The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) applauds the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) commitment to invest $9 million in bolstering recreation staffing at the field and state levels through funding provided by the Inflation Reduction Act. This vital allocation will result in the creation of 30 new BLM outdoor recreation positions across the nation, enabling the agency to effectively address the challenges posed by increased visitation, embrace opportunities to grow the recreation economy in lesser-known areas, and advance proactive recreation management efforts outlined in the Blueprint for 21st Century Outdoor Recreation.
“America’s lands and waters are the natural foundation upon which the $862 billion outdoor recreation industry is built, and the BLM is an invaluable partner to the outdoor recreation industry in supporting these special places where we camp, fish, hunt, horseback ride, climb, bike, ATV, snowmobile, and more,” said Jessica Wahl Turner, President of Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. “Land management agency staff at the BLM are an invaluable aspect of our sector, and this exciting deployment of funding will help ensure there is adequate staff to manage sustainable visitation while conserving these same outdoor experiences for the next generation to enjoy. Everyone should be able to reap the benefits of time spent outside, and ORR applauds the BLM for this important stride towards that vision.”
The announcement appropriately coincided with the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education (AORE)’s Outdoor Professional Conference in Baltimore, where Jessica Wahl Turner delivered the keynote address. The conference provides a perfect platform for outdoor enthusiasts, industry professionals, and stakeholders to come together, exchange ideas, and learn about the latest developments in outdoor recreation.