The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) welcomes the Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation as its latest member, signaling a significant step forward in promoting outdoor recreation and bolstering the outdoor economy in the Keystone State. This announcement follows the recent unveiling of Pennsylvania’s comprehensive Report and Roadmap for the Future, a strategic action plan aimed at expanding the outdoor recreation economy’s role in Pennsylvania, fostering job creation, and unlocking new economic opportunities across the state. With today’s announcement, Pennsylvania joins 12 other state offices of outdoor recreation as members of ORR.
Chris Perkins, Vice President of Programs at ORR, expressed enthusiasm for the new partnership: “We are thrilled to welcome the Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation into the ORR community. Pennsylvania’s proactive approach, exemplified by its recent Report and Roadmap for the Future, positions the state as a national leader in leveraging outdoor recreation for economic growth and community well-being. This aligns with ORR’s mission to support and expand the outdoor recreation industry nationwide.”
“Pennsylvania’s Office of Outdoor Recreation is pleased and proud to join the national leadership driving forward our outdoor economy through state office membership in ORR,” stated Nathan Reigner, Director of the Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation. “Joining the Roundtable will help us better connect the dots of conservation, economic development, entrepreneurial opportunity, and sustainable policy. We thank ORR for both their unwavering support and welcoming us into the community of outdoor leaders.”
The establishment of the Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation by Governor Josh Shapiro in 2023, under the leadership of Director of Outdoor Recreation Nathan Reigner, marks a historic moment for the state. As the largest state to create a dedicated office for outdoor recreation, Pennsylvania has quickly emerged as a frontrunner in utilizing outdoor recreation to empower rural communities and diversify local economies. ORR featured Pennsylvania Wilds and its CEO and Founder Ta Enos in its Rural Economic Development Toolkit, further highlighting the state’s innovative approaches to promoting outdoor engagement and economic development. Additionally, Governor Josh Shapiro has emphasized outdoor recreation as a core component of the state’s economic competitiveness by including “Investing in Recreation Asset Development to Drive Economic Growth” in Pennsylvania’s 10-year strategic plan for economic development, and $8.5 million for trails and $5 million for the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps in his proposed budget.
ORR looks forward to collaborating closely with the Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation to implement strategic initiatives that enhance outdoor access, drive economic growth, and support the thriving outdoor recreation industry across Pennsylvania and beyond.
Academic institutions, organizations, and government entities interested in joining ORR and contributing to the advancement of the outdoor recreation economy are encouraged to contact orr@recreationroundtable.org for more information on membership and partnership opportunities.