Vermont’s Outdoor Community Drives Strategic Investments in the Future of Outdoor Recreation

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House Devotionals and Resolutions by Kelly Brush. Photo by John Atkinson/Catamount Outdoor Family Center.

2024 Vermont Outdoor Recreation Day

Vermont Business Magazine On Friday, more than 85 nonprofit trail managers, outdoor business owners, ski area managers, and local government leaders gathered at the Montpelier State Capitol for the first Vermont Outdoor Recreation Day, celebrating Vermont’s Advocated for strategic investments in the future of outdoor recreation.

The outdoor recreation economy brings in $1.9 billion annually to Vermont, representing 4.6% of the state’s GDP. According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Vermont ranks second in the nation after Hawaii in the contribution of outdoor recreation to the state’s GDP.

The Vermont Trail Greenway Council (VTGC), the Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance (VOBA), and the Vermont Ski Areas Association (Ski Vermont) will conduct comprehensive economic impact studies, trail management, flood recovery, and climate recovery. held a press conference calling for state funding for the force. And adapt.

Rep. Kari Dolan (D-Waitsfield) opened the press conference by reminding us why we love playing outside in Vermont.

“A big reason we love Vermont is because of our outdoors. Whether you’re skiing or boarding, boating or canoeing, biking or hiking, hunting or birdwatching, Vermont’s outdoors have it all. This is Vermont’s first Outdoor Recreation Day at the State Capitol, spotlighting our beautiful state, highlighting the importance of outdoor recreation to Vermonters and visitors, the growing outdoor recreation business sector, and celebrate the economic vitality of our communities.”

Finance Minister Mike Pieciak was on hand to support the important role the outdoor recreation sector plays in the province’s fiscal outlook.

“Outdoor recreation is not only essential to Vermont’s economic future and building vibrant, healthy communities, but it is also fundamental to our state’s brand. Last summer, a major credit rating agency We emphasized the value of outdoor recreation in supporting the state’s robust tourism economy and attracting workers and young families to the state.As the industry continues to exceed forecasts, we are proud to support local outdoor recreation businesses. We must support them, preserve and protect our state’s unique landscapes, and ensure that they can be enjoyed by future generations.”

Sen. Kesha Lamb Hinsdale (D-Chittenden Southeast) reminded us that recreationists are also conservationists and we can protect our natural landscapes by giving everyone access to the outdoors. .

“We cannot overstate the importance of embracing our community’s core values of inclusivity and representation, and welcoming everyone to enjoy outdoor recreation. Vermont’s Outdoors It belongs to everyone. Now is the time to prepare the outdoor sector and its workforce to respond to climate change to ensure Vermont’s prosperity and natural beauty for years to come.”

lindsay deslauriersPresident of Bolton Valley Ski Resort, spoke about the value of a comprehensive economic impact study in directing investment towards stewardship and climate adaptation to ensure the creation of a four-season outdoor experience.

“I was lucky enough to grow up skiing and playing in the same outdoors and now am raising my own daughter and leading the modernization of Bolton Valley Ski Resort, a three-generation family business. By optimizing our outdoor recreation assets and making the right investments in management and climate adaptation, we can meet the demands of skiers, riders, and mountain bikers. Create growth opportunities for our employees and expand our reach across the state. Building healthy and resilient communities.”

Caleb Magoon, owner of Waterbury Sports and Power Play Sports in Morrisville, said last year’s flooding drove home the importance of strengthening small businesses downtown and in the village.

“The state’s outdoor businesses drive local economies and ensure a quality recreational experience for Vermonters and visitors. But the flooding shows the fragility of the system, and the need for businesses and organizations to return to full strength. Financial assistance is still needed to provide products and services to Vermonters enjoying the outdoors.”

The Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance (VOBA) is a statewide organization dedicated to strengthening Vermont’s outdoor recreation economy. VOBA’s 135 outdoor businesses provide products and services to Vermonters and visitors and collaborate on entrepreneurship, career paths, and sector branding. VOBA is dedicated to supporting the natural and recreational resources we depend on and promoting equal access for all in workplaces and outdoor spaces. www.vermontoutdoorbusinessalliance.org

The Vermont Trails and Greenways Council (VTGC) is an independent, nonprofit, membership-based organization dedicated to promoting outdoor recreation in Vermont and serves as an official advisory body to the Natural Resources Agency through the Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation (FPR). I am.

The council is comprised of more than 30 Vermont trail management organizations, municipalities, and advocacy professionals and was founded in 1989 to ensure people always have access to Vermont’s trails and landscapes.

The Vermont Ski Areas Association (Ski Vermont), a nonprofit industry association founded in 1969 to serve alpine and cross-country ski areas, recognizes skiing and snowboarding as an official winter event in the state. We are proud ambassadors of Vermont’s thriving winter tourism industry. Sports.

A top ski state in the East and a top destination in the United States, Vermont is known for its world-class snowmaking quality, coverage, efficiency, diverse terrain, and deep historical interest in the sports of skiing and snowboarding. We are proud of our influence. The world’s most important ski and ride destination.

Ski Vermont’s mission is to help maintain an environment in which the state’s ski areas can grow and thrive. Ski Vermont serves 21 Alpine member resorts and 26 Cross Country member resorts in his three primary areas: government relations, marketing and public relations.