Governor Burgum announces the establishment of the North Dakota Office of Outdoor Recreation.
Acknowledging the increasing significance of outdoor recreation, North Dakota has followed suit with 20 other states and Washington, D.C. by instituting a specialized Office of Outdoor Recreation. This initiative arises as outdoor activities continue to inject over $1 trillion into the U.S. economy annually. North Dakota enjoys a $1.3 billion economic surge from outdoor recreation, and the Office of Outdoor Recreation establishment is positioned to enhance this sector within the state. By establishing this office, North Dakota is making strategic investments in its natural resources and the economic prospects it offers.
Outdoor Recreation emerges as an expanding economic powerhouse for states and communities nationwide. In North Dakota, this sector fuels a substantial $1.3 billion to the state's gross domestic product (GDP) and sustains nearly 14,000 jobs.
In 2024, Governor Doug Burgum, acknowledging the substantial impact of outdoor products and recreation on North Dakota's economy and overall quality of life, established the North Dakota Office of Outdoor Recreation (NDOOR).
NDOOR purpose is to ensure comprehensive planning and execution of successful policies, strategies and initiatives to maximize the impact of outdoor recreation in North Dakota.
Alongside its abundant natural resources that render North Dakota ideal for outdoor recreation, the state also offers fertile ground for outdoor recreation companies. Our office facilitates businesses by connecting them with services such as market expansion assistance, international export guidance, available incentives, business retention efforts, innovation grants, product testing facilities, patent support, and more.
- To ensure comprehensive planning and execution of successful policies, strategies and initiatives to maximize the impact of outdoor recreation in North Dakota.
- Greatly enhance the planning process and quality for the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP)
- Coordinate and communicate grant and other programs individual agencies offer to build and expand outdoor recreation to ensure the most efficient and effective outcomes.
- Better engage the private sector in all aspects of planning and execution of outdoor recreation strategy and initiatives.
- Research and identify outdoor recreation trends and gaps in North Dakota’s outdoor offerings.
- Advocate and support state, local, and private investments in outdoor recreation offerings and infrastructure to align with North Dakota’s (SCORP).
- Educate the public on environmental stewardship and lessening the recreational impact on North Dakota’s natural resources and how stewardship and conservation can have a positive economic impact.
The North Dakota Office of Outdoor Recreation is for everyone. If you, your business, or your interest group are interested in getting involved, please reach out to Cole at parkrec@nd.gov.