FARGO, N.D. – North Dakota has officially launched its own Office of Outdoor Recreation, joining a growing number of states that recognize the economic potential of outdoor activities.
Governor Doug Burgum, accompanied by state agency officials and various partner organizations, announced the establishment of the new office on May 9. The initiative aims to boost North Dakota’s outdoor recreation economy by fostering stronger ties with private sector partners.
The creation of the Office of Outdoor Recreation through an executive order positions North Dakota alongside 21 other states that have established similar dedicated offices. Notably, this new office will leverage existing resources and personnel to effectively coordinate and amplify efforts related to outdoor recreation development within the state.
Governor Burgum emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “This new office will allow us to better coordinate with stakeholders and state agencies as they develop plans, strategies, and initiatives to maximize the impact of outdoor recreation in North Dakota. We are incredibly excited to connect even more deeply with our partners in the private sector who drive economic development and job creation in our state.”
Several key entities participated in the announcement, including representatives from the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, which will serve as the administrative home for the office, alongside the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, North Dakota Department of Commerce, and various private sector partners such as Woodland Resort, Action Motor Sports, and Save the Maah Daah Hey.
According to officials, outdoor activities contribute over $1 trillion annually to the U.S. economy. North Dakota specifically benefits from a $1.3 billion economic boost each year from outdoor recreation, a figure that the newly established Office of Outdoor Recreation aims to expand further.
Cody Schulz, director of North Dakota Parks and Recreation, highlighted the broader impacts of this initiative, stating, “The physical and mental health impacts of outdoor recreation are well known, and this office will help to drive the economic health of the state as well. This is about going from really good to great.”
The Office of Outdoor Recreation is poised to promote economic growth, workforce recruitment and retention, enhance quality of life, and preserve the state’s unique outdoor heritage. By leveraging combined efforts, the office aims to attract critical investment and propel innovation within North Dakota’s outdoor recreation industry.
Jessica Wahl Turner, President of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, commended Governor Burgum’s leadership in establishing the 22nd Office of Outdoor Recreation in the United States. She noted, “This office will be a catalyst for supporting North Dakota’s $1.3 billion outdoor recreation economy that creates nearly 14,000 jobs for North Dakotans.”
In conjunction with the office launch, North Dakota Parks and Recreation announced several significant initiatives, including the expansion of the Roughrider Trail south of Mandan and the launch of the OuterSpatial mobile app, which provides users with information about special events and outdoor recreation opportunities across the state.