North Dakota will open an office of outdoor recreation. North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum passed an executive order to establish the office during a press conference at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park in Morton County, North Dakota.
The department will be the 22nd outdoor recreation office in the U.S.
“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,” Burgum said. “From the sales and service of boats, RVs and ATVs, to hunting and fishing gear, bicycles and skis, outdoor recreation is a cornerstone of our state’s economic well-being.”
Outdoor recreation generates $1.3 billion in the state’s economy and creates nearly 13,615 jobs. The office will promote economic growth and workforce recruitment and retention.
Outdoor Recreation Roundtable President Jessica Wahl Turner said, “Outdoor recreation builds thriving economies, helps attract new workers and businesses, generates benefits for physical and mental health, and connects people to treasured natural places.”
In conjunction with the office of outdoor recreation launch, North Dakota Parks and Recreation announced three initiatives.
- The Recreation Trails Program Grant awarded $1.2 million to four applicants across the state for trail construction and rehabilitation.
- The Roughrider Trail, a multi-use motorized trail south of Mandan, North Dakota, will expand from 16 miles to 20 miles. It will connect Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park to wildlife management areas, a gun range, three boat ramps, two historic sites and two Morton County parks.
- The newly launched OuterSpatial mobile app directs users to North Dakota State Park trails’ special events and points of interest. The app is free to download for iOS and Android. It provides hiking challenges, an interactive social platform and insight into outdoor recreation opportunities in North Dakota.
