Outdoor Industry Association Celebrates Bipartisan EDA Reauthorization with Recreation as a Priority

BOULDER, Colo.  (December 19, 2024) – Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) applauds the bipartisan reauthorization of the Economic Development Administration (EDA). The EDA, a federal agency focused on promoting economic growth and job creation in communities across the country, plays a crucial role in supporting the outdoor recreation economy.  For the first time, the just-passed reauthorization bill designates recreation as a priority for EDA funding, giving it special consideration when awarding infrastructure grants through the Public Works Program. Outdoor recreation is a vital driver of the U.S. economy, contributing 2.3% of GDP and generating $1.2 trillion in gross economic output in 2023. 

“OIA and its members are thrilled to see Congress elevate recreation as an infrastructure priority through the EDA for the first time. This funding will not only help Main Streets across the country better connect with recreation assets but also enable communities to build infrastructure that enhances residents’ quality of life,” said Kent Ebersole, President of Outdoor Industry Association. “We thank Senators Bennet and Schumer for championing this win-win approach—helping grow local businesses while improving people’s access to the outdoors. This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking support rural America needs right now.” 

The EDA will help the outdoor industry thrive by funding projects that expand recreation infrastructure, improve access to public lands, and support rural communities that depend on outdoor tourism. Previously, the EDA has invested in trail development and park restoration projects that attract visitors, create jobs, and enhance local economies. 

We extend our gratitude to Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Chair Thomas Carper (D-DE) and Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), as well as House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Chair Sam Graves (R-MO) and Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), for their leadership. OIA looks forward to continuing its work with Congress to advance policies that protect public access, improve and expand recreation infrastructure, create jobs, and drive sustainability and innovation. 

About Outdoor Industry Association 

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org. 

Historic Passage of EXPLORE Act Advances Public Land Access and Outdoor Recreation Opportunities Nationwide

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, December 19, 2024

BOULDER, Colo. —  In a major step toward expanding outdoor recreation opportunities across the country, the U.S. Senate has passed the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act (EXPLORE) Act. This initiative, led by Senator Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.), represents a significant milestone in efforts to enhance access to public lands. Following its earlier approval in the House of Representatives, the bill now moves closer to becoming law.

Introduced by House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Ranking Member Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ), the EXPLORE Act is a bipartisan package of recreation bills designed to modernize, preserve, and increase access to the public lands and waterways while supporting the 175.8 million Americans that participate in outdoor recreation. It also aims to address barriers to access for veterans, people with disabilities, and underserved populations, streamline permitting processes for guides and outfitters, and support the more than five million employees who help drive the outdoor industry forward.

“We are thrilled to see Congress pass the EXPLORE Act which will ensure each American has the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in their own community, grow the recreation economy, and advance mental and physical health benefits for all,” said Kent Ebersole, president of Outdoor Industry Association. “The outdoor recreation economy continues to soar to new levels, accounting for $1.2 trillion in consumer spending and demonstrating participant growth for the eighth consecutive year. This is an important inflection point. We must modernize, preserve, and increase access to the public lands and waterways – regardless of where someone lives or works – and support more than five million employees who help drive our industry forward.”

The EXPLORE Act’s passage is the cumulation of the momentum started by Senate companion bill, S.873, America’s Outdoor Recreation Act (AORA), which passed the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in May 2023. Together, AORA and EXPLORE represent the strong bicameral and bipartisan collaboration across chambers to advance policies supporting outdoor recreation.

“We extend our gratitude to Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chair Joe Manchin (I-WV) and Ranking Member John Barrasso (R-WY), as well as House Natural Resources Committee Chair Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Ranking Member Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) for their leadership on this bill,” Ebersole added.

“Today marks a pivotal moment for our nation’s outdoor legacy and path toward equitable access to nature and outdoor recreation. With the Senate’s passage of the EXPLORE Act, we are not only opening trails, we’re opening doors to endless adventures and opportunities for all Americans,” said Lesford Duncan, MPH, Executive Director, Outdoor Foundation. “This bipartisan achievement reflects our collective commitment to preserving our natural wonders and ensuring every individual has the chance to connect with the great outdoors. The Outdoor Foundation celebrates this milestone as we continue to champion an outdoors for all where we all thrive outside.”

With today’s passage in the Senate, the EXPLORE Act will soon become law poised to deliver enhanced outdoor recreation opportunities, improved public land access, and economic growth in rural communities. As the legislation heads to President Biden’s desk for final approval, bipartisan collaboration and stakeholder engagement remain critical to realizing its transformative potential for individuals, businesses, and the environment.

About Outdoor Industry Association 

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org. 

