NORC (national outdoor recreation conference)

This inspiring session will share stories, lessons, and best practices from the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities (RERC) program, a federal partnership between the U.S. EPA, the USDA Forest Service, the Northern Border Regional Commission, and the Appalachian Regional Commission to support rural communities that are leveraging the power of outdoor recreation to revitalize their main streets and diversify their economies.

Thirty-five communities from across the country have participated in the RERC program so far, and this session will highlight two California communities 'Quincy and Yreka' who have participated in the RERC planning process and are now implementing strategies to boost their local economies and downtowns. Both communities have worked to reinvest in housing, infrastructure, and local businesses on their main streets; expand and connect outdoor recreation opportunities; and reinvigorate and reimagine the role of outdoor recreation in their local economies.

At the same time, these communities have sought ways to become more resilient to wildfire and the risks of a changing climate and to become more inclusive, welcoming places that meaningfully involve ALL residents in the planning process. Come to this session ready to be inspired by these communities' stories and empowered with strategies you can take home! - Learn lessons learned and best practices from the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities program and how your community can apply in the future.

• Learn strategies that small towns and rural communities are using to plan for and manage their recreation economies; revitalize their main streets; and create healthy, sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant communities.
• Learn about the power of outdoor recreation to change conversations in communities about economic diversification; affordable and workforce housing; climate adaptation and resilience; and diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and accessibility.
• Be inspired by what peer communities have accomplished through thoughtful planning and strategic implementation of outdoor recreation goals and actions – and take home ideas to your own community!