The Confluence Accords

We, a growing confluence of states with a shared passion for the outdoors and a commitment to cultivating a strong outdoor recreation economy, believe that outdoor recreation is core to the very character and quality of life we should all enjoy.

The outdoor industry is a powerhouse of meaningful job creation, and a driving force of our Nation's economy. Our industry is an economic multiplier, creating a unique quality of life in rural and urban areas, attracting new businesses and professional talent to our communities.

While each of our states is unique, our shared commitment to facilitating everyone's love of place through inclusion and diverse outdoor experiences has the power to unify communities, to bridge societal divides, and to improve the mental and physical health of all people. 

Common Principles

The outdoors is the wellspring of adventure, camaraderie, and solace, inspiring us to both explore new places and set down roots. Whereas nature is the backbone of the recreation economy, we are committed to fostering conservation and stewardship values, ensuring environmental quality, and restoring sustainable access to the outdoors for current and future generations.

Therefore, the undersigned representatives for the outdoor recreation sector do hereby adopt and commit our states to the following common principles:

01.CONSERVATION & STEWARDSHIP

• Work with the public, private, nonprofit sectors, and tribal governments to promote conservation and stewardship of land, air, water, and wildlife, and for responsible public access to them.

• Facilitate public-private partnerships to enhance public outdoor recreational access, infrastructure improvements, and conservation efforts.

• Educate and empower the public on the importance and interrelatedness of a healthy environment, outdoor recreation, and a vibrant economy.

02.EDUCATION & WORKFORCE TRAINING

• Engage with educators to support environmental and outdoor learning opportunities for all in early and life-long outdoor activity, career development, and advocacy for outdoor recreation.

• Promote workforce training programs for technical training, skill mastery, and business opportunities across the spectrum of outdoor industry careers, with an emphasis on empowering underrepresented and rural communities for careers and leadership roles in the outdoor sector and supporting opportunities for early and life-long outdoor learning.

03. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

• Collaborate with all stakeholders including underrepresented and rural communities to establish and improve sustainable outdoor recreation economies, infrastructure, and funding.

• Engage federal, tribal, state, and local governments, as well as local and regional economic development organizations to attract, retain, and expand business and market the outdoor recreation economy.

• Address barriers hindering business success in the outdoor recreation economy, particularly in underrepresented communities, rural communities, and among entrepreneurs.

04.PUBLIC HEALTH & WELLNESS

• Address social determinants of health by increasing outdoor recreation opportunities for people of all backgrounds and abilities.

• Partner with health & wellness stakeholders to determine shared values and common goals, build relationships, and generate innovative partnerships to fulfill shared visions.

• Work with health and wellness stakeholders to quantify the impact of outdoor recreation access and related social determinants on individual and community wellbeing.

05.Opportunity & Experience

• Promote safety and inclusion for all in all outdoor activities.

• Promote recreation opportunities close to places where people live, work and play.

• Reduce barriers to experiencing nature and participation in outdoor activities.