Submitted by Hailey Sorg, University of Wyoming Extension/Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute and Guinevere Nelson, Colorado State University Extension, for the May 2025 NET Newsletter Western Region Spotlight.
Outdoor recreation is a rapidly expanding sector that intersects with rural life, economic development, and natural resource stewardship. Recognizing Extension’s opportunity to support this industry, the Outdoor Recreation Knowledge Exchange webinar series was developed as a model for multidisciplinary collaboration. The five-part series was organized by Hailey Sorg (University of Wyoming Extension/Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute) and Guinevere Nelson (Colorado State University Extension).
Initially focusing on Wyoming and Colorado, the series highlighted key insights, challenges, and opportunities from both states’ outdoor recreation industries. UW Extension and CSU Extension Educators, Guinevere and Hailey served as facilitators, guiding meaningful discussions between industry professionals, government officials, and community members. Each session featured guest panelists from both Colorado and Wyoming, ensuring diverse regional perspectives.
The series proved to be a valuable platform, with 440 registrants from over 28 states, including outdoor recreation professionals, researchers, nonprofit organizations, public land managers, students, outdoor enthusiasts, and government officials. Panel topics included workforce development, public-private partnerships, funding resources, lessons learned from communities, and the future of outdoor recreation. Strategic partnerships with both the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation and the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office helped align the series with industry needs. Top priorities identified through this webinar series for both states included workforce development needs , housing, and technical assistance.
Looking ahead, the Outdoor Recreation Knowledge Exchange is excited to expand in 2025 to include additional Western states, further enriching conversations around sustainable outdoor recreation development.
The Outdoor Recreation Knowledge Exchange showcases the critical role Extension can play in supporting rural economies through collaboration, innovation, and leadership in the outdoor recreation space.
Learn more: https://wyoextension.org/ruralentrepreneurship/outdoor-recreation-knowledge-exchange/
YouTube Recordings: https://www.youtube.com/@uwyoworthinstitute