The Office of Outdoor Recreation was established to support and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities across the state.
Additional purposes include increasing equitable access to outdoor recreation, implementation of the recommendations of the
Maryland Outdoor Recreation Economic Commission (MOREC), assisting outdoor recreation businesses that already exist across the state, working with local leaders to expand outdoor recreation, and increasing revenue streams through outdoor recreation opportunities.
The outdoor recreation economy in Maryland already generates 109,000 direct jobs, $14 billion in consumer spending, $4.4 billion in wages and salaries, and $951 million in state and local tax revenue. Investment in outdoor recreation and nature and heritage tourism economies support many outdoor activities in Maryland, including hiking, biking, horse-back riding, paddling, boating, fishing, hunting, camping, swimming, wildlife-viewing, and visiting historic sites.
The office will follow five pillars to abide by and to recruit what we call “outdoor recreation ambassadors”, see below.
- Environmental Conservation & Stewardship
- Education & Workforce Development
- Economic Development
- Exercise Health & Wellness
- Equity, Access & Inclusion
Contact Us
To learn more, contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Office of Outdoor Recreation, 580 Taylor Ave., C-4, Annapolis, MD 21401
