Richmond, VA – Chesapeake Conservancy congratulates Governor Northam on the recent announcement that the Commonwealth of Virginia will establish an Office of Outdoor Recreation to promote outdoor recreation and recreation businesses throughout Virginia. Benefiting from the many parks, forests, rivers, and beaches located throughout the state, the Virginia outdoor recreation economy generates 197,000 direct jobs and nearly $22 billion annually in consumer spending (Outdoor Industry Association).

‍

Chesapeake Conservancy President and CEO Joel Dunn issued a statement in support of the recent announcement by Governor Northam.

‍

“I applaud Governor Northam’s leadership. Outdoor recreation is a powerful economic driver in Chesapeake Bay states, and access to recreation opportunities through parks and trails is an investment that delivers triple bottom line returns - for public health, for the environment and for the economy.

"Virginia is full of wild places to explore, from Shenandoah to the Eastern Shore. The establishment of an Office of Outdoor Recreation demonstrates the Virginia’s commitment to the improvement and expansion of outdoor recreation opportunities and to growing the outdoor recreation economy.”

‍

Virginia is the 15^th state in the nation to create an office or task force specifically focused on the outdoor recreation industry, and the Virginia Office of Outdoor Recreation will serve to recruit outdoor recreation businesses to the state and to support outdoor recreation opportunities.

‍

Feature Photo by James Corbett