Choose Outdoors, a 501(c)3, non-profit organization based in Colorado, has received start up funding from America Outdoors, the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, the National Ski Areas Association, and Outdoor Industry Association.
During 2009, the non-profit has been asked to work in five states: Alaska, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. Project highlights include:
– Capacity building: For 15 years, the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Resources Project (CORRP) has convened resource managers, recreation providers and conservationists. Choose Outdoors will explore CORRP models in other states.
– Stewardship and Volunteers: Eager to give back, outdoor volunteers numbers grow annually, while agency capacity to manage volunteers dwindles. Colorados Outdoor Stewardship Institute builds private-sector capacity to manage volunteers and stewardship projects, a model for consideration in other states.
– Outdoor events: From National Trails Days and National Get Outdoors Day to local river and climbing festivals, outdoor communities host a spectrum of events. Choose Outdoors will work at state and locals levels to identify and maximize support and participation.
Major supporters include Outside Magazine, Outdoor Retailer, Victorinox/Swiss Army, Trans Rockies, Backpackers Pantry, Segway, Rogers Corporation, Jenesis Foundation and USDA Forest Service
