Oregon Outdoor Recreation Network
For Oregonians, a strong connection to our great outdoors is in our DNA and is part of our identity.
From hikers to anglers, mountain bikers to hunters, loggers to biologists, ranchers to miners, to outfitters, guides, mountain lodge operators and outdoor equipment producers, many of us rely on Oregon’s bountiful natural resources for our livelihoods and recreation.
Over the past five years, outdoor recreation leaders came together through the Oregon Outdoor Recreation Network (OORN) to support outdoor recreation priorities and grow Oregon’s outdoor recreation economy. In 2021, the network’s core team made the decision to sunset the OORN, given the robust landscape of organizations and initiatives, and the prominent role the Office of Outdoor Recreation’s advisory council will play in outdoor recreation priority setting for the state into the future. The comprehensive work of the OORN between 2016 and 2021 is documented below.
Oregon’s bountiful natural resources are cornerstone to our legacy, our identity, and our economy.
Oregon Outdoor Recreation Initiative
As an industry, outdoor recreation significantly impacts the well-being of Oregon’s economy, its communities, its residents and its natural resources. Developing a shared vision with a common agenda for how we focus our efforts to improve the outdoor recreation economy will ensure that our impacts are positive and inclusive of all.
OREGON OUTDOOR RECREATION INITIATIVE & NETWORK
Beginning in June 2016, a 25-person Oregon Outdoor Recreation Initiative leadership team developed a 15-year vision for outdoor recreation in Oregon. The initiative launched with several goals in mind: to build capacity and synergy to expand outdoor recreation opportunities for residents and visitors; to create sustainable economic vitality for Oregon’s communities; and to make Oregon a world-class outdoor recreation destination for all.
Recognizing that the success of the outdoor recreation economy is tied to various sectors, nine impact areas were identified. Outlined in the image below, these impact areas provide structure for the 15-year vision for outdoor recreation. To bring focus and clarity to the work, the leadership team identified ten complementary priority strategies for collective action. These strategic actions were selected in part on the recognition that significant progress could be made within 2-3 years. These priority strategies also highlight the interdependence of the nine impact areas. View the timeline and process of this phase of the initiative.
In fall 2017, key stakeholders came together to form seven action teams to help advance priority strategies for collective action. The seven action teams are listed below:
- Increase diversity in the outdoors
- Quantify the economic impact of outdoor recreation
- Develop a communications plans for responsible recreation
- Develop a statewide outdoor recreation network
- Develop a signature trails strategy
- Develop a statewide transportation strategy
- Create an office of outdoor recreation
The Oregon Outdoor Recreation Network —a more formalized partnership with the shared purpose of ensuring access to world-class outdoor experiences for everyone —was formed in 2018 to advance the priority action plans identified by the initiative through collective action. As part of this process, a core leadership team of six individuals representing nine organizations was formed to help align resources and activities to ensure that the network achieved its shared purpose: ensuring access to world-class outdoor experiences for everyone.
Read Oregon Outdoor Recreation Network Summary Reports
Through partnerships, the work of the action teams, and coordination involving local, state, and federal government, private industry, and non-profit organizations, the Oregon Outdoor Recreation Network played a key role in tackling projects both large and small that will shape the future of outdoor recreation in Oregon. Overall, the network brought together the right leaders in the state at the right time to get the work done. Review the collective accomplishments of the network in detail in the Oregon Outdoor Recreation Network Sunset Report.
In 2021 the decision was made to sunset the Oregon Outdoor Recreation Network, which had provided the space and the structure to foster a strong and sustainable outdoor recreation sector in Oregon for five years. The network cultivated relationships, organized around shared priorities, and empowered community leaders in our state, providing them with the support and tools to set bold visions and accomplish ambitious goals.
The work of the network will have a lasting impact. The 15-year vision, nine impact areas, action teams, and structured networking brought outdoor recreation stakeholders in Oregon together around a shared vision for our future and laid the groundwork for progress. It inspired participants, activated leaders, and launched a movement built on partnerships and collaboration to support an industry and a way of life for Oregonians, which will lead to healthier people and stronger communities.
