New Hampshire Becomes 16th State To Create Office Of Outdoor Recreation

The state of New Hampshire has created an Office of Outdoor Recreation (OREC), joining 15 other states across the nation that have established an OREC office responsible for helping to grow the outdoor recreation economy. OREC offices play a critical role in increasing outdoor recreation participation by working with local communities to improve infrastructure, coordinating recreation efforts statewide and promoting the benefits of engaging in outdoor recreation among the citizens of their state. In particular, these offices are a way to create opportunities for the RV industry to grow or expand in states across the country.

“New Hampshire’s low tax environment and booming economy are a beacon for business in the northeast,” said New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu. “This office will allow us to better leverage the tremendous outdoor recreation opportunities we have here in the Granite State to not only grow the industry but attract the workforce of the future.”

The New Hampshire OREC office’s fate had been held up for the last several months as overarching state budget negotiations were underway between the state legislature and the Governor in an extended legislative session. An agreement was reached, and this new office will be housed within the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs.

The RV Industry Association, along with other members of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, have called for governors in all 50 states to establish an Office of Outdoor Recreation. The RV Industry Association continues to be supportive of these important efforts to coordinate outdoor recreation policy and promote economic development among stakeholders in the outdoor recreation industry at the state level, which can create more business opportunities for the RV industry.

“The RV industry applauds the creation of an Office of Outdoor Recreation in New Hampshire and the state’s commitment to prioritizing the growth of outdoor recreation,” said RV Industry Association Vice President of Government Affairs Jay Landers. “In addition to outdoor recreation as a whole, this office will support the 258 RV businesses who create 3,769 jobs and pay $177.2 million in wages in New Hampshire.”

RVers are avid participators in many outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, biking, fishing, climbing, boating and snow sports. And, while outdoor recreation is a significant part of our American heritage, it is also a pillar of our nation’s economy. Newly released data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis reported for the first time that outdoor recreation contributes $2.7 billion in economic output in and employs nearly 37,818 people in New Hampshire.

The RV Industry Association looks forward to fostering a close working relationship with this office as it develops. If your company operates in New Hampshire and you would like to be a leader for the RV industry and resource to this office once they hire a director, please reach out to Ashley Brinkman at abrinkman@rvia.org.