This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The outdoor recreation industry is, at its core, about getting people outside and equipped with quality outdoor products. While people have always valued public lands in different ways, from skiing and camping to ranching and hunting, the very idea of the outdoors has never been a partisan idea—but rather a uniquely American treasure. And the keystone of the outdoor industry itself rests on the ability of all to venture into the outdoors with family and friends.
The ability for all to get outdoors is why members of the outdoor community are always willing to roll up their sleeves — whether on a local public land trail project, making products more sustainably or using our collective voices to shape public lands policy.
During our many years in Utah, we have consistently communicated to Utah's political leaders the need to enhance and promote protections for public lands in order to grow a vibrant outdoor economy and support Utah-based recreation business. In 2003, we applauded Gov. Mike Leavitt's establishment of an Outdoor Recreation Economic Ecosystem Task Force. I remember being pregnant with my daughter, who is now 11, when I flew to Salt Lake City for my first meeting.
We celebrated in 2012, when Utah was the first state in the country to establish an Office of Outdoor Recreation. We have taken that model and encouraged other states like Colorado and Washington to do the same and always pointed back to Utah's lead.
Unfortunately, in the years since, we have seen efforts to transfer and sell off public lands, starve funding for effective land management and further undermine our shared national heritage. Utah's elected officials and the outdoor industry see the value of public lands differently, which has left us at a crossroads. Like all businesses, we must remain true to our values and make the best business decision we can.
Recently, OIA and several member organizations have been in negotiations with the governor of Utah in an attempt to rectify policy differences and approaches to the national public lands in the state. However, we were not able to come to agreement on a path forward.
This is a decision about what reflects our industry's values, is best for our businesses and promotes the $646 billion recreation economy. This means protecting America's public lands in Utah and across the country. We cannot watch as the backbone of our industry — these public lands — are compromised.
Outdoor Retailer's departure from Utah is bittersweet. Though the tradeshow is leaving, we are not abandoning this important work. We look forward to July's Outdoor Retailer Summer Market and the opportunity to thank the people of Salt Lake City, who work every day at the restaurants, hotels and other businesses that have helped our industry grow and create so many fond memories. To you, we say sincerely, Thank you.
Amy Roberts is Outdoor Industry Association executive director.