The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host its first Outdoor Recreation Summit from October 9-11 at Rocky Gap Casino Resort, located in Allegany County. The summit, aimed at promoting outdoor recreation, will offer a variety of engaging panels, presentations, and outdoor excursions, providing participants with hands-on experiences and opportunities to connect with experts and peers in the field.
The event is geared toward business owners, tourism professionals, outdoor enthusiasts, and students interested in careers in outdoor recreation. Attendees will have the opportunity to network, learn from industry experts, and explore Western Maryland’s natural beauty during the fall season.
Sandi Olek, director of the DNR’s Office of Outdoor Recreation, emphasized the diverse range of outdoor activities Maryland offers. “Maryland’s great outdoors have so much to offer, from swimming in the Atlantic and skiing in the Appalachians, to mountain biking in Patapsco Valley and tubing down the Gunpowder River,” Olek said. “We want to make sure everyone enjoys the fun of an outdoor adventure. Our summit is providing resources and knowledge to make that possible.”
Hands-On Experiences and Expert Panels
The summit promises a mix of outdoor adventures and educational presentations. Participants can take part in activities like mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking, and canoeing. These excursions will allow attendees to experience the outdoor opportunities Maryland has to offer firsthand.
The summit’s programming includes presentations centered on four key themes:
- Recreation, Conservation, and Stewardship: This theme focuses on sustainable practices, conservation efforts, and the importance of maintaining natural spaces for future generations.
- Community and Inclusion: Discussions in this area will address adaptive recreation, ensuring that outdoor activities are accessible to all, and fostering inclusive outdoor environments.
- Workforce Development: With an emphasis on developing skills for outdoor-related careers, this theme includes skill-building workshops and guidance for those seeking employment in outdoor recreation.
- Outdoor Business Development: Presentations will explore topics such as conducting business on state lands, building sustainable outdoor businesses, and the latest trends in the outdoor industry.
Opportunities for Exploration and Growth
Specific topics covered in the summit include trail planning, managing invasive species, adaptive outdoor activities for people with disabilities, and business operations in outdoor environments. The DNR’s Office of Outdoor Recreation hopes the summit will inspire participants to embrace the wealth of outdoor opportunities Maryland offers, from its mountains and rivers to its meadows and forests.
The inaugural summit will take place at Rocky Gap State Park, a scenic location in the heart of Mountain Maryland. In future years, the event is expected to rotate to other regions of the state, showcasing the vast array of outdoor opportunities available throughout Maryland, often referred to as “America in Miniature” due to its diverse landscapes.
Sponsors and Registration Information
The Outdoor Recreation Summit is supported by a number of co-sponsors, including Allegany County Economic and Community Development, Allegany County Tourism, AllTrails, Fish & Hunt Maryland, Frostburg State University’s Frostburg Outdoor Recreation Economic Institute, the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, the Maryland Department of Commerce Office of Tourism, Rocky Gap Casino and Resort, and Washington County Tourism.
The summit’s registration fee is $260, with a discounted rate of $150 for students. Registration is open until October 1 at 5 p.m., and can be completed at outdoorsummit.maryland.gov. For additional information or questions, participants can contact the Office of Outdoor Recreation via email at outdoorrec.summit@maryland.gov.
Future Plans for Outdoor Recreation in Maryland
Maryland’s outdoor recreation sector continues to grow, with the summit serving as a catalyst for future events aimed at promoting outdoor activities and business opportunities across the state. By rotating the summit to different regions in the coming years, the DNR hopes to highlight the unique outdoor offerings each area of Maryland provides.
In conclusion, the Maryland DNR’s inaugural Outdoor Recreation Summit promises to be an exciting and educational event for those passionate about outdoor activities and careers. With a lineup of expert-led panels, skill-building workshops, and outdoor excursions, the event is poised to become a key gathering for the state’s outdoor recreation community.
