Type: OIA Press Room

100 outdoor companies are pioneering a collaborative model to accelerate science-based climate action and influence policy.

BOULDER, Colo. June 29, 2020– Outdoor Industry Association’s (OIA) Climate Action Corps unveiled today its first Annual Impact Report to mark year one progress and announced an unprecedented goal to become the world’s first climate positive industry by 2030. A diverse group of more than 100 companies including Patagonia, YETI, Osprey, Dick’s Sporting Goods and REI and representing more than $25 billion in annual sales revenue have already united through the Climate Action Corps to address the threat of climate change. The Corps’ new goal seeks to aggressively reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with outdoor gear and harness the power of nature to remove more carbon than its members emit –two decades ahead of Paris Agreement-aligned targets. To enable these goals, the Corps also encourages its members to advocate for robust climate policy.

“There’s no denying that climate change is an existential crisis for the outdoor industry. The question is no longer ‘what will we do about it?’ – it’s how far can we go, and who wants to join us? We want the outdoor industry to lead the charge and inspire other industries. Our efforts alone will certainly not solve the climate crisis – we need every business, government, and individual to act. With this new strategy, we’ve established a credible, practical pathway, supporting resources, and interim milestones that will guide and accelerate progress for companies no matter how far along they are on the path,” said Amy Horton, OIA senior director of sustainable business innovation.

In its inaugural year, 84% of Corps members measured the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from their owned or controlled operations (known as “scope 1 and 2 emissions”), 78% have set or are setting targets to reduce these emissions and 49% are actively reducing them through improved energy efficiency and sourcing renewable electricity in the U.S. Recognizing the GHG emissions from the value chain (known as “scope 3 emissions”) as the largest portion of a typical outdoor company’s footprint, 69% of Corps members measured, or are in the process of measuring scope 3 emissions, while 28% are taking actions to reduce this impact – a number due to grow greatly in the coming years through targeted supply chain collaborations. In addition to the guiding principles to “make better,” “run cleaner,” and “transport smarter” – the Corps encourages its members to “grow creatively” – that is, to move from business-as-usual approaches to models that increase revenue without necessarily making new gear.

“The outdoor industry is a vital contributor to local economies and communities across the U.S., and that makes it a hugely influential business voice in the push for climate policy,” said Anne Kelly, vice president of government relations at Ceres, which counts OIA as a member of its BICEP Network of business organizations advocating for better climate policy. “Ceres strongly commends the Outdoor Industry Association’s plan to be climate-positive by 2030, and we are excited to see that policy advocacy will play such a central role in that mission.”

Matt Thurston, REI’s director of sustainability and chair of OIA’s Sustainability Advisory Council highlights that collective impact in the outdoor industry is needed like never before: “Decarbonizing our industry requires changes at a scale we’ve never experienced. We need ambitious targets, bold leadership and concerted action. The good news: you’re not alone. The OIA Climate Action Corps provides the expertise and community to advance our collective efforts.”

Corps members commit to share progress annually, demonstrating accountability toward a shared industry-wide climate positive goal and emphasizing progress over perfection. The group’s working definition of “climate positive” means its members reduce their carbon footprints according to science-based targets, remove their remaining carbon emissions from the atmosphere (ideally, through nature-based projects), and advocate for robust climate policy.

Alongside announcing its 2030 climate positive goal and year one progress, today OIA also announced its first annual Path to Positive (P2P) Climate Leadership Award winners, recognizing Climate Action Corps members that demonstrated leadership in the categories of transparency, partnership, community and impact in 2020, including:

Transparency: Klean Kanteen

Partnership: Nemo Equipment and DAC

Community: Troy Jones, Specialized

Impact: Burton Snowboards

Companies interested in accelerating their progress on climate action and contributing to the industry’s climate positive ambition are invited to join the OIA Climate Action Corps by visiting outdoorindustry.org/climateaction. OIA also welcomes fellow associations interested in partnership or sharing insights and resources to reach out to climateaction@outdoorindustry.org.

