Nature-Based Recreation

The Nature-Based Recreation working group is dedicated to showcasing the Ohio River Basin's opportunities for world-class outdoor recreation and bolstering the region's economy by supporting these activities.

Paddlefest-2015-WCPO-shot-of-paddlers-and-fire-hose-_Paddlefest28_1438541913871_22187836_v

Recreation in the Basin Provides

$83.4 billion

in annual consumer spending on outdoor recreation

757,000+

jobs in the Ohio River Basin directly provided by the outdoor recreation economy

$5.4 billion

in state and local tax revenue from the outdoor recreation sector

Member Highlight: Ohio River Way

The Ohio River Way collaborates with diverse agencies, including ORBA, to celebrate and enhance the natural, cultural, and historical assets of the Ohio River, to facilitate a regional network to address common challenges and pursue shared opportunities, and identify and align resources to benefit the well-being of communities. The Ohio River Way is currently seeking designation for 308 miles of the Ohio River as a national water trail to bring national attention and protection to the region, as well as increasing access for outdoor recreation.

Learn More About ORW

In collaboration with the College of William and Mary, the Recreation Workgroup is developing a series of GIS maps of rivers and streams by congressional district that will allow for district-specific event marketing and serve as a resource to highlight the importance of the outdoor recreation economy to elected officials and policymakers.

GIS Toolkit:
Coming Soon

Recreation Toolkit:
Coming Soon

The Recreation Workgroup is currently developing a comprehensive toolkit to plan, market, and execute recreation events across the Ohio River Basin. This webpage will feature recreation events across the basin and how to get involved. To assist in the planning and implementation of this toolkit, contact Risa Shimoda, Recreation Workgroup Chair (executivedirector@river-management.net).

Recreation Workgroup Highlighted Strategic Actions

Facilitate

Pursuing funding to establish multipurpose terrestrial and water trails (i.e. Greenways and Blueways) along the Ohio River interconnecting with Tennessee RiverLine and tributary trails and increase access in underserved areas.

Advocate

For policies and funding supportive of fishing, hunting, and paddle sport education to expand nature-based recreation and economic growth, and to encourage the stewardship of natural resources that make such recreation possible.

Collaborate

Among water trail organizations to engage relevant river cities, agencies, businesses, associations, and NGOs on approaches and plans to promote outdoor recreation with particular emphasis on reaching new participants, including providing easy opportunities to “try out” activities such as boating or camping.

Workgroup Objectives

1) Grow the basin's outdoor recreation economy at a rate that exceeds the national average;
2) create a Basin-wide communication plan for recreation that encompasses recreation safety as well as the benefits to public health and quality of life.

Workgroup Leadership

If you'd like to join the Recreation workgroup, email the Chair.

Risa Shimoda

Chair

executivedirector

@river-management.net