1 Statement of Findings and Purpose. The general court hereby finds that outdoor recreation is vital to a diverse economy, is a delineating asset for the state in competition for workforce and employer recruitment, represents an opportunity for communities of the state to connect to a statewide asset, and contributes to a healthy community. In furtherance of these objectives, the general court hereby establishes an office of outdoor recreation industry development in the department of business and economic affairs.

2 New Section; Department of Business and Economic Affairs; Outdoor Recreation Industry Development; Office and Position Established. Amend RSA 12-O by inserting after section 23 the following new section:

12-O:23-a Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry Development Established.

I. There is established in the department the office of outdoor recreation industry development. The office shall be under the supervision of a classified director of the office of outdoor recreation industry development, who shall serve under the supervision of the commissioner. The director shall provide administrative oversight and ensure that the responsibilities of the office described in this section are fulfilled.

II. The office of outdoor recreation industry development shall:

(a) Coordinate outdoor recreation policy, management, and promotion among state and federal agencies and local government entities.

(b) Promote economic development in the state by:

(1) Coordinating with outdoor recreation stakeholders.

(2) Using outdoor recreational infrastructure and industry to promote tourism and recruit members of the general workforce.

(3) Working with stakeholders and academic institutions to develop relevant training and curricula for members of the outdoor industry and manufacturing workforce.

(4) Improving motorized and nonmotorized recreational opportunities in cooperation with the department of natural and cultural resources.

(5) Recruiting outdoor recreation business and industry.

(c) Recommend policies and initiatives to enhance recreational amenities and experiences in the state and help implement those policies and initiatives.

(d) Develop outcome-driven data regarding the effect of outdoor recreation in the state.

(e) Promote the health and social benefits of outdoor recreation, especially to young people.

(f) Advance sustainable land stewardship initiatives recognizing the relationship between outdoor recreation and its economic benefit to the state.

III. Provided that any federally funded programs managed by the department of natural and cultural resources, division of parks on the effective date of this section shall continue to be managed by the division of parks, the office of outdoor recreation industry development may:

(a) Seek federal grants or loans.

(b) Seek private foundation partnerships.

(c) Seek to participate in federal programs.

(d) In accordance with applicable federal program guidelines, administer federally funded outdoor recreation programs.

3 New Paragraph; Community Recreation Service; Duties. Amend RSA 12-B:3 by inserting after paragraph X the following new paragraph:

XI. To serve as liaison to the office of outdoor recreation industry development established pursuant to RSA 12-O:23-a.

4 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.

1 Statement of Findings and Purpose. The general court hereby finds that outdoor recreation is vital to a diverse economy, is a delineating asset for the state in competition for workforce and employer recruitment, represents an opportunity for communities of the state to connect to a statewide asset, and contributes to a healthy community. In furtherance of these objectives, the general court hereby establishes an office of outdoor recreation industry development in the department of business and economic affairs.

2 New Section; Department of Business and Economic Affairs; Outdoor Recreation Industry Development; Office and Position Established. Amend RSA 12-O by inserting after section 23 the following new section:

12-O:23-a Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry Development Established.

I. There is established in the department the office of outdoor recreation industry development. The office shall be under the supervision of a classified director of the office of outdoor recreation industry development, who shall serve under the supervision of the commissioner. The director shall provide administrative oversight and ensure that the responsibilities of the office described in this section are fulfilled.

II. The office of outdoor recreation industry development shall:

(a) Coordinate outdoor recreation policy, management, and promotion among state and federal agencies and local government entities.

(b) Promote economic development in the state by:

(1) Coordinating with outdoor recreation stakeholders.

(2) Using outdoor recreational infrastructure and industry to promote tourism and recruit members of the general workforce.

(3) Working with stakeholders and academic institutions to develop relevant training and curricula for members of the outdoor industry and manufacturing workforce.

(4) Improving motorized and nonmotorized recreational opportunities in cooperation with the department of natural and cultural resources.

(5) Recruiting outdoor recreation business and industry.

(c) Recommend policies and initiatives to enhance recreational amenities and experiences in the state and help implement those policies and initiatives.

(d) Develop outcome-driven data regarding the effect of outdoor recreation in the state.

(e) Promote the health and social benefits of outdoor recreation, especially to young people.

(f) Advance sustainable land stewardship initiatives recognizing the relationship between outdoor recreation and its economic benefit to the state.

III. Provided that any federally funded programs managed by the department of natural and cultural resources, division of parks on the effective date of this section shall continue to be managed by the division of parks, the office of outdoor recreation industry development may:

(a) Seek federal grants or loans.

(b) Seek private foundation partnerships.

(c) Seek to participate in federal programs.

(d) In accordance with applicable federal program guidelines, administer federally funded outdoor recreation programs.

3 New Paragraph; Community Recreation Service; Duties. Amend RSA 12-B:3 by inserting after paragraph X the following new paragraph:

XI. To serve as liaison to the office of outdoor recreation industry development established pursuant to RSA 12-O:23-a.

4 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.