MISSOULA, MONTANA – Outdoor recreation leaders from Minnesota and North Dakota committed to advance the principles contained in the Outdoor Recreation Industry Confluence Accords, on behalf of their governors, at a signing on October 16, 2024, at the 2024 Outdoor Media Summit. With the addition of the Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership, authorized by Governor Tim Walz, and the North Dakota Office of Outdoor Recreation, authorized by Governor Doug Burgum, the total number of states in the Confluence reaches a notable 20.
This pivotal moment was celebrated at the annual Outdoor Media Summit in Missoula, Montana, where government officials, industry leaders, media representatives, and outdoor brands gathered to witness the signing ceremony. The summit, the largest congregation of state directors of outdoor recreation to any one event in the history of the movement, featured shared programming and networking opportunities, including keynote speeches, panels, and interactive sessions. Participants engaged in thought-provoking discussions and workshops, focusing on the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in outdoor media.
The Confluence Accords embody 15 principles contained in the five pillars of conservation and stewardship, education and workforce training, economic development, public health and wellness, and opportunity and experience. They were developed in 2018 to promote and advance best practices for all states to sustainably grow their outdoor recreation economies.
The original Confluence Accord signatories were outdoor recreation directors from the states of Colorado, Montana, North Carolina, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and Wyoming on behalf of their governors on July 25, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. The second signing included Maine, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, and Virginia on October 24, 2019 in Saint George, Utah. The third signing included Arkansas, Maryland, and New Hampshire on May 26, 2022 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Earlier this year, the fourth signing included Massachusetts and Pennsylvania on May 7, 2024 in Washington, D.C.
“We are thrilled to welcome Minnesota and North Dakota to the Confluence of States,” said Katherine Andrews, 2024 Chair of the Confluence of States and Director of the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation. “These two states have already been incredible partners, offering valuable insights and innovative approaches to outdoor recreation. We are excited to continue our work together, leveraging our shared knowledge to drive positive change across the nation.”
“Joining the Confluence of States marks an exciting new chapter for Minnesota’s vibrant outdoor recreation industry,” said Randolph Briley, Deputy Director of the Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership. “By harnessing the collective expertise and resources of the Confluence, we aim to propel Minnesota’s outdoor recreation industry to new heights, ensuring that it remains a vital contributor to our state’s economy and a source of joy for residents and visitors alike. Together, we look forward to fostering sustainable growth and innovative partnerships that reflect the spirit and resilience of Minnesota.”
“We are incredibly excited to continue to not only enhance health and wellbeing by maximizing the impact of outdoor recreation in North Dakota, but to also responsibly develop our resources as a driver of economic and workforce development,” said Cody Schulz, Director of the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department. “In North Dakota we believe in innovative partnerships and taking a whole of industry approach that engages the private and public sectors alike, and the principles of these accords embody that spirit,” added Cole Garman, North Dakota’s Director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation.
“The Confluence of States represents the very best of outdoor recreation—leaders representing governors from all political backgrounds, united behind the benefits of the $1.1 trillion outdoor recreation economy nationwide,” said Chris Perkins, Vice President of Programs at Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. “We congratulate Minnesota and North Dakota on joining this bipartisan network and applaud Governors Burgum and Walz for their commitment to outdoor recreation and its proven value to their constituents and economies.
“The Confluence of States’s success is our collective success in the outdoor industry. We’re honored to have held the signing at the 2024 Outdoor Media Summit highlighting the growth of offices across the nation,” said Yoon Kim, Founder of the Outdoor Media Summit. “We’re proud to continue the tradition of co-convening our two events together.”
The announcement comes at a pivotal moment as the Confluence of States also unveils the 2024 Outdoor Report. This comprehensive document highlights the achievements of member states under the organization’s core pillars. The report sheds light on the vital role these offices play in enhancing public lands, boosting local economies, and promoting health and wellness through outdoor recreation. With now 24 offices nationwide, the report illustrates the profound impact of this collaborative network.
Outdoor recreation is an economic engine that creates jobs and sustains state and local economies throughout the U.S. The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that outdoor recreation makes up 2.2 percent of U.S. GDP, generating $1.1 trillion in gross output and supporting 5 million jobs.
The Confluence of States is a bipartisan network of state leaders advancing our outdoor economy through a collective voice.
ORR Vice President of Chris Perkins and the Directors of the Confluence of States