The Rural Economic Development Toolkit, created by the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, outlines best practices for building an outdoor recreation economy. Outdoor recreation offers opportunities for sustainable economic and community development, and most communities need help implementing those ambitious plans. The toolkit contains a list of federal grants and technical assistance programs that can support communities in securing funding and services, along with many other resources.

According to the New Mexico Economic Development Department, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) is the nation’s leading coalition of outdoor recreation trade associations. ORR created the toolkit, along with Oregon State University’s Outdoor Recreation Economic Initiative, and the National Governors Association Outdoor Recreation Learning Network.

The Outdoor Recreation Division of the New Mexico Economic Development Department is offering a webinar to review the toolkit in detail with its author, ORR Fellow Chris Perkins. Las Cruces City Councilor Gabe Vasquez and State Senator Carrie Hamblen of the 38th District will participate as panelists, lending their expertise and passion to a conversation about how New Mexicans can best use this tool to diversify their communities’ economies in a way that prioritizes true economic inclusion, sustainability, and high-potential careers.

The webinar will take place March 5 at 10:00 am. Register here.