Climate Action Corps
The OIA Climate Action Corps was founded in January 2020 to bring together brands, retailers, manufacturers, suppliers and supporting organizations to harness the power of collaboration to address the threat of climate change to the outdoor industry. In partnership with PeopleforBikes, the Corps unites a diverse mix of outdoor businesses of all sizes, product types and in varying stages of climate action to accelerate progress toward reducing GHG emissions, harness the power of nature to remove more carbon than we emit, and advocate for robust climate policy.

Outdoor Industry Association
Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry and the title sponsor of Outdoor Retailer. OIA unites and serves 1300 manufacturer, supplier, sales representative and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation and outdoor participation. The OIA is based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

BOULDER, Colo. – Outdoor Industry Association today applauded the Senate for passing the “Growing Climate Solutions Act,” a bipartisan bill designed to reduce barriers for farmers and ranchers to access the carbon credit market.

“The agricultural industry is an important partner in creating opportunities for hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreation opportunities,” said OIA executive director Lise Aangeenbrug. “Combatting the growing threat of climate change requires every industry to be part of the effort. This particular legislation gives farmers, ranchers, and landowners the opportunity to be a key part of that effort by providing incentives and resources to embrace climate-smart practices and participate in the carbon credit market.

“As more landowners participate in the carbon credit market, other industries, including the outdoor industry, have the opportunity to invest in high-quality carbon removal projects to meet and exceed our own climate goal while boosting the economy. Additionally, adopting climate-smart practices will help maintain the integrity of the public land and waters surrounding farms and ranches.”

The bill now awaits consideration by the House of Representatives.

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About the Outdoor Industry Association
Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry. OIA unites and serves 1,200 manufacturer, supplier, sales representative and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation and outdoor participation. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

Outdoor Foundation 2021 Outdoor Participation Trends Report Shows Record Participation Rates and Long-Term Challenges

BOULDER, Colo. (June 22, 2021) —Outdoor Foundation today released exclusive insights about Americans’ engagement in outdoor activities in 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. As detailed throughout the report, COVID-19 inspired huge participation growth, as outdoor spaces became places of refuge to safely socialize, improve physical and mental health, connect with family and recover from screen fatigue. In 2020, 53 percent of Americans ages 6 and over participated in outdoor recreation at least once, the highest participation rate on record. Remarkably, 7.1 million more Americans participated in outdoor recreation in 2020 than in the year prior. These one-year gains, however, did not fundamentally alter the long-term challenges faced by the outdoor industry. The outdoor industry and its partners are positioned to champion new ways to engage outdoor participants and invest in making the outdoors accessible and welcoming to all Americans.

“Earlier this year we saw promising research about new participants in the outdoors with more people finding solace in outdoor activities especially amid the pandemic,” said Lise Aangeenbrug, executive director of Outdoor Industry Association. “Our broader research shows us that while we are seeing millions more people getting outside this year, we must take action to help them establish a life-long relationship with the outdoors, otherwise we will continue to see an overall decline in participation rates in the next year with people returning to an indoor routine.”

Additional key findings and challenges include:

• Retaining COVID participants: Research from Outdoor Industry Association indicated that about one-quarter of new participants say they don’t want to continue their new outdoor activities, a number that may grow sharply as consumers return to pre-pandemic habits.
• Lack of diversity: Nearly 75 percent of outdoor participants were white. Participation rates declined 7 percent annually among Asian Americans for the past three years; stagnated for the last three years among Blacks and grew among Hispanics but remained well below whites.
• Declining intensity: There were fewer of the most devoted outdoor participants and more casual ones. A decade ago, 24 percent reported participating more than twice a week, while in 2020 just 20 percent did. The same pattern occurred among children, young adults and adults.
• Fewer outings: The average number of outings per participant continued a steady, long-term decline, falling from 87 in 2012 to just 71 in 2020.
• Stagnant female participation: Although there are significant industry efforts to address gender disparities, for the last eight years females have represented just 46 percent of outdoor participants, even though 51 percent of Americans are female.

