What do we mean by outdoor recreation?
We support all kinds of outdoor recreation including, but not limited to, hunting, fishing, boating, hiking, trail running, mountain biking, snowmobiling, off-highway vehicle riding, horseback riding, swimming, skiing, climbing, sailing, paddling, bird-watching, star-gazing, etc.
Why?
Economy: Outdoor Recreation plays a critical role in Massachusetts’ economy, adding $11.8 billion to our GDP and directly supporting 102,687 jobs. Further investment will create jobs, sustain local communities, and boost tourism and retention.
Public Health: Outdoor Recreation improves both physical and mental health. Outdoor recreational opportunities are associated with a rise in physical activity. Recreating in a natural environment produces significant mental health benefits including lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.
Environmental Justice: Access to outdoor recreation opportunities and spaces is an environmental equity issue.
What are the Goals of the Office?
The office is guided by three pillars:
- Promote: Outdoor Recreation in Massachusetts. We want more visitors coming and playing in the state, and more residents staying and playing in the state.
- Include: Outdoor Recreation for All. We want Massachusetts to be one of the most welcoming, inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible place to recreate.
- Sustain: Promote restorative outdoor recreation research, principles and practices. We want to grow our natural capital as we also work to grow our community and economic capital.
Initial Projects:
In December 2023, MOOR launched a small grants program aimed at supporting and boosting inclusive and accessible outdoor recreation events. Learn more about MOOR Events Grants.
MOOR also seeks to help “stand up” an Outdoor Recreation Business Alliance in Massachusetts to bring together the power of our outdoor business and amplify their voices. To that end, please tells us about your outdoor business!