Press Release  Massachusetts Joins National Coalition to Cultivate Local Outdoor Recreation Economy

BOSTON — Today the Healey-Driscoll Administration joined the Confluence of States (COS), a bipartisan national coalition of state governments, dedicated to growing the outdoor recreation economy and championing conservation. The Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR) joins 17 other state departments at COS dedicated to advancing and embodying the central pillars of the alliance: conservation and stewardship, education and workforce training, economic development and public health and wellness. Massachusetts and Pennsylvania signed the Confluence Accords, a multi-state agreement to advance outdoor recreation and protect wild areas, inducting them as new members of the Confluence of States. As a member, MOOR will regularly collaborate with other state outdoor recreation offices to identify and solve challenges through innovative research and information sharing on best practices. 

“Outdoor recreation is an essential part of living and visiting Massachusetts, and we are thrilled to join our state partners as a new member of the Confluence of States,” said MOOR Director Paul Jahnige. “Massachusetts is blessed with vibrant trail systems, diverse wildlife, and outdoor adventures of all kinds. Through the Confluence of States, we look forward to amplifying our collective voice to advance outdoor recreation and protect our natural resources.”    

"We are thrilled to welcome Massachusetts as the 18th member of the Confluence of States. Their commitment to enhancing outdoor recreation, conserving our natural landscapes, and fostering economic growth aligns perfectly with our four pillars," said Katherine Andrews, 2024 Chair of the Confluence of States and Director of the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation. "As a state renowned for its historical significance, diverse landscapes, and innovative spirit, Massachusetts brings a wealth of knowledge to our bipartisan coalition. From the rolling hills of the Berkshires to the shores of Cape Cod, Massachusetts' unique contributions will be invaluable in our pursuit of cultivating a strong outdoor recreation economy and getting more people outdoors."   

“Pennsylvania’s and Massachusetts’ formal commitment to the Confluence of States is testament to the groundswell of support for outdoor recreation as a driver of resilient state economies, connector of communities, and boon to public health,” said Chris Perkins, Vice President of Programs at Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. “The $1.1 trillion outdoor recreation economy is better off with robust state leadership for outdoor recreation initiatives and investments and we are proud to have showcased these directors and the Confluence of States at our National Outdoor Recreation Executive Forum.” 

Established in December 2022, MOOR collaborates with state and private agencies to promote activities across Massachusetts, including hunting, fishing, horseback riding, paddling, swimming, and more. Outdoor recreation is vital to Massachusetts contributing $11 billion to the economy, creating over 102,000 jobs, and boosting tourism. MOOR looks forward to working closely with the Confluence of States to implement strategic initiatives that drive economic growth, promote equitable outdoor access for all, and improve public health in Massachusetts.  This announcement follows the hiring of Paul Jahnige as the state’s first Director of Outdoor Recreation in 2023, as well as the launch of the Massachusetts Inclusive and Accessible Events Grants Program, created to advance equity and belonging across Massachusetts' recreation opportunities.  

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