The RECCO Network Continues to Grow in Canada With New Helicopter Detector In Newfoundland

STOCKHOLM, Sweden (Dec. 19, 2024) — RECCO, a leading manufacturer of advanced rescue technology, has announced a placement of a helicopter detector in Newfoundland, Canada. Operated by Newfoundland Helicopters in Deer Lake, this new addition will support Gros Morne National Park Visitor Safety and Provincial Search and Rescue (SAR) teams in the region. With this deployment, the RECCO SAR network now spans coast to coast across Canada, featuring a total of five helicopter detectors nationwide.

Rescue teams underwent training in the fall, and the unit is now fully operational and ready to support search missions year-round. This advanced capability will enhance the efforts of SAR teams in locating missing outdoor enthusiasts in the region.

“We’re excited to have the RECCO SAR Helicopter Detector system operational in Newfoundland,” said Fredrik Steinwall, CEO at RECCO. “There are large areas to cover for the SAR teams in the area. The addition of the helicopter detector will hopefully have an improved impact on the search and rescue missions in these regions year-round.”

The RECCO helicopter system is used to search for missing people outdoors year-round. The helicopter detector can quickly search large areas, covering a square kilometer in six minutes. Along with helping reduce search times for missing people, the helicopter-based detector can reduce the time and risk exposure for rescue workers during missions.

“The system is a real-life saving device, and I can see where it would enhance our search capabilities by enabling us to search larger areas in a fraction of the time it would take on the ground,” said Darren Williams, Team Leader of Deer Lake SAR. “In our training session, we detected the lost hiker even before we had a visual on them. Great piece of equipment and should be incorporated in all search and rescue efforts.”

The RECCO SAR Helicopter Detector system was launched in 2016, drastically expanding the system’s applications from avalanche scenarios to year-round search and rescue missions.  The helicopter detector makes it easier to search for all outdoor enthusiasts including hikers, runners, cyclists and hunters by allowing searchers to comb through larger areas more efficiently.

To be searchable by professional rescue teams, one must be equipped with a RECCO rescue reflector. Reflectors are integrated into apparel, helmets, backpacks, running vests, shoes and climbing harnesses by more than 150 brand partners. Reflectors are also available as stand-alone products to be attached to a helmet or a backpack or worn as a belt.

Currently, there are 38 RECCO SAR Helicopter Detectors globally, with 13 located in North America and 25 units deployed across Europe.

About RECCO

RECCO® advanced rescue technology makes outdoor enthusiasts searchable to rescuers in case of an avalanche accident or when lost in the outdoors. The technology builds on a two-part radar system. Rescuers carry RECCO® detectors that send out search signals which are echoed by RECCO® reflectors, carried by the user. RECCO® detectors are used worldwide at more than 900 ski resorts and mountain rescue organizations in 32 countries. RECCO® reflectors are integrated into select apparel, helmets, protection gear and boots manufactured by more than 150 leading outdoor brands. RECCO AB was founded in 1983 in Sweden and is owned by its founder Magnus Granhed and the publicly traded investment company Traction AB (listed on OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm). More info at recco.com.

Media Contact

Siena Teare

Verde Brand Communications

(307) 200-7003

siena@verdepr.com

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Senate passes EXPLORE Act modernizing outdoor recreation policy

Washington, D.C. (Dec. 19, 2024) — Following a 10-year advocacy campaign to modernize outdoor recreation policy, today the U.S. Senate passed by unanimous consent the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act, a first-of-its-kind bipartisan package that improves outdoor recreation on America’s public lands and waters. The EXPLORE Act passed the U.S. House earlier this year. It will now go to the president’s desk for signature.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the passage of the EXPLORE Act today,” said Adam Cramer, CEO of Outdoor Alliance, one of the organizations that envisioned and advocated for the EXPLORE Act. “We are deeply grateful to the many champions of outdoor recreation who made this possible, including Senator Manchin, Senator Barrasso, Representative Westerman, and Senator Wyden, whose leadership laid the groundwork for this recreation package. The EXPLORE Act will significantly enhance outdoor recreation on our public lands, which is especially vital as participation continues to grow each year.”

“The passage of EXPLORE sends a clear message that outdoor recreation and our public lands are bipartisan priorities,” Cramer said. “Signing this bill into law represents a meaningful investment in our shared outdoor heritage and the vibrant outdoor recreation economy it sustains. We look forward to continuing to advocate for the protection and enhancement of outdoor recreation and public lands for generations to come. And we are very grateful to members of the public who took the time and effort to let their representatives know how important it was to them to pass this meaningful legislation. That helped make the difference.”

Highlights of the bill include:

  • The Biking on Long Distance Trails Act (BOLT Act) identifies and creates more long-distance bike trails
  • The Protecting America’s Rock Climbing Act (PARC Act) safeguards Wilderness climbing
  • The Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation Act (SOAR Act) improves recreational permitting for outfitters and guides
  • Codifies FICOR and the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership, which funds parks and green spaces in neighborhoods that need it most

A new report released recently from the  U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) shows outdoor recreation in the U.S. generating $1.2 trillion in economic output (2.3% of GDP) and 5 million jobs. With outdoor participation growing, the EXPLORE Act will take important steps to expand and improve outdoor recreation opportunities, including improving access, creating more trails, and protecting the outdoors.

