Iowa has become the 25th state to establish a dedicated Office of Outdoor Recreation, marking a milestone in a national effort to create state-level agencies focused on outdoor recreation development and economic growth.
Gov. Kim Reynolds announced the creation of the Iowa Office of Outdoor Recreation at Lake Ahquabi State Park on June 8. The move represents the halfway point in a broader campaign to establish dedicated outdoor recreation offices in all 50 states.
The effort received support from members of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), including the RV-teollisuusyhdistys (RVIA), which worked with state leaders, industry stakeholders and the Confluence of States to advance the initiative. The offices help coordinate public-private partnerships, facilitate campground and trail development projects, and secure funding for outdoor recreation infrastructure.
Chad Reece, vice president of government and industry relations at Winnebago Industries and chair of the RV Industry Association’s Government Affairs Committee, attended the signing ceremony.
“Today was definitely a career highlight in my 38 years with Winnebago Industries as I was able to be on hand as Governor Kim Reynolds signed an executive order establishing the Iowa Office of Outdoor Recreation,” Reece said in a RVIA:n uutiset ja oivallukset -raportti kesäkuussa 10.
“In Iowa we are blessed with beautiful landscapes and terrific natural resources that provide abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. Outdoor Recreation generates nearly $6 billion in annual economic benefit in our State and even more importantly provides incredible health and wellness benefits,” Reece said.
According to the announcement, Iowa’s outdoor recreation economy generates $5.9 billion annually and supports nearly 48,000 jobs. A centralized state agency can help coordinate future growth and economic development efforts tied to outdoor recreation.
ORR officials said Iowa’s decision reflects growing recognition of the sector’s economic impact nationwide.
“Today is a huge moment for Iowa and a landmark moment for the outdoor recreation economy nationwide,” said Chris Perkins, vice president of programs at the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. “With Iowa becoming the 25th state to establish an outdoor recreation office, we are seeing undeniable momentum behind the idea that outdoor recreation drives economic growth, supports small businesses and rural communities, improves public health and strengthens quality of life.”
Perkins said the organization has worked with states across the country to launch and support outdoor recreation offices and welcomed Iowa into the network.
The announcement comes as outdoor recreation continues to represent a significant segment of the national economy.
According to the information released, the sector accounts for 2.4% of U.S. gross domestic product and supports 5.2 million jobs nationwide. The RVIA said it will continue advocating for the establishment of similar offices in the remaining 25 states.