UMaine celebrates launch of Maine Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap
The University of Maine, in collaboration with the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation, Maine Outdoor Brands and a coalition of other industry partners, helped launch the Maine Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap at an event in Millinocket on Wednesday, Jan. 29. The roadmap lays out a vision for growing and diversifying Maine’s $3.4 billion outdoor recreation economy over the next decade.
“At the University of Maine, we are proud to drive innovation in outdoor recreation through cutting-edge research, product development and entrepreneurship,” said Jake Ward, vice president for strategic partnerships, innovation and engagement. “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.”
Outdoor recreation made up 3.7% of Maine’s economy in 2023, the sixth largest share in the nation, and accounted for 30,000 jobs. The roadmap emphasizes workforce preparedness, support for outdoor recreation businesses, enhanced recreation and economic development. Workforce and talent development and entrepreneurial and innovation support for outdoor recreation companies are key strategies outlined in the roadmap, and areas where UMaine offers meaningful contributions.
“This roadmap helps us connect students and faculty with real-world challenges — encouraging innovations in recreation management, outdoor recreation related product development and entrepreneurship that will keep Maine at the forefront of outdoor excellence,” said Jason Entsminger, UMaine assistant professor of entrepreneurship and innovation, state Extension specialist for small business and a member of the core team that developed the roadmap.
At Wednesday’s roadmap launch event at New England Outdoor Center in Millinocket, MaineMBA student Mikayla Reynolds of Waterville was a featured speaker. An alumna of the Maine Business School’s Bachelors program and one UMaine’s 2023 Salutatorians, Reynolds interned with Maine Outdoor Brands in the summer of 2024 and contributed to the development of the roadmap as part of her internship and later as part of the Maine Business School’s special topics course evaluating Maine’s outdoor recreation entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“As a Mainer, I’ve always valued my time outdoors and as a place of peace, well-being, and rest,” said Reynolds. “My work over the past year in support of the Roadmap effort has made me realize that outdoor recreation is also a rewarding career path. I see so many opportunities for young people in Maine’s outdoor recreation economy, and I’m thrilled at the prospects laid out in this roadmap to bolster career options and business potential, while also enhancing physical and mental health in our communities.”
Ward also served on the roadmap’s core team, along with corporate engagement events and programs manager Taylor Boucher. Molly Bogner, a UMaine master’s student in Forest Resources, and Jason Harkins, executive dean of the Maine Business School and dean of the Graduate School of Business, were members of the roadmap steering committee. UMaine School of Economics faculty members Kathleen Bell and Todd Gabe assisted with economic analysis.
This roadmap marks the first time Maine has defined outdoor recreation as a major economic driver in such a broad and strategic way. Past statewide roadmaps, such as the Forest Opportunity Roadmap (FOR/ME), have been catalysts for focusing stakeholder efforts and expanding collaboration, opportunity and investment for their respective sectors, serving as a successful model for this effort.
Funding for the roadmap initiative was 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.
A news release is online.
Contact: Ashley Forbes, ashley.forbes@maine.edu