Spearheaded by a board of directors and comprised of outdoor industry professionals experienced in launching and managing profitable businesses, California Outdoor Recreation Partnership (CORP) is making progress in advocating on sustainable economic development in California’s growing and vibrant $92 billion outdoor recreation economy.
“Access to quality Outdoor Recreation should be a right of every Californian. This is a critical time for the California Outdoor Industry and its non-profit allies to organize and advocate for California Public Lands and for improved park access for urban under-parked communities. This is why we formed CORP,” said Steve Barker, CORP Board Member
Since its initial formation in Fall 2017, CORP hit the ground running with active inputs to major legislative initiatives in California such as Prop 68. Members of CORP met with lawmakers and created awareness for the support of the $4.1 billion parks bond which passed in June of 2018.
In August of 2018, CORP members were instrumental in collaborating with California lawmakers on the passing of AB 1918, which would have created the Office of Sustainable Outdoor Recreation in the state. The bill was vetoed by outgoing-Governor Jerry Brown, but with the new administration in place, the team is well equipped for successful conversations in Sacramento.
“As an outdoor gear brand based in California since 2001, we are excited to be part of a state-based organization that unites our industry. This is an opportunity to educate and influence our state political leaders about the importance of outdoor recreation participation and access,” said Matt Lyon, president of HydraPak LLC.
“The outdoor industry is increasingly a political force in statehouses across the country. CORP will galvanize our industry and engage lawmakers on meaningful legislation to improve economic development opportunities, increase access, and protect and enhance California’s portfolio of public lands,” said David Weinstein, State, and Local Policy Director, Outdoor Industry Association.
Membership in CORP is open to all businesses whose principal activity is in the active outdoor recreation industry, including manufacturers, brands, retailers, and guide groups. It is also open to individual professionals and advocacy groups that have direct interests in outdoor recreation.
On February 25th, CORP will be leading an advocacy and lobbying day – Summit Sacramento. More information is available here. Photo courtesy Kokatat
