Earlier this year, the DNR and the Natural Resources Commission created the Outdoor Recreation Advisory Council, a group geared toward increasing awareness of the many manufacturing, retail and service companies that support outdoor recreation, as well as building more connections within that statewide community.

“The Michigan businesses in this sector have great stories to tell,” said Marc Miller, DNR deputy for regional initiatives and the outdoor recreation industry. “We’re committed to finding new ways to strengthen the industry, build relationships and work together to discover opportunities for growth – all of which will mean better outdoor recreation experiences and more fun for the public.”

A new DNR interactive map, available at michigan.gov/mi-outdoorrec, allows users to navigate the state to find outdoor recreation businesses, as well as explore industry research. The site also offers a signup option for those interested in receiving email updates on the work of the council and industry developments.

Public listening sessions – opportunities to talk with consumers, retailers and other outdoor enthusiasts about industry relevance and challenges – also are under way. Set dates include Sept. 14 in Escanaba at Bay College and Jan. 9 at a meeting of the Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance in Houghton. More dates and locations will be shared as they’re finalized. For more details or to RSVP, email DNR-Outdoor-Rec@michigan.gov.

Questions? Contact Marc Miller, 517-284-6432.