“Although the long-term trends remain discouraging, there exists an incredible opportunity for all of us within the outdoor industry to welcome more participants,” said Stephanie Maez, managing director at the Outdoor Foundation. “Collective action through philanthropy, programming, marketing and policy can move the needle. Together, we can help bring individuals and entire communities outside, and inspire them to build life-long relationships with the outdoors.”

The Outdoor Foundation has developed the Outdoor Participation Trends Report for 14 years. The annual report examines demographics of the outdoor participant — defined as someone who participated in an outdoor activity at least one time in the past year. The survey reflects data gathered during the 2020 calendar year and garnered a total of 20,069 online interviews consisting of people ages six and older. View the 2021 report in full here.

About Outdoor Foundation

The Outdoor Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Outdoor Industry Association, is a national 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to getting people outside for their health, the health of communities and the health of the outdoor industry. Through community investment and groundbreaking research, the Outdoor Foundation works with many partners to get more people outside more often. Visit outdoorfoundation.org for more information.

BOULDER, Colo. (June 14, 2021) — The Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) Board of Directors annual election ended on May 28, 2021, with the association’s membership electing two new and three returning board members.

The two new directors – Toad&Co CMO Sarah Matt and Merrell CMO Janice Tennant – will begin their three-year terms in July, taking their seats at the summer board meeting. “The new directors will help guide the association to navigate the changing needs and challenges facing the industry,” stated OIA Executive Director Lise Aangeenbrug, “and into a future with thriving outdoor businesses, thriving outdoor communities and a thriving planet.”

The three returning directors will commence their second elected three-year terms at the July board meeting: BioLite CEO and Co-founder Jonathan Cedar, Helen of Troy SVP Marketing Phyllis Grove, and Patagonia VP of Global Wholesale Bruce Old.

Moving off the board following the July meeting are Outdoor Afro Founder & CEO Rue Mapp, following six years of service, and Grassroots Outdoor Alliance Director of Retailer Membership & Education Dana Howe, following three years of service.

“The exiting directors represent unique and respected business voices and have provided the board with valuable perspective and insights,” remarked Aangeenbrug, “and we thank them for their contributions and committed service.”

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About the Outdoor Industry Association

Located in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry. OIA unites and serves 900 manufacturer, supplier, sales representative and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation and outdoor participation. For more information, visit https://outdoorindustry.org/.

BOULDER, Colo. – Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) today applauded the Departments of Interior and Agriculture’s Fiscal Year 2022 proposal to allocate $2.8 billion in funding for projects authorized in the Great American Outdoors Act.

“America’s public lands and waters are a key part of the lives of millions of Americans by serving as a place that boosts mental and physical health, creates good-paying jobs, and brings economic opportunity to communities across the country,” said Lise Aangeenbrug, executive director of Outdoor Industry Association. “By providing an additional $2.8 billion in funding for the important conservation programs outlined in the historic Great American Outdoors Act, Secretary Haaland and Secretary Vilsack’s proposal would help meet the ambitious goals in President Biden’s America the Beautiful plan and ensure these outdoor spaces can continue to be accessible for all for generations to come. The outdoor industry applauds the administration’s continued commitment to outdoor recreation and business and the conservation efforts that will protect our public lands. We look forward to working with Congress to ensure this funding is secured.”

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About the Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry. OIA unites and serves 1,200 manufacturer, supplier, sales representative and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation and outdoor participation. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

The Big Gear Show, the outdoor industry’s only business to business event held entirely outdoors, is proud to partner with Outdoor Research to offer the brand’s award winning Face Mask Kit to every show attendee. 

