Maine Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap
Maine Outdoor Brands
Economic Equity
This project was led by Maine Outdoor Brands, in partnership with the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation, the University of Maine, and a Core Team that included Maine Technology Institute, the Maine Marine Trades Association, and Maine Department of Parks and Lands. Maine Outdoor Brands is the industry alliance for outdoor recreation product makers, experience providers, retailers, and organizations invested in strengthening Maine’s $3+ billion outdoor recreation economy.
Fourth Economy was engaged to develop a roadmap to create a unifying plan and vision for the growth and development of this critical sector.
Our Approach
Maine’s 10-Year Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap was developed through a multi-pronged process including: Engaging nearly 450 Maine residents from throughout the state and representing the diversity of sectors that make up the outdoor recreation economy; Analyzing data from the outdoor recreation economy, including workforce, industry, supply chain, and competitiveness factors, and; Leveraging and aligning with the goals and targeted actions defined in prior published State plans.
The Results
The Roadmap will act as a guiding plan to support shared goals around economic development, education and workforce training, conservation and stewardship, and public health and wellness. It also increases awareness and understanding of the diverse sectors that define Maine’s outdoor recreation economy. The Roadmap was released in January 2025. The Steering Committee has transitioned into an Implementation Committee that meets on a regular basis to execute the suite of recommendations included in the Roadmap document. The inaugural Outdoor Recreation Roadmap will be a guide to growing and diversifying Maine’s outdoor recreation economy over the next ten years.
Location
Maine