SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 41

(By Cline, Hamilton, Beach, Facemire, Hardesty, Pitsenbarger, Roberts, Rucker, Smith, Stollings, and Sypolt)

[Originating in the Committee on Natural Resources; reported February 18, 2020]

Requesting the Governor take actions necessary for West Virginia to become eligible to join the Outdoor Recreation Industry Confluence of States and become a signatory to the Outdoor Recreation Industry Confluence Accords.

Whereas, The Legislature recognizes the importance and potential of the outdoor recreation industry in West Virginia; and

Whereas, Thirteen states (Colorado, Maine, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming) have joined the Outdoor Recreation Industry Confluence of States (Confluence of States) and are signatories to the Outdoor Recreation Industry Confluence Accords (Confluence Accords); and

Whereas, The Confluence Accords provide:

“Preamble:

We, a growing confluence of states with a shared passion for the outdoors and a commitment to cultivating a strong outdoor recreation economy, believe that outdoor recreation is core to the very character and quality of life we should all enjoy. 

The outdoor industry is a powerhouse of meaningful job creation, and a driving force of our Nation’s economy. Our industry is an economic multiplier, creating a unique quality of life in rural and urban areas, attracting new businesses and professional talent to our communities.

While each of our states is unique, our shared commitment to facilitating everyone’s love of place through inclusion and diverse outdoor experiences has the power to unify communities, to bridge societal divides, and to improve the mental and physical health of all people.

The outdoors is the wellspring of adventure, camaraderie, and solace, inspiring us to both explore new places and set down roots. Whereas nature is the backbone of the recreation economy, we are committed to fostering conservation and stewardship values, ensuring environmental quality, and restoring sustainable access to the outdoors for current and future generations. 

Therefore, the undersigned representatives for the outdoor recreation sector do hereby adopt and commit our states to the following common principles:

CONSERVATION & STEWARDSHIP

Work with the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to advocate for conservation and stewardship of land, air, water, and wildlife, and for public access to them.

Facilitate public-private partnerships to enhance public outdoor recreational access, infrastructure improvements and conservation efforts.

Educate and empower the public on the importance and interrelatedness of a healthy environment, outdoor recreation and a vibrant economy.

EDUCATION & WORKFORCE TRAINING

Engage with educators to support environmental and outdoor learning opportunities for early and life-long outdoor activity, career development, and advocacy for outdoor recreation.

Promote workforce training programs for technical training, skill mastery, and business opportunities across the spectrum of outdoor industry careers.

Promote interest, participation, and diversity in the outdoors for all, supporting opportunities for early and life-long outdoor learning.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Collaborate with all stakeholders to establish and improve sustainable outdoor recreation infrastructure and funding.

Engage federal, tribal, state, and local governments, as well as local and regional economic development organizations to attract, retain, and expand business and market the outdoor recreation economy.

Address barriers to businesses' success in the outdoor recreation economy.

PUBLIC HEALTH & WELLNESS

Address social determinants of health by increasing outdoor recreation opportunities for people of all backgrounds and abilities.

Partner with health & wellness stakeholders to determine shared values and common goals, build relationships, and generate innovative partnerships to fulfill shared visions.

 Assist in quantifying impacts of access to outdoor recreation and related social determinants on healthcare outcomes and costs.”; and

Whereas, the Charter of the Confluence of States provides that a state must meet five criteria in order to become eligible to join the Confluence of States and to become a signatory to the Confluence Accords:

“1. State Director. States must appoint or designate a state employee through executive or legislative action, directed to supporting the four pillars and twelve common principles enumerated in The Accords, to represent the outdoor recreation industry sector.

2. New Role or Charter. These staff members may be appointed with the above charge as a new director or equivalent executive leader, or existing staff or advisors may be designated through a new organizational charter or mission which intentionally expands the representative’s role to include stewardship of the state’s outdoor recreation sector.

3. Public Declaration. For the offices to be visible and accountable to their constituents, creation of new offices, appointment of state employee and/or designation of existing state employee must be made through a durable and public declaration including, but not limited to, executive order, enabling legislation, gubernatorial press release, or similar policy actions.

4. Executive Access. Each state’s staff member representing the outdoor recreation sector must have reasonable and timely access to their state’s Governor such that the endorsement of coordinated actions by the Confluence of States carries the weight not only of the staff member, but also the informed backing of their state government.

5. Budget and Resources. These state staff members must be endowed with a budget that includes necessary resources to travel and engage with both outdoor recreation constituents within their respective states and other Confluence States to advocate for the outdoor recreation industry both locally and nationally.”; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Legislature hereby requests the Governor take actions necessary for West Virginia to become eligible to join the Outdoor Recreation Industry Confluence of States and become a signatory to the Outdoor Recreation Industry Confluence Accords; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the Senate is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution the Governor of West Virginia.