At the start of the pandemic, Outdoor Research stepped up to make PPE for frontline workers as part of the brand’s foundational tenet of providing protection to its customers. The—now—award winning Face Mask kit was designed in just 72 hours, when a more traditional development cycle is 3-to-12 months—highlighting the brand’s agility and innovation. In 2020 during the early stages of the pandemic Outdoor Research donated 8,000 masks to its specialty outdoor retailers to help staff and brand partners return to work safely.  

The Big Gear Show attendees will be able to use and test OR’s award-winning Face Mask kit this summer at the August trade event. The Face Mask, which features a double-layer face mask with an adjustable nose wire and replaceable filters,  is washable, designed with daily wear, endurance activity, and exercise in mind. This mask has quickly become a favorite within the outdoor industry. It was named “best face mask” by Popular Mechanics in their 2021 Gear of the Year awards and “best face mask” in BikeRumor’s 2020 Editor’s Choice Awards. 

“Outdoor Research is honored to be the official mask partner of The Big Gear Show.” says Andy Burke, VP Commercial Sales at Outdoor Research. “As we enter back into much needed personal interactions we want to ensure all attendees can do it comfortably and confidently. We are looking forward to gathering once again.”

The Big Gear Show will be following state-regulated guidelines closely when it comes to COVID-19 protocols. The official Utah mask mandate was lifted on April 10, but masks are still required in many places in Utah. As a completely outdoors event at 7000’ feet in the Wasatch Range, The Big Gear Show will still be implementing safety protocols in line with recent guidance from CDC, Utah, and Summit County. Adding to the safety management practiced by The Big Gear Show team, recent research findings show that in outdoor settings the COVID-19 transmission likelihood is near zero. Read more here.  

The Big Gear Show is scheduled for August 3-5, at Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah. The event is an invitation-only, multi-category trade event for the paddlesports, cycling, climbing, camping and outdoor markets. The show will feature a group of 500 hand-selected retailers and 250 brands across these industries, as well as associated media. Getting out in beautiful environments is the foundation of the outdoor industry, so attendees will use Deer Valley Resort to test gear over the course of the 3-day event. 

ABOUT THE BIG GEAR SHOW:

The Big Gear Show is North America’s first open-air trade show taking place in Park City, Utah, August 3-5, 2021. The show is built by and for retailers and offers an integrated, best-in-class demo-driven buying experience serving a curated group of 500 hand-selected retailers and hundreds of brands across the outdoor, cycling and paddle communities. The Big Gear Show is endorsed and co-presented by the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, National Bicycle Dealers Association and People For Bikes. There is simply no better place to discover new brands and products and drive your specialty business forward. 

BOULDER, Colo. – Twelve of the nation’s leading outdoor industry companies sent a letter today to the White House offering their support for President Biden’s American Jobs Plan, specifically as it relates to the plan’s climate change provisions, funding for nature-based infrastructure, investments in the energy workforce, and advancing environmental justice and equity.

The letter outlines the industry’s goal of being climate positive – not only reducing emissions, but removing more than it emits through nature-based projects – through a commitment to measure, plan, and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and share their progress annually. Additionally, the letter applauds the administration’s infrastructure blueprint for connecting climate-smart policies to daily life, making the necessary investments to combat the impacts of a changing climate, and ensuring the long-term economic success.

“The outdoor industry has proven itself to be a resilient and powerful economic force for the nation,” the letter states. “When the outdoors thrives, our industry thrives, and through critical funding for climate-smart policies, the American Jobs Plan would give our $788 billion industry the opportunity to continue to grow and support the economy.”

The letter is signed by Big Agnes, Burton, Hydro Flask, K2 Sports, Klean Kanteen, MiiR, NEMO Equipment, Oberalp North America, The Orvis Company, Outdoor Afro, REI Co-op, and Ruffwear.

