Confluence Of States Release Updated Guidebook On Developing Offices Of Outdoor Recreation
NATIONWIDE - The Confluence of States released an updated version of its Guidebook for Developing Offices of Outdoor Recreation, expanding on its original 2023 resource with new tools and best practices. This comprehensive guide now includes updated strategies for working across state agencies, a new section on supporting outdoor recreation policies, and fresh case studies from states that have successfully cultivated outdoor recreation offices. These additions aim to empower new and existing leaders in the outdoor recreation sector by providing them with the knowledge and resources to enhance their work. Since 2013, a remarkable 24 states have created offices of outdoor recreation across the United States, and later this month the Confluence of States will help launch a campaign called ’25 in 2025’ to shine a spotlight on this movement and inspire other states to create offices of their own.
The updated guidebook reflects the growing landscape of outdoor recreation, which has become a key economic driver in the U.S. In 2023, the outdoor recreation economy contributed a remarkable $1.2 trillion to the U.S. economy (2.3% of GDP), supporting 5 million jobs. The industry’s rapid growth outpaced the broader economy, and many states are now establishing or expanding offices of outdoor recreation to harness this momentum, create lasting, positive impacts for their communities, and increase state competitiveness.
The guidebook is presented in the following sections:
Operationalizing the Office - understanding the context of one’s office and developing goals.
Building Support – developing relationships with stakeholders and creating a plan for meaningful engagement.
Strategic Initiatives – providing an overview of common priorities including conservation and natural resources, economic development, grant management, and tourism.
Working Across State Agencies – sharing how offices of outdoor recreation work across state agencies and case studies of how collaborative these offices are.
Additional resources include a glossary of common language, a 1-year template, and appendix of helpful tools and links. Members of the Confluence of States are highlighted throughout the guidebook to provide words of advice and encouragement as new leaders start organizing their offices for the first time.
Since the launch of the guidebook in 2023, states have widely referenced it as a key resource for making the case for the creation of outdoor recreation offices, and has played a significant role in shaping how these offices are developed and structured across the country. Six states have established offices of outdoor recreation since 2023, and new offices continue to be developed nationwide, reflecting the growing recognition of outdoor recreation as a critical economic and community asset.
“We’re thrilled to release our updated guidebook, which now offers new insights and best practices that will help states create stronger, more connected outdoor recreation offices,” said Katherine Andrews, 2025 Chair of the Confluence of States and Director of the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation. “The updated resource provides practical tools for leaders just getting established and provides valuable insights to those who have been working in this field for years. The guidebook reflects the collective experience of our members, and we hope it continues to inspire collaboration, innovation, and progress in outdoor recreation across the country.”
“Since its debut, the Guidebook has served as the gold standard for helping state offices of outdoor recreation reach their potential to tap into the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy for community benefit, economic growth, and state competitiveness,” said Chris Perkins, Vice President of Programs for the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, a coalition of outdoor recreation trade associations and organizations serving more than 110,000 businesses. “We are delighted to see the release of this new edition and look forward to launching a campaign this month to shine a spotlight on the state office movement and challenge more states to create outdoor recreation offices of their own.”
“As the outdoor recreation economy continues to grow, it’s more important than ever for states to have the tools and knowledge to develop effective offices of outdoor recreation,” said Hannah Wintucky, Government Affairs Manager of the Outdoor Industry Association, the premier trade association for outdoor industry businesses. “This updated guidebook brings together the collective expertise of the members of the Confluence of States, providing both new and existing offices with practical strategies to strengthen their impact. Whether a state is just beginning this journey or refining its approach, this resource will help leaders maximize the benefits of outdoor recreation for their communities and economies.”
