Confluence Of States Adds Fifth Pillar To The Accords
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Confluence of States is proud to announce the addition of a fifth pillar, Opportunity & Experience, to its foundational principles. This new pillar is designed to foster a more inclusive, accessible, and enriching outdoor experience for all communities. The Confluence of States is a bipartisan network of 18 state leaders advancing the outdoor economy through a collective voice. States include Arkansas, Colorado, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming.
The Confluence of States will now be guided by five pillars:
Conservation & Stewardship
Education & Workforce Training
Economic Development
Public Health & Wellness
Opportunity & Experience
The Opportunity & Experience pillar aims to promote safety and inclusion in all outdoor activities, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their background or ability, can enjoy nature's benefits. By prioritizing safety measures and fostering a welcoming environment, states seek to create outdoor spaces where everyone feels secure and valued.
In addition, this pillar will focus on promoting recreation opportunities close to where people live, work, and play. By enhancing local parks, trails, and natural areas, the Confluence of States hopes to make nature more accessible and integrated into daily life. This will not only encourage physical activity and well-being but also strengthen community bonds and foster a greater appreciation for the natural world.
Lastly, this pillar aims to reduce barriers to experiencing nature and participating in outdoor activities. This includes addressing financial, physical, and social obstacles that may prevent individuals from engaging with the outdoors. By providing resources, support, and inclusive programs, each state member is committed to ensuring that everyone has the chance to explore, enjoy, and benefit from nature.
“I am thrilled to announce the addition of our new pillar, Opportunity & Experience,” said Katherine Andrews, 2024 Chair of the Confluence of States and Director of the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation. “This new pillar is not just a standalone concept; it is the vital link that enhances and amplifies the impact of our existing pillars. By prioritizing opportunities for all and accessibility, we are not only enhancing the quality of life for our communities but also strengthening the foundation upon which our offices of outdoor recreation are built. Together, these pillars work in synergy to grow the outdoor economy, protect our natural resources, and improve the well-being of all individuals, enriching the fabric of our communities.”
The fifth pillar is part of a three-part recommendation made by a workgroup of Confluence members that was formed following discussions about strengthening diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and accessibility in the Confluence Accords in September of 2022. In addition to adding a fifth pillar, the adopted recommendation strengthens language under the four existing pillars and requires Confluence members to report on their work under the Opportunity & Experience pillar in the annual Confluence of States Outdoor Report.
“The adopted workgroup recommendation reflects the great work that is already being done in our respective states to create better opportunities for underrepresented and rural communities,” said Jackie Dagger, Program Manager for the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative, and elected workgroup Chair. “I am proud of the bipartisan process we led and the recommendation we developed that better aligns our national work and our work at the state level.”