The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) celebrated with Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds during her announcement establishing the Iowa Office of Outdoor Recreation, making Iowa the 25th state to create a dedicated office focused on advancing the nation’s $1.3 trillion outdoor recreation economy.
The new office will prioritize outdoor recreation opportunities, local economic development, conservation, tourism and quality of life. These activities in Iowa generate $5.9 billion in economic activity (2.2% of GDP) and support nearly 48,000 jobs, according to an ORR release.
“Outdoor recreation contributes nearly $6 billion annually to Iowa’s economy and supports nearly 50,000 jobs across the state, and opportunity exists for further growth,” said Reynolds. “By fostering relationships among public agencies, private businesses, and community partners, we can promote and expand what Iowa has to offer for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and visitors, elevating our state’s image as an outdoor recreation destination.”
Announced at Lake Ahquabi State Park outside Des Moines, the new office will be housed within the Iowa Economic Development Authority and represents another major milestone in the rapidly growing bipartisan movement to recognize outdoor recreation as a powerful economic engine for states and communities across America.
ORR Vice President of Programs Chris Perkins joined Gov. Reynolds, Iowa EDA Director Debi Durham, Winnebago Industries Vice President of Government and Industry Relations Chad Reece, and other state leaders and partners at the announcement event, highlighting the nationwide momentum behind state outdoor recreation offices and the collaborative work underway to support the outdoor recreation economy in every region of the country.
“Across Iowa, we’re seeing how outdoor recreation is shaping the story of our communities and driving economic growth,” said Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority. “Experiences like trails, parks and water access aren’t just amenities – they’re what draw visitors, support local businesses, and create the kind of places where people want to live and work. By aligning this work with our tourism efforts, the Office of Outdoor Recreation will help communities turn these assets into lasting economic opportunity.”
“Today is a huge moment for Iowa and a landmark moment for the outdoor recreation economy nationwide,” said Chris Perkins, vice president of Programs at Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. “With Iowa becoming the 25th state to establish an outdoor recreation office, we are seeing undeniable momentum behind the idea that outdoor recreation drives economic growth, supports small businesses and rural communities, improves public health and strengthens quality of life. ORR has proudly worked alongside states across the country to help launch and support these offices, and we are thrilled to welcome Iowa into this growing movement. Governor Reynolds and Iowa leaders are recognizing what so many Americans already know — outdoor recreation is essential to the future of our communities, economy, and way of life.”
“As an Iowa-born company, Winnebago Industries knows firsthand how deeply the outdoors is woven into our state’s identity and economy,” said Chad Reece, vice president of Government and Industry Relations at Winnebago Industries. “The creation of the Iowa Office of Outdoor Recreation is a tremendous step forward, and we’re proud to see our home state join the growing national movement to invest in recreation. This office will help ensure that the trails, waters, and wild places that shaped our company continue to drive jobs, health, and quality of life for generations of Iowans to come.”
The Iowa Office of Outdoor Recreation will serve as a coordinating hub for outdoor recreation efforts across the state and is expected to focus on:
- Convening organizations, local governments, and business stakeholders to develop shared plans and promote outdoor recreation as a pillar of tourism marketing.
- Creating a centralized structure for public and private stakeholders who actively invest in outdoor recreation to work together, expanding strategic partnerships, and promoting cohesive growth.
- The clear and ongoing need for the State of Iowa to support, enhance, and expand its outdoor recreation sector while ensuring the responsible stewardship of its natural landscapes for future generations.
ORR has worked closely with states, industry leaders and the Confluence of States — a bipartisan coalition of state outdoor recreation offices — to support the establishment and growth of offices nationwide. Together, ORR and Confluence of States collaborated on a new celebratory video recognizing Iowa’s announcement and featuring outdoor recreation leaders and association members from across the country. (link to video)
“We are pleased to celebrate the new Office of Outdoor Recreation announced by Iowa — the 25th such state office in the nation — and their commitment to outdoor recreation as a driver of economic development, quality of life, and healthy communities,” said Nathan Reigner, Chair of the Confluence of States and Director of the Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation. “Our members in the Confluence of States, representing outdoor recreation offices across the country, look forward to welcoming Iowa into our coalition and continuing to lead the way for states to build stronger economies and futures through outdoor recreation.”
Outdoor recreation is one of the nation’s largest economic sectors, generating $1.3 trillion in economic output and supporting 5.2 million American jobs, according to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
The creation of the Iowa Office of Outdoor Recreation continues a growing national trend of states investing in outdoor recreation as a strategy to strengthen local economies, support workforce recruitment and retention, expand access to the outdoors, and enhance stewardship of natural resources.
