Minnesota, North Dakota the latest to join outdoor recreation confluence of states

122219.O.GFH.OUTCALENDAR-Candlelight ski event.jpg — Outdoor recreation such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing is a popular winter pastime.

By Staff Report

October 29, 2024 at 12:24 PM

MISSOULA, Mont. 鈥� Minnesota and North Dakota are the latest states to sign on to the Outdoor Recreation Industry Confluence Accords, a framework designed to promote and support the outdoor recreation economy in the U.S.

Representatives from the two states signed on to the accords Oct. 16 on behalf of their governors 鈥� Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum 鈥� at the 2024 Outdoor Media Summit in Missoula.

The two additions bring the number of states now in the Confluence to 20.

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The Confluence of States is a bipartisan network of state leaders advancing the outdoor economy through a collective voice. Established in 2018, the Confluence Accords embody 15 principles contained in the pillars of conservation and stewardship:

Education and workforce training.
Economic development.
Public health and wellness.
Opportunity and experience.

The original Confluence Accord signatories were outdoor recreation directors from the states of Colorado, Montana, North Carolina, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington and Wyoming, who signed on behalf of their governors on July 25, 2018, in Denver. The second signing 鈥� on Oct. 24, 2019, in Saint George, Utah 鈥� included Maine, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico and Virginia. The third signing 鈥� on May 26, 2022, in Little Rock, Arkansas 鈥� included Arkansas, Maryland and New Hampshire. Earlier this year, the fourth signing took place on May 7, 2024, in Washington, D.C, and included Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.

The addition of Minnesota and North Dakota coincides with the Confluence of States鈥� release of the 2024 Outdoor Report, a comprehensive document highlighting the achievements of member states under the organization鈥檚 core pillars.

鈥淛oining the Confluence of States marks an exciting new chapter for Minnesota鈥檚 vibrant outdoor recreation industry,鈥� Randolph Briley, deputy director of the Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership, said in a statement. 鈥淏y harnessing the collective expertise and resources of the Confluence, we aim to propel Minnesota鈥檚 outdoor recreation industry to new heights, ensuring that it remains a vital contributor to our state鈥檚 economy and a source of joy for residents and visitors alike. Together, we look forward to fostering sustainable growth and innovative partnerships that reflect the spirit and resilience of Minnesota.鈥�

Track chair.png — Cody Schulz (third from right), director of the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, accepts an Action Axis Trackchair from Ford鈥檚 Bronco Wild Foundation representatives.

Cody Schulz, director of the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, added:

鈥淲e are incredibly excited to continue to not only enhance health and wellbeing by maximizing the impact of outdoor recreation in North Dakota, but to also responsibly develop our resources as a driver of economic and workforce development,鈥� Schulz said in a statement. 鈥淚n North Dakota we believe in innovative partnerships and taking a whole of industry approach that engages the private and public sectors alike, and the principles of these accords embody that spirit.鈥�

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that outdoor recreation makes up 2.2% of U.S. Gross Domestic Product, generating $1.1 trillion in gross output and supporting 5 million jobs.