MILLINOCKET, Maine — A coalition of industry stakeholders – including Maine Outdoor Brands (MOB), Maine’s Office of Outdoor Recreation, the Maine Marine Trades Association, Maine’s Bureau of Parks and Lands, Maine Technology Institute, and the University of Maine – recently launched Maine’s Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap, a comprehensive 10-year plan designed to bolster the state’s $3.4 billion outdoor recreation industry through strategic economic investments, workforce expansion, and community revitalization. Another step in ensuring Maine is on pace to reach its goal of a diverse and sustainable economy.
“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.”
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.
Read about the Roadmap here.
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.
Additional comments from steering committee members and key stakeholders:
“Maine’s outdoor economy relies heavily on volunteers. Many of them have been helping build the basis for the current outdoor economy for decades and others are just beginning. We (the Maine Snowmobile Association) need to see the pool of volunteers grow and diversify the age group. While engaging new people to help, clubs need additional financial resources to meet the increasing costs of doing business. Our infrastructure is aging, and traffic loads are increasing. We look forward to the direction & impact of the roadmap.” Matt Stedman – Irving Woodlands/Maine Snowmobile Association
“The outdoor industry offers incredible potential for innovative technological advancement – from eco-friendly gear manufacturing to data-driven trail management. By investing in cutting-edge solutions and fostering collaboration among innovators, the Roadmap positions Maine to remain agile in a rapidly evolving marketplace and to nurture emerging outdoor startups and established businesses alike.” –Tom Kittredge, Maine Technology Institute
“A thriving outdoor recreation economy is vital to Maine’s future, and this Roadmap provides the blueprint to get us there. Its strategies will guide rural former mill towns as they reimagine their identities, inspire entrepreneurs to start that outdoor recreation business they’ve always dreamed of, and show our youth that pursuing a career in outdoor recreation is not just possible but promising,” said Kristina Cannon, Main Street Skowhegan.
The Roadmap ensures that Maine’s outdoor sporting culture remains strong by investing in and supporting responsible access to private and public land, while protecting natural habitats and the lands that make Maine exceptional. The plan creates outdoor recreational opportunities for all outdoor users while protecting Maine’s natural heritage which defines our state for residents and visitors alike,” said Commissioner Judy Camuso, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
“Collaboration is at the heart of this Roadmap, the planning process brought together public agencies, businesses, nonprofits, and academic institutions to help shape a vibrant, sustainable future for Maine’s outdoor sector. Maine’s natural resources are unparalleled and now we have a plan to ensure we are working collectively to conserve and manage our natural assets and provide robust and inviting access to them for a broad range of outdoor uses and users.” said Angela Twitchell, Senior Director Partnerships & Public Policy, Maine Coast Heritage Trust.
“Maine’s outdoor economy is one of our state’s strongest competitive advantages. Maine has a rich history of building nationally recognized outdoor brands and manufacturing companies. Investing in this strength will help grow our economy, create strong jobs, and solidify Maine as the premier location to live and work.” said Devin McNeill, Co-founder of Flowfold.
“Maine offers unparalleled outdoor recreation experiences that create significant economic opportunity for the state. Acadia National Park alone is estimated to generate $685 million in total annual economic output. Friends of Acadia is excited about the Roadmap because it invests in stewardship of Maine’s natural resources, while encouraging sustainable economic growth and community development through collaboration, infrastructure development, and professional advancement,” said Stephanie Clement, Friends of Acadia.
We are proud of the collaborative effort that went into the creation of the Maine Outdoor Economic Roadmap. By involving groups throughout the state with vested interests in the outdoors, this work shows how interconnected our relationships are to the outdoor economy. From environmental nonprofits and advocates for active transportation, to Maine-based retailers and businesses involved in trail creation or hospitality, to local and state government representatives, this document represents a collective passion for promoting and protecting Maine’s outdoor economy. Said, Anne Marisic, Bicycle Coalition of Maine
“Maine’s outdoor recreation economy has long been a cornerstone for our broader economic health and a key contributor to our state’s quality of life. We should celebrate this vital sector of our economy, and not take it for granted, by investing in workforce development and ensuring that Maine’s outdoor recreation economy is accommodating for all communities. The Maine State Chamber of Commerce applauds Maine’s 10-Year Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap and looks forward to continuing to be a partner in its implementation.” Patrick Woodcock, President and CEO of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce
“This Roadmap helps us connect students and faculty with real-world challenges – encouraging innovations in recreation management, product development, and entrepreneurship that will keep Maine at the forefront of outdoor excellence.” said Jason Entsminger, Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation and State Extension Specialist for Small Business, University of Maine.
“Maine’s parks, forests, and shorelines define our character and serve as a cornerstone of our economy. We’re balancing a growing demand for outdoor experiences with our commitment to responsible stewardship. This ensures that future generations can enjoy Maine’s natural assets while communities reap the economic and cultural rewards,” said Rex Turner, Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands.
There is a significant need for sustainably built, accessible trails, which I hope will receive support through the trails bond. Another key barrier, not just for people with disabilities but for many others, is the lack of reliable transportation to outdoor spaces. Additionally, I’ve noticed a growing need for outdoor businesses to invest in adaptive equipment, enabling them to make their services more inclusive. These changes would allow more people to fully experience the incredible outdoors of Maine. Said Enock Glidden, Maine Adaptive Sports and Recreation
“Maine Guides have been part of the state’s heritage and legacy, the Road Map highlights the important role Maine Guides play in continuing to grow the Outdoor Recreation Economy.” saidDeputy Director Mike Tuminaro of the Maine Professional Guides Association.
Funding for the Roadmap initiative is being provided by the American Rescue Plan Act Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation grant program administered by the U.S. Economic Development Administration. This funding is specifically aimed at addressing the challenges posed by the pandemic on Maine’s travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation industries. As a result, the Roadmap is dedicated to enhancing the synergy between Maine’s unique natural resources and the state’s long-term economic strength.