Indiana Director of Natural Resources Dan Bortner announced that the state would join the National Governors’ Association’s Outdoor Recreation Learning Network after a meeting with the RV Indiana Council.
The Outdoor Recreation Learning Network helps states and their outdoor recreation staff leverage their unique natural, cultural, and historical resources to improve access to outdoor recreation, as per the News & Insights report of the RV Industry Association (RVIA).
It also helps promote the economic, social, and environmental benefits that such recreation provides.
Through peer-to-peer exchanges, research and dialogue, the network helps states advance outdoor recreation and explore issues related to conservation, economic development, infrastructure, stewardship, education, workforce training, equity, inclusion, public health, and wellness.
“RV Indiana Council is excited that Governor Eric Holcomb and the Natural Resources Department have elected to include Indiana in the Outdoor Recreation Learning Network,” said RV Indiana Council Executive Director Ron Breymier.
“While the Hoosier state is well known for producing RVs and boats, we have a much larger footprint in outdoor recreation nationally. Indiana also produces outdoor equipment, apparel, and services for Hoosiers and Americans to enjoy our state and national parks, waterways, byways, and outdoor spaces. It involves boating, skiing, hunting, fishing, swimming, biking, camping, and horseback riding, among other activities. With Indiana now being part of the Outdoor Recreation Learning Network, we believe it will be an economic engine for the state.”
Like Offices of Outdoor Recreation, states who elect to participate in the Outdoor Recreation Learning Network have shown a dedication and prioritization of outdoor recreation opportunities and the economic benefits that come to states with a strong outdoor recreation economy.
The RVIA state affairs team works with our partners in the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable to encourage states across the country to establish Offices of Outdoor Recreation and join the Outdoor Recreation Learning Network.
