Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative

Leveraging Vermont’s Outdoor Recreation Assets to Stimulate and Improve Economic Outcomes

In Vermont, a healthy outdoor recreation economy directly supports related businesses and organizations. Moreover, It also contributes to numerous other aspects of the Vermont economy and culture, including the encouragement of healthy communities and individuals, enhancement of the Vermont lifestyle and the Vermont brand, increased connection to nature and attraction of high-quality employers and a sustainable workforce in all economic sectors.

We know the economy in Vermont benefits from our shared love of the outdoors. Direct spending at outdoor retailers and service providers (gear outlets, manufacturers, sales reps, guide services, marketing firms that specialize in outdoor recreation, etc.) as well as per trip expenditures (meals, gas, hotels etc.) add up to a whopping $2.5 billion annually in consumer spending. Nationally, the $646 billion outdoor recreation industry is now being measured as part of America’s gross national product.

By promoting our outdoor recreation assets and businesses we will be able to sustainably support this sector and help drive overall growth in the Vermont economy.

The VOREC steering committee is made up of Vermont businesses and non-profits including outdoor manufacturers, retailers, brand representatives, trail and user groups and conservation organizations, as well as state government. Check out our list of current steering committee members.

The VOREC steering committee’s purpose is to engage with businesses, government, the nonprofit sector and the public to identify specific outcomes that promote business opportunities, increase participation opportunities, and strengthen the quality and stewardship of our recreational resources.

VOREC Community Grant Program (Now accepting applications!)

This grant program is intended to fund community projects that leverage outdoor recreation which VOREC defines as leisure, sport and therapeutic recreation activities pursued outdoors, mainly in a natural setting.

The 2021 grant program is now open and we are accepting letters of interest until Friday, August 27.

Learn more about the program

VOREC Community Grant Program report to the legislature (January 15, 2020)