Aligned around a goal of facing threats to public lands and waters, three established outdoor industry nonprofits – representing a quarter million people and 800 businesses – are coming together with an aligned agenda and shared voice to protect the outdoors. The new coalition — Protect America’s Outdoors — is unified by the idea that speaking with one voice on behalf of a huge group of people makes their collective impact stronger.
Outdoor Alliance, The Conservation Alliance and Outdoor Industry Association are long-time partners. Outdoor Alliance and The Conservation Alliance are nonprofits working to advocate for the human-powered outdoor recreation community and conservation-minded businesses around protecting America’s wild places and outdoor spaces. Outdoor Industry Association is the trade association for the Outdoor Industry, whose membership champions the conservation of public lands for outdoor recreation and environmental health.
In the last few years, conservation advocates have seen rapid change around public land and outdoor activities. Outdoor recreation participation is at a new high, with more than half of Americans participating in outdoor recreation in 2022. Increased visitation has put pressure on public lands and waters, especially after years of underfunding and short staffing. What’s more, climate change and a lack of access to nature for many Americans threaten many communities.
“Protect America’s Outdoors was born out of these challenges,” said Adam Cramer, CEO of Outdoor Alliance. “Now is the time to show our collective power and make sure that lawmakers understand the importance of protecting the outdoors — not just for land, water, wildlife conservation, or outdoor recreation, but also for our identity as a nation.”
Shoren Brown, vice president of Public Affairs for TCA, added: “We’re stronger together. We see tremendous potential to continue and grow the outdoor recreation industry and its economic impact across the country. The ceiling for progress is so much higher when we collaborate with those who share the same vision for conservation.”
The shared policy goals of Protect America’s Outdoors include:
- Conserving America’s public lands and waters
- Making American lands and waters part of climate solutions
- Supporting sustainable and equitable outdoor recreation access
- Ensuring funding for conservation and stewardship
Outdoor recreation’s economic impact has continued to grow in recent years, contributing $862 billion in gross economic output to the U.S. economy in 2021, and sustaining more than 4.5 million jobs. Communities around the country are looking to expand outdoor recreation opportunities to enhance residents’ quality of life and support diversified local economies.
Learn more about Protect America’s Outdoors, including shared policy goals and past successes, at www.ProtectingAmericasOutdoors.com.
