In a significant development for North Dakota’s outdoor recreation sector, the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) celebrated the establishment of the state’s Office of Outdoor Recreation on May 9.
The announcement, made by Governor Doug Burgum at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, introduces the 22nd such office in the United States. This move, detailed in a release published by ORR earlier this month, aims to enhance economic and workforce opportunities through outdoor activities.
Governor Burgum, who recently attended ORR’s National Outdoor Recreation Executive Forum in Washington, D.C., signed the executive order with aims to capitalize on a sector that injects $1.3 billion into the state’s economy and creates over 13,000 jobs, according to the latest U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis data.
The Office of Outdoor Recreation is tasked with fostering economic growth, enhancing workforce retention, and improving the quality of life in North Dakota. Furthermore, it seeks to preserve and promote the state’s unique outdoor heritage, an integral part of North Dakota’s cultural fabric.
Jessica Wahl Turner, president of ORR, praised the establishment of the new office, noting its critical role in supporting and expanding the local outdoor recreation economy. “This office will be a catalyst for supporting North Dakota’s $1.3 billion outdoor recreation economy that creates nearly 14,000 jobs for North Dakotans,” Turner remarked.
Turner also emphasized the broader benefits of outdoor activities, including health and wellness improvements and deeper connections with nature, which could attract new businesses and residents to the state.
The new office also aims to bolster North Dakota’s role in the national outdoor recreation landscape, aligning with ORR’s mission to support state-led efforts in this sector.
By facilitating better collaboration among private sector partners and enhancing the sales and services of outdoor recreation equipment—from boats and RVs to bicycles and skis—the office is poised to be a cornerstone of economic well-being in North Dakota.
As North Dakota embraces these new growth opportunities, the ORR continues to provide support to state directors and offices dedicated to outdoor recreation, offering resources, data, and communications tools necessary for their success.
This strategic initiative not only promises to boost North Dakota’s economy but also enhances the state’s ability to attract tourists and residents alike, eager to explore its vast and diverse natural landscapes.
As the outdoor recreation industry continues to grow both in North Dakota and across the country, the establishment of such offices underscores the critical role the sector plays in state economies, providing a model for sustainable economic development through natural resource management and recreation.
