recreation and public lands with better physical and mental health WASHINGTON – The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) participated in a roundtable this week in Grand Junction, Colorado, with Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Bureau of…

ORR Praises Bipartisan House Action on Great American Outdoors Act 250

Infrastructure, News

Arkansas Field Hearing Highlights Strength and Power of Outdoor Industry  WASHINGTON – The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) applauds the House Natural Resources Committee for holding a field hearing in Hot Springs, Arkansas to consider the bipartisan Great American Outdoor Act 250. The legislation, introduced by Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-CA) and with 93 bipartisan original cosponsors, reauthorizes and strengthens the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF), first passed as part of the Great…

Iowa Becomes 25th State to Establish Outdoor Recreation Office, Marking Major Milestone for Growing Outdoor Recreation Economy

News, Recreation Economy, State Offices of Outdoor Recreation

Outdoor Recreation Roundtable Celebrates Iowa’s Leadership and Continued Momentum Behind State Outdoor Recreation Offices Nationwide  Indianola, Iowa — The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) today celebrated with Governor Kim Reynolds during her announcement establishing the Iowa Office of Outdoor Recreation, making Iowa the 25th state to create a dedicated office focused on advancing the nation’s $1.3 trillion outdoor recreation economy. The new office will prioritize outdoor recreation opportunities, local economic development, conservation, tourism and…