Specific elements of the plan highlighted in the letter and supported by these companies include:

• Funding for a new Civilian Climate Corps to advance economic recovery and address the on-the-ground impacts of climate change.
• Restoring nature-based infrastructure like forests, public lands, and coasts to bring climate-resiliency and protection so these spaces can continue to bring opportunity to communities.
• Providing funding for workforce development and manufacturing to alleviate hardships faced by traditional energy communities.
• Emphasizing environmental justice and equity to ensure new projects are community-driven and economically benefit historically underserved communities.

To view the letter in its entirety, click here.

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About the Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry. OIA unites and serves 1,200 manufacturer, supplier, sales representative and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation and outdoor participation. For more information, visit https://outdoorindustry.org/.

Thrive Outside Initiative Empowers Communities to Make the Outdoors Accessible for All

BOULDER, Colo. (May 24, 2021) —Outdoor Foundation, the organization dedicated to reversing the trend of decreased outdoor participation, today announced its second cohort of Thrive Outside Communities in St. Louis, Missouri; the Twin Cities region, Minnesota; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and the state of Maine. 

The Outdoor Foundation’s Thrive Outside Initiative awards multi-year, capacity-building grants to diverse communities to build and strengthen networks that provide children and families with repeat and reinforcing experiences in the outdoors. This community-led initiative is built with trusted local and national partners and is supported by three years of funding.

“The Thrive Outside Initiative is working to create a more inclusive and accessible outdoor experience for all,” said Stephanie Maez, Outdoor Foundation executive director. “We are thrilled to expand our grants and programming into four additional communities this year and inspire kids and families to experience the powerful transformative benefits of connecting with nature on a regular basis, particularly among youth in diverse communities.”

The Thrive Outside Communities were chosen by the Outdoor Foundation Board of Directors, based on written applications, virtual site visits, in-person interviews and third-party consultant research. Each Thrive Outside Community grant requires the recipient community to provide a 1-to-1 funding match in order to ensure the long-term sustainability of the network. One backbone organization in each community will manage the grant and facilitate the work of the network partners.

“Working with all of our community partners, we are making a significant impact by empowering youth to enjoy spending more time in nature,” said Jen Mull Neuhaus, Outdoor Foundation Board Chair. “The expansion of The Thrive Outside Initiative this year moves us one step closer to our goal of driving positive change in the health, well-being and social fabric of communities across the country.”

Announced in 2019, The Outdoor Foundation’s Thrive Outside Community Initiative made multi-year grants to four communities including Atlanta, Georgia; Grand Rapids, Michigan; San Diego, California; and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. To date the Thrive Outside initiative has helped get more than 16,000 youth outdoors while creating stronger networks of equity and inclusion, improving the connections to the outdoors in diverse communities and successfully adapting programming during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the next ten years, the initiative plans to grow the number of regions it invests in to 32.

Continue reading for more information about each new Thrive Outside Community:

Maine

“In our Maine outdoor community, collaboration is key in our approach to increasing outdoor participation. We are thankful for the Outdoor Foundation and Thrive Outside for recognizing this and supporting local initiatives in Maine to provide equitable access to outdoor learning and outdoor gear for youth in both urban and rural areas across the state, said Nathan Broaddus, coordinator of the Nature Based Education Consortium. “This award is a crucial catalyst in addressing barriers that many under-resourced communities face to having transformative experiences in the outdoors, with innovations such as an outdoor equity fund and Maine GearShare, an outdoor equipment lending system.”

Maine Backbone Organization: Nature Based Education Consortium

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

“Instilling a love of nature by ensuring all families can safely enjoy the outdoors is critical to inspiring the next generation of conservationists,” said Collin O’Mara, President and CEO of National Wildlife Federation. “Working with Thrive Outside will strengthen amazing conservation partnerships across the Delaware watershed to overcome the unique barriers our communities experience in getting outdoors. We are excited to team up with Thrive Outside to expand access to the outdoors for Black, Latinx, and frontline communities and implement on-the-ground activities that ensure everyone is able to safely enjoy nature.”

