The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s (DEEP) has created an Office of Outdoor Industry and Experiences, which is designed to expand the state’s outdoor recreation economy through partnerships with the private sector.
DEEP has initiated a request for information (RFI) as an initial step to expand services and amenities in state parks through partnerships with businesses, nonprofits, and other private sector entities. In creating the new office, DEEP noted Connecticut’s $4.6 billion outdoor recreation is the second largest in New England, supporting almost 46,000 jobs.
“Through this new office and initiative, we are elevating the outdoor recreation experience in our parks, creating new tourism destinations, and building on the Lamont administration’s commitment to providing equitable access to the outdoors,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. “I encourage private sector organizations who share our values for both outdoor recreation and conservation to submit partnership concepts. We’re eager to hear ideas from nonprofits and businesses about ways they could partner with us to provide expanded services and amenities for state park visitors, that reflect our values for both outdoor recreation and natural resource conservation. We want to hear from our visitors about the kinds of experiences you’d like to see result from these partnerships.”
RFI proposals can be submitted through the Office of Outdoor Industry’s website.
