Baker-Polito Administration Launches Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation
Press Release | December 5, 2022
PRINCETON — The Baker-Polito Administration today joined state and local officials and industry leaders at Wachusett Mountain Ski Area to celebrate the establishment of the new Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation, furthering its commitment to outdoor recreation. The new office, announced today by Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, is within the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretariat and will work alongside state agencies, including the Department of Fish and Game (DFG), the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), the Massachusetts Marketing Partnership (MMP), and the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT), to enhance outdoor recreational opportunities throughout the Commonwealth and support the associated economic, environmental, and quality of life benefits they bring.
“From the Berkshires to the Cape and Islands, the Commonwealth is home to a range of recreational opportunities for both residents and visitors,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “The new Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation will help us continue to enhance this growing sector by partnering with engaged and passionate stakeholders.”
“Outdoor recreation is a consistent economic driver for communities throughout the Commonwealth, creating jobs and supporting small businesses,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Our world-class parks, beaches, and trails attract visitors from all across the world, and the creation of this office will promote collaboration between local communities, outdoor businesses, and the Commonwealth on expanding these opportunities even further.”
Following the establishment of the new Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation, the Commonwealth now joins 17 other states around the country that have created similar offices. Additionally, the office will focus on the following efforts:
- Coordinating outdoor recreation policy;
- Identifying funding opportunities for programs and infrastructure;
- Enhancing public access and recreation infrastructure;
- Supporting the outdoor recreation economy;
- Advancing equity and access to outdoor recreation opportunities; and,
- Promoting Massachusetts as a great place to work, live, and enjoy outdoor recreation.
“Whether it’s a weekend camping trip with the family, a bike ride with friends, or a hike through a state park, spending time outdoors is beneficial to our physical and mental wellbeing,” said Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Beth Card. “Importantly, the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation will be a vital asset that will work to ensure these types of opportunities and more are widely available to all residents and visitors in the Commonwealth, focusing especially on our Environmental Justice communities.”
According to a 2021 report from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the outdoor recreation economy accounted for $9.5 billion in value added to the Massachusetts economy, or 1.5% of the Gross Domestic Product, and 93,422 jobs, which is 2.6% of employment in the Commonwealth. Furthermore, Massachusetts’ outdoor recreation economy grew 24% from 2020 to 2021, a strong indicator of how much residents and visitors alike value the Commonwealth’s outdoor recreational resources. Top sectors by economic value added include boating and fishing; hunting, shooting, and trapping; RVing; climbing, hiking, and tent camping; snow activities, such as skiing and snowshoeing; and motorcycling, ATVing, and bicycling.
“The creation of the Office of Outdoor Recreation is a huge step forward for Massachusetts, a state that offers a wide diversity of outstanding recreation opportunities,” said Jessica Wahl Turner, President of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. “Outdoor recreation in Massachusetts grew 24% in the past year, helping create jobs, supporting rural communities, and promoting conservation of the Commonwealth’s natural resources. We thank the Commonwealth of Massachusetts – including Governor Baker, Lieutenant Governor Polito, and Secretary Card – for their leadership in recognizing outdoor recreation’s importance and look forward to working with them to make sure residents and visitors alike benefit from access to outdoor recreation for generations to come.”
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