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“This roadmap is the collective vision of hundreds of Mainers – business owners, community leaders, and outdoor enthusiasts – who shared their experiences and insights,” said Jenny Kordick, executive director of MOB. “It’s a strategic plan that honors our natural assets, creates new economic opportunities, and preserves Maine’s outdoor legacy for future generations.”
Developed with extensive input from stakeholders spanning interviews, focus groups, roadshow stops, and engagement with more than 200 industry leaders across 31 cities and towns in 16 Maine counties, the roadmap places local voices at the forefront of shaping Maine’s outdoor future.
“At the University of Maine, we are proud to drive innovation in outdoor recreation through cutting-edge research, product development, and entrepreneurship. Our talented students, interns, and faculty work alongside industry leaders to create solutions that honor Maine’s rich natural heritage while advancing its emerging resource-based economy. This roadmap highlights the importance of strategic partnerships and sustainable practices, ensuring Maine remains a leader in outdoor recreation and economic opportunity for generations to come,” said Jake Ward, University of Maine’s vice president for strategic partnerships and innovation.
Maine’s Outdoor Recreation Roadmap outlines four key goals:
- Goal 1: Elevate Maine’s outdoor recreation industry into a critical and thriving pillar of the state’s economy.
- Goal 2: Increase and sustainably manage outdoor recreation.
- Goal 3: Establish outdoor recreation as a tool for building vibrant, economically diverse, and resilient communities.
- Goal 4: Establish Maine as a premier state for outdoor recreation businesses, education, training, and career opportunities.
“The roadmap, aligned with the visions and goals of various statewide initiatives, underscores two essential themes: Collaboration and Assurance,” said Jeff McCabe, director of the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation. “By working in partnership and strategically aligning our efforts, we can preserve, enhance, and expand Maine’s assets and amplify the benefits of outdoor recreation.”
As outlined in the 10-year Economic Development Strategy for Maine, fostering a unified effort to address challenges and capitalize on opportunities was imperative. Input for the roadmap came from several sectors of Maine’s outdoor economy to ensure many voices were heard and considered as strategies and tactics were formed.
“Maine's recreational boating industry is proud to be a leader of the state's outdoor economy. Through this roadmap, we’re ensuring that marine trades, from boatbuilding to marinas, continue to thrive, delivering world-class boats and experiences for residents and visitors on our iconic waters. Mainers have always had a collaborative mindset and we are pleased to have so many new partners across the state through this project,” said Stacey Keefer, executive director of Maine Marine Trades Association.
To learn more about each goal and its specific strategies, view Maine’s Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap at: trailblazerroadmap.com/roadmap.
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EDITOR'S NOTE: Click on the image above or this link to access downloadable photos and a video clip. Pictured above: Jeff McCabe, director of the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation, speaks at the Roadmap launch along with other industry stakeholders.
ABOUT THE MAINE OUTDOOR ECONOMY ROADMAP: The Maine Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap outlines a vision for growing and diversifying Maine’s $3.4B outdoor recreation economy over the next decade. This comprehensive guide identifies key trends, challenges, and opportunities, offering a suite of strategies to ensure the continued success of this vital sector. This roadmap marks the first time Maine has defined outdoor recreation as a major economic driver in such a broad and strategic way, and the project is funded by the EDA Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation Grant.
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