TO-26-1 : Support for the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office
WHEREAS Colorado has a diverse landscape with abundant outdoor recreational opportunities. Club 20 recognizes that outdoor recreation is important to Colorado’s identity, economy, and well-being. Club 20 also recognizes that thriving natural environments and high-quality outdoor experiences are what make Colorado special, and that they are essential to the health of wildlife, biodiversity, people, communities, agriculture, and have an effect on all Colorado economies; and
WHEREAS the first Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office was established in June 2015 to provide a central point of contact, advocacy resources, and support for the diverse constituents, businesses, and groups that rely on the continued health of the Colorado outdoor recreation industry; and
WHEREAS Outdoor recreation provides many social, physical, and economic benefits, including an annual multi-billion-dollar outdoor recreation industry in Colorado, which includes creating and sustaining more than half a million Colorado jobs; and
WHEREAS, public revenues invested in economic development have proven to deliver enormous benefits to Colorado taxpayers, and public investment in supporting the outdoor recreation industry helps Coloradans support their economy, especially rural economies in our recreation-rich state.
WHEREAS, with nearly 100 million recreation visits in Colorado each year, outdoor recreation fuels tourism, local businesses, and rural economies. It also strengthens community character and ways of life, connecting people to their environment and to each other.
WHEREAS, outdoor recreation is tied to conservation goals. The outdoors links recreation with habitat protection, biodiversity, and climate resilience, ensuring that public lands remain accessible while safeguarding ecosystems that are essential to sustaining important Colorado industries such as agriculture. This balance supports both recreation opportunities and the long-term health of Colorado’s natural resources for all industries.
WHEREAS, Coloradans have a deep connection to the outdoors. A vast majority of Colorado residents participate in outdoor recreation at least weekly or monthly, and a vast majority consider it important to their personal well-being, providing mental health benefits, relaxation, and overall enjoyment.
WHEREAS, outdoor recreation is not just a leisure activity in Colorado, it’s a cornerstone of the state’s economy, culture, and environmental sustainability, and it plays a vital role in ensuring that Colorado’s natural heritage endures for future generations.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Club 20:
· Urges the General Assembly to continue financially supporting the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office (without redirection of CPW funding,) as an important and strategic part of Colorado’s economic development efforts.
· Urges the Office of the Governor to fully support the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office as a Division of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade.
· Strongly encourages the Colorado Recreation Industry Office to coordinate with state and local regional partnership initiatives, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and communicate with all Colorado industries to provide a meaningful, well-balanced outdoor recreation policy that works for the local communities and visitors.
· Directs the Colorado Recreation Industry Office to continue to support recreation businesses throughout the state, particularly in Western Colorado.
Adopted 9/18/2026
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