Philadelphia Backbone Organization: National Wildlife Federation

St. Louis, Missouri

“The St. Louis region offers some of the most unique natural spaces and inspiring recreational opportunities anywhere. So why hasn’t every kid in our community kayaked past the Gateway Arch on the Mississippi River or climbed the boulders at Elephant Rocks State Park? Through River City Outdoors, we are activating an inclusive network of community partners that shatters barriers to access and empowers all St. Louisans to experience the transformative power of nature in our own backyard,” said Rachel Bartels, River City Outdoors steering committee member.

“We’ve been working for the past seven years to accelerate the outdoor recreation culture in the St. Louis region through Terrain Magazine, and now with the launch of River City Outdoors, we’re excited to gather that momentum and truly transform St. Louis into a vibrant, inclusive, outdoor community,” said Brad Kovach, editor/publisher of Terrain Magazine and River City Outdoors steering committee member. “This grant, and the additional support and leverage that comes with it, will allow us to maintain the great momentum we’ve gathered and focus it on creating diverse and equitable outdoor programs in our region.”

St. Louis Backbone Organization: River City Outdoor Collaborative

Twin Cities, Minnesota

“Wilderness Inquiry is thrilled to partner with the Outdoor Foundation to support a collective impact approach to youth outdoor engagement in the Twin Cities, breaking down barriers to access to ensure that all youth can learn, grow, and thrive in the outdoors,” said Executive Director Kim Keprios. “Thrive Outside Twin Cities provides an incredible opportunity to build meaningful, equitable pathways to outdoor participation for Minnesota youth and families.”

Twin Cities Backbone Organization: Wilderness Inquiry

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About Outdoor Foundation
The Outdoor Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Outdoor Industry Association, is a national 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to getting people outside for their health, the health of communities and the health of the outdoor industry. Through community investment and groundbreaking research, the Outdoor Foundation works with partners across the country to address equity barriers and help make the outdoors accessible for all. Visit outdoorfoundation.org for more information.

BOULDER, Colo. – Today, Outdoor Industry Association released the following statement after the Biden administration unveiled the Conserving and Restoring America the Beautiful report, outlining guidelines for conserving 30 percent of public lands and waters by the year 2030:

“Our outdoor spaces are a place of refuge to safely socialize, not to mention improve physical and mental health,” said Lise Aangeenbrug, Executive Director of Outdoor Industry Association. “Prioritizing conservation of public lands and waters is critical to ensuring the outdoors remains accessible for everyone, mitigating the impacts of the climate crisis, and spurring economic recovery. This is the opportunity for which many of us have been waiting to enact long-lasting conservation goals, equitable access, and climate results that the outdoor industry, our communities, and the economy will depend on for generations to come.

“But as we all know, conservation efforts are not one-size-fits-all – for example, what works in Virginia may not be suitable for a situation in Montana. That is why the outdoor industry is particularly pleased this report puts an emphasis on supporting locally-driven conservation projects across the country. 

“As the Biden administration continues to pursue these laudable conservation goals, this blueprint is an important first step to ensuring these efforts are thoughtful and inclusive. It is essential for the federal government to work in tandem with state governments, private landowners, and all interested stakeholders. We are glad to see that guiding principle prioritized in this report.”

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About the Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry. OIA unites and serves 1,200 manufacturer, supplier, sales representative and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation and outdoor participation. For more information, visit https://outdoorindustry.org/.

BOULDER, Colo. – Outdoor Industry Association executive director Lise Aangeenbrug today made the following statement after the Senate confirmed the nomination of Brenda Mallory to be Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ): 

“We are very pleased to see the Senate confirm Brenda Mallory’s nomination, and we are confident she will protect the outdoors and the economy. We look forward to working with her to strengthen our outdoor communities, especially as the administration takes on new projects in energy, infrastructure, and the environment.”

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About the Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry. OIA unites and serves 1,200 manufacturer, supplier, sales representative and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation and outdoor participation. For more information, visit https://outdoorindustry.org/.