Outdoor Resources Review Group
The Outdoor Resources Review Group (ORRG) was a private bipartisan panel reviewing conservation, outdoor recreation and related issues in light of changes in the needs of the American public and the resources available to meet those needs.
Introduction
The Outdoor Resources Review Group (ORRG) was a private bipartisan panel reviewing conservation, outdoor recreation and related issues in light of changes in the needs of the American public and the resources available to meet those needs. Its membership includes a diverse set of policymakers and professionals with expertise in the management, provision, and value of outdoor resources. Honorary co-chairs Senator Lamar Alexander and Senator Jeff Bingaman head the list of highly knowledgeable and respected individuals involved with the project.
The review is in the tradition of two prior landmark efforts—the Outdoor Recreation Resources Review Commission of 1962 (ORRRC) and the President’s Commission on Americans Outdoors of 1987. Those reports had a major impact on America’s effort to conserve and protect its outdoor heritage and were influential in raising the nation’s concern for parks, refuges and open space at local and state levels. As a new administration takes office, it is important to keep issues related to outdoor resources before decisionmakers to ensure that land conservation remains high on the American policy agenda. One of the primary goals of the ORRG is to determine whether or not a third Presidential Commission is warranted and to consider the potential next steps of such a Commission.
Resources for the Future (RFF) is providing analysis to inform the review. RFF’s research will examine trends in recreational land use and new issues affecting recreation, conservation, and open space. The National Geographic Society and the Conservation Fund are also cooperating in this effort.
The new review is assessing results to-date in conserving our outdoor heritage as well as designing new programs and initiatives for the 21st century. It is examining broad trends associated with conservation and recreation, taking into account issues unique to specific settings, such as urban areas and Western lands. Emerging concerns such as health, children and the outdoors, and climate change will be given particular attention. The record of experience with private land conservation will be examined, as will funding issues at the federal, state, and local level.
For more information about ORRG and the RFF study, please send an email to [email protected].
Publications
The documents posted below provide information on key conservation and recreation resources in the United States, as well as summaries of important federal funding and financing programs. They make available survey data on federal lands and national state, and local parks; highlight movements in supply of and demand for these resources; and review issues of current concern and an outlook for the future.
Reports and Background Study
Report — Sep 15, 2009
The State of the Great Outdoors: America's Parks, Public Lands, and Recreation Resources
The State of the Great Outdoors: America's Parks, Public Lands, and Recreation Resources
Report — Jul 31, 2009
Great Outdoors America: The Report of the Outdoor Resources Review Group
Great Outdoors America: The Report of the Outdoor Resources Review Group
Backgrounders and Other Documents
Issue Brief — Aug 14, 2009
Conservation Reserve Program and Wetland Reserve Program: Primary Land Retirement Programs for Promoting Farmland Conservation
Conservation Reserve Program and Wetland Reserve Program: Primary Land Retirement Programs for Promoting Farmland Conservation
Working Paper — Jul 8, 2009
Current Policy and Legal Issues Affecting Recreational Use of Public Lands in the American West
Current Policy and Legal Issues Affecting Recreational Use of Public Lands in the American West
Issue Brief — Jun 10, 2009
Summary Table: Federal Conservation and Recreation Funding Programs
Summary Table: Federal Conservation and Recreation Funding Programs
Issue Brief — Jun 4, 2009
Parks and Recreation in the United States: Local Park Systems
Parks and Recreation in the United States: Local Park Systems
Working Paper — May 14, 2009
Use of Time for Outdoor Recreation in the United States, 1965–2007
Use of Time for Outdoor Recreation in the United States, 1965–2007
Working Paper — May 6, 2009
Outdoor Recreation, Health, and Wellness: Understanding and Enhancing the Relationship
Outdoor Recreation, Health, and Wellness: Understanding and Enhancing the Relationship
Issue Brief — Apr 14, 2009
Climate Change and Outdoor Recreation Resources
Climate Change and Outdoor Recreation Resources
Issue Brief — Mar 31, 2009
Current Challenges, Funding, and Popularity Trends in State Parks: Responses to a Survey of Park Directors
Current Challenges, Funding, and Popularity Trends in State Parks: Responses to a Survey of Park Directors
Issue Brief — Mar 31, 2009
Current Challenges, Funding, and Popularity Trends in Local Parks and Recreation Areas: Responses to a Survey of Park Directors
Current Challenges, Funding, and Popularity Trends in Local Parks and Recreation Areas: Responses to a Survey of Park Directors
Issue Brief — Jan 31, 2009
Federal Funding for Conservation and Recreation: Trails Funding by the Department of Transportation
Federal Funding for Conservation and Recreation: Trails Funding by the Department of Transportation
Issue Brief — Jan 14, 2009
Parks and Recreation in the United States: State Park Systems
Parks and Recreation in the United States: State Park Systems
Issue Brief — Jan 14, 2009
Parks and Recreation in the United States: The National Park System
Parks and Recreation in the United States: The National Park System
Issue Brief — Jan 14, 2009
Federal Funding for Conservation and Recreation: The Land and Water Conservation Fund
Federal Funding for Conservation and Recreation: The Land and Water Conservation Fund
Working Paper — Oct 15, 2008
The Policy Path to the Great Outdoors: A History of the Outdoor Recreation Review Commissions
The Policy Path to the Great Outdoors: A History of the Outdoor Recreation Review Commissions