“As outdoor recreation grows in popularity, we need more tools to get people outside safely and responsibly. The EXPLORE Act will streamline the federal recreational permitting process to enable more people to experience the outdoors through organized group experiences facilitated by outdoor leaders and educators,” said Tom Vogl, CEO of The Mountaineers. “The Mountaineers is thrilled to see Congress pass the EXPLORE Act, and is grateful to Representative Westerman and Senators Manchin and Barrasso for their leadership to help connect more people to their public lands and waters.”

To learn more about Outdoor Alliance and their work, please visit www.outdooralliance.org.

About Outdoor Alliance

Outdoor Alliance is the only organization in the U.S. that unites the voices of outdoor enthusiasts to conserve public lands. A nonprofit coalition comprised of 10 national advocacy organizations, Outdoor Alliance’s members include American Whitewater, American Canoe Association, Access Fund, International Mountain Bicycling Association, Winter Wildlands Alliance, the Mountaineers, the American Alpine Club, the Mazamas, the Colorado Mountain Club, and the Surfrider Foundation. By working with its member coalitions and helping mobilize the involvement of individuals to protect public lands and waters, OA helps ensure public lands are managed in a way that embraces the human-powered experience. Outdoor Alliance — conservation powered by outdoor recreation. Learn more at OutdoorAlliance.org.

 

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Moultrie Launches Inaugural “Field to Fork” Event, Introducing Employees to Deer Hunting

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (December 17, 2024) — Moultrie, the leading innovator in trail camera and feeder technology, embarked on a unique employee experience with its first-ever “Field to Fork” event, hosted in partnership with the National Deer Association (NDA), designed to introduce first-time hunters to the art and tradition of deer hunting.

The event featured six first-time hunters from the company’s staff, who were each paired with an experienced hunter serving as a mentor. Mentors consisted of Moultrie and NDA employees, ensuring a supportive introduction to hunting, emphasizing conservation, skill development, and outdoor engagement. The “Field to Fork” event represents Moultrie’s commitment to outdoor education and creating meaningful experiences in the field. By offering this opportunity, Moultrie and the NDA hope to foster a deeper understanding of hunting as a conservation tool and a time-honored outdoor tradition.

“This is more than just a hunting trip,” said Mark Olis, Senior Brand Communications Manager at Moultrie. “It’s an immersive experience where Moultrie employees get to put themselves in the customer’s boots. They get the full experience of hunt planning, marksmanship, scouting, and the adrenaline rush of seeing their first deer while hunting. It’s instrumental for our team to connect their professional work to the hunter who relies on our products in the field.”

“Introducing people to deer hunting through the motivation of sourcing local, organic, and healthy meat is part of our mission at the National Deer Association,” said Jenifer Wisniewski, Chief Marketing Officer at the National Deer Association. “We were so excited to get to take out people that work for hunters and introduce them to the sport that they work to support. Getting to sit in the woods with a software engineer who had never seen the sunrise from the woods is so rewarding. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Moultrie to support hunters.”

The “Field to Fork” program is designed to teach adult non-hunters how to go afield and source their protein while promoting sustainable hunting practices. Through this event, first-time hunters learned essential skills, including hunting techniques, ethical practices, and the importance of conservation, while experiencing the camaraderie and excitement of hunt camp. Moultrie is a proud partner with the NDA and working together on a common goal like this only advances the relationship. There are already plans to team up and make this an annual event.

“The Field to Fork event was an incredible experience,” said Katherine Nance, Product Associate at Moultrie. “From the very start of the weekend hunt, it became clear just how unique and special this opportunity was. I’m so grateful to Jenifer Wisniewski and the National Deer Association for their efforts in facilitating this experience and to the mentors at Moultrie for their patience and dedication. I learned so much about hunting whitetail deer, from the science behind it, the skills needed to be successful, and the strong sense of community that makes it such an incredible tradition.”

Moultrie’s dedication to the outdoors extends beyond technology—it’s about fostering a culture of stewardship and respect for nature. This event underscores the company’s mission to inspire more people to engage responsibly with the great outdoors. To learn more about Moultrie, its products, and its values, visit www.moultrieproducts.com.

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About Moultrie

Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, Moultrie is the leader in deer feeders and cellular trail camera innovation, building products used by hunters, property owners, and others for real-time remote monitoring. Moultrie is a business unit of PRADCO Outdoor Brands. PRADCO’s hunting brands include Ani-Logics, Whitetail Institute, Texas Hunter, Summit, Knight & Hale, and Code Blue. PRADCO Fishing manufactures and markets products for freshwater and saltwater anglers under 20+ brands, including Rebel, YUM, BOOYAH, War Eagle Custom Lures, Great Lakes Finesse, and Bomber.