Press Releases
05/07/2026
Connecticut Joins National Coalition to Promote the State’s Outdoor Recreation Economy
DEEP Office of Outdoor Industry and Experiences is the 22nd State Office to Join the Confluence of States National Network
(HARTFORD) - Today the State of Connecticut joined the Confluence of States, a bipartisan, national coalition of state governments dedicated to growing the outdoor recreation economy and increasing access to the outdoors. The Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) Office of Outdoor Industry and Experiences joins 21 other state offices in the Confluence of States dedicated to advancing five pillars of outdoor recreation: conservation and stewardship, education and workforce training, economic development, public health and wellness, and opportunity and experience.
As a member of the Confluence of States, the Connecticut Office of Outdoor Industry and Experiences will collaborate with other state outdoor recreation directors to identify opportunities to increase equitable access to the outdoors, support Connecticut-based outdoor recreation and conservation organizations and businesses, amplify new tourism opportunities, pursue new outdoor recreation workforce pipeline possibilities, and elevate outdoor recreation experiences in State Parks through the Partnership in Parks initiative.
In 2024, DEEP launched its Office of Outdoor Industry & Experiences by asking businesses, organizations and the general public to submit ideas to its Partnership in Parks Request for Information, which remains open for submission on a rolling basis. The submissions resulted in piloting new outdoor recreation services last recreation season and recently issuing a Paddlecraft Rental Service Request for Proposals at seven State Parks. Currently DEEP is seeking a qualified concessionaire to operate food, beverage, and campground store services at Lake Waramaug State Park in Kent and New Preston and those interested in submitting proposals can find more information here. Additional draft RFPs for new or expanded outdoor recreation experiences, services, and amenities are expected to be announced in the coming months, with public comment encouraged.
The Confluence of States network will support much of the work DEEP is already doing, including workforce training. Over the past three years DEEP has partnered with workforce investment boards in both eastern and western Connecticut to recruit mobile work crews that can be deployed across the state to address critical needs on DEEP-managed lands, which have faced increased pressure as visitation levels have risen following the pandemic. By pairing hands-on workforce training with real conservation and park maintenance needs, the mobile work crew model helps DEEP stretch limited resources, improve the visitor experience, and build a stronger pipeline of workers prepared for careers in outdoor recreation, conservation, and land stewardship.
Just last week, the Office of Outdoor Industry & Experiences hosted an inaugural Connecticut Outdoor Recreation Day at the State Capitol, with more than 40 outdoor industries, retailers, guides, and recreation groups exhibiting and hundreds of people, including more than two dozen state legislators, notably Rep. John-Michael Parker, House Chair, Environment Committee and Rep. Patrick Callahan, Ranking Member, Environment Committee, attending the event. Exhibitor space for the event quickly filled to capacity with many business and conservation organizations from around the state who showed up to demonstrate their support the outdoor recreation economy.
“Our parks, forests, fish, wildlife, and waterways are a big reason why Connecticut is such a great place to live, work, and play. These natural resources hold intrinsic conservation value and support many local businesses across the state,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “Connecticut’s outdoor recreation economy is not only thriving, it’s outperforming the national average for the second year in a row, and we are excited to build on this momentum through collaboration with likeminded states.”
This past March, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) released data on the outdoor recreation economy that showed Connecticut’s outdoor recreation economy continues to grow, actually outpacing the national average for the second consecutive year. Further, the data shows the industry in Connecticut is larger than most realize – valued at $6 billion - larger than in Maine, New Hampshire, or Vermont. It employs more than 50,000 people in Connecticut, contributing $2.8 billion in salary and wages to the state economy.
“We are excited to build on Connecticut’s outdoor recreation economy through the Partnership in Parks initiative,” said Jeff Shaw, Director of the Connecticut Office of Outdoor Industry and Experiences. “By fostering innovative partnerships, we aim to elevate visitor experiences across our State Parks, such as through the recently released RFP for concession services at Lake Waramaug State Park, one of Connecticut’s most scenic and cherished destinations. Joining the Confluence of States will further position Connecticut as a leader in providing equitable, accessible, and environmentally responsible outdoor experiences for all.”
"We are thrilled to welcome Connecticut as the 20th member of the Confluence of States. Their commitment to enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities and experiences through partnerships, conserving our natural landscapes, and fostering economic growth aligns perfectly with our five pillars," said Nathan Reigner, 2026 Chair of the Confluence of States and Director of the Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation. "As a state renowned for its accessibility to the outdoors, diverse landscapes, and extensive State Park system, Connecticut brings a wealth of knowledge to our bipartisan coalition.”
“Connecticut's formal commitment to the Confluence of States is testament to the groundswell of support for outdoor recreation as a driver of resilient state economies, connector of communities, and boon to public health,” said Chris Perkins, Vice President of Programs at the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. “The $1.3 trillion outdoor recreation economy is better off with robust state leadership for outdoor recreation initiatives and investments, and we are proud to have showcased these directors and the Confluence of States at our National Executive Forum on Health and Outdoor Recreation.”
On Thursday, May 7, 2026, Connecticut became the 22nd state to join the Confluence of States, a bipartisan, national coalition of state governments dedicated to growing the outdoor recreation economy and increasing access to the outdoors. Jeff Shaw, Director of the Connecticut Office of Outdoor Industry and Experiences, is pictured holding the signing document at the signing event in Washington, D.C. Credit: CT DEEP
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