President Bravo presents National Leadership Award to OIA on behalf of the Stateside Coalition
Released 1-23-13
Stateside Coalition Presents Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA)
with National Leadership Award
Group Recognizes OIA’s Outdoor Recreation Economy Work
A stateside coalition representing the National Association of State Park Directors, the National Association of Outdoor Recreation Liaison Officers, the National Recreation and Parks Association, and America’s State Parks Foundation presented Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) with a National Leadership Award today to recognize OIA’s work on behalf of parks and other public lands.
Domenic Bravo, administrator for Wyoming State Parks and a representative for the stateside coalition, presented the award to the OIA board of directors in Salt Lake City, Utah.
“The Outdoor Industry Association has become an important leader in the overall recreation and conservation industry,” said Bravo. “We are honored to present this national award for the many contributions that help all of us be successful during this critical time in our nation.”
The coalition aims to bolster stateside funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), a federal program that uses offshore oil lease royalties to preserve and enhance public lands and waters. The stateside part of LWCF funds local and state parks, and is instrumental in bolstering close-to-home recreation, yet it has suffered in recent years from Congress’ diminishing appropriations for the fund.
In presenting the award, Bravo called attention to OIA research that quantifies the economic impact of outdoor recreation in the United States.
“Our industry is at a precipice, and park funding is dwindling,” said Bravo. “The Outdoor Recreation Economy report is a key tool we use to make a case with state legislators as well as members of Congress about the importance of protecting our publics lands and waters.”
“We are pleased to be recognized as leaders in the outdoor recreation and conservation movement,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, president and CEO of OIA. “Protecting America’s parks, waters and trails isn’t just about the land. It’s about protecting the economy, the communities and the people whose lives depend on having access to the great outdoors. We’re glad that the coalition is using our research to amplify this message.”
The Land and Water Conservation Fund is an important funding source for public lands. It expires in 2015 and will require Congressional approval to continue.
About the Outdoor Industry Association
Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry and the title sponsor of Outdoor Retailer. OIA supports the growth and success of more than 4,000 manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, sales representatives, and retailers of outdoor recreation apparel, footwear, equipment and services. For more information, go to outdoorindustry.org or call 303.444.3353.
