The Michigan outdoors is being celebrated this week at an annual summit in Traverse City that brings together various sectors of the outdoor recreation space.
The aim, organizers say, is “to connect, learn, grow, and build together with a vision for the future, health, and vitality of Michigan’s outdoors.”
Attending the Michigan Outdoor Summit are representatives of conservation and land use groups, outdoor retailers, trail builders, recreation users, as well as officials from government, tourism and economic development.
“We bring people together who have common interests,” says Jonathan Jarosz, who is executive director of Heart of the Lakes, which supports a network of Michigan land conservancies and is the organizer of the summit. “It’s a gathering to support those interested in getting people outside, those interested in protecting places we love and those who support the outdoor eco systems.”
The outdoor space is much bigger and more diverse than most people would expect, he says. That space includes outdoor gear manufacturers and retailers, conservation and land use groups, trail builders, and much more.
The third Michigan Outdoor Summit takes place at the Hickory Hills Ski Area in Traverse City on Wednesday, Oct. 9 and Thursday, Oct. 10. Jarosz describes the summit as something between “an art and music festival and a more traditional conference.”
“The Summit is one of the tools we are using to raise visibility and support for this (outdoors) cohort,” Jarosz says.
What’s happening: The third annual Michigan Outdoor Summit is being held at Hickory Hills Ski Area in Traverse City. A pre-summit event was held Wednesday with technical sessions and a guided kayak tour along the Boardman River to learn about the river’s restoration. The Boardman Review’s Fall Release Party was held that evening. “Wednesday feels a little like an old-school poetry slam,” bringing together the recreational and adventurous sides with the business of the outdoors, Jarosz says.
Thursday’s schedule includes a self-guided hike at Hickory Meadows, networking and various informational sessions. “We treat it a bit like an adult day camp,” Jarosz says, noting the lodge is used as a main gathering spot, with breakout sessions held outside around fire pits. “It’s a beautiful space,” he says.
About the sessions: The breakout sessions focus “on how we strengthen our communities and the outdoor economy and improve health and quality of life for all Michiganders.” Focus areas include conservation and stewardship, education and workforce training, economic development, public health and wellness, and diversity and inclusion.
Who’s attending: Outdoor industry businesses, non-profit organizations, user groups, supply chain businesses, professional services, state government, economic development and tourism officials, land management and conservation groups.
Behind the summit: The summit is not organized by a state office but by a variety of stakeholders in the outdoor space.
What they’re saying: “I think the (summit) is an incredible blend of humans, bringing in so many types of people,” says Kate Lewis, director of communications for TART Trails Inc., the organization that oversees Traverse City’s network of 100 miles of trails and also an event sponsor. “We really want people to leave inspired and get out of their bubbles and see what’s possible when you connect with other outdoor groups.”
What’s ahead: Among the intentions is to grow Michigan’s outdoor recreation economy. According to a survey by the Outdoor Industry Association, a national trade group, about 61 percent of Michiganders identify themselves as outdoorsy.
The Great Lakes State currently ranks 14th among all states in the outdoor economy, according to State Recreation Economy Rankings. The point is there is plenty of room for growth in both outdoor recreation participants and the overall industry. Jarosz says.
The state’s outdoor economy and its assets are massive, and he sees no reason why Michigan can’t be ranked in the top 10 or even higher.
"We are seeing an increase in the number of folks who identify as being outdoorsy across Michigan and the country,” he says. “But we’re also seeing a decrease in the amount of time people spend outside.” Significant, however, is the increasing number of people who are identifying as general outdoor users, meaning they’re participating in more activities and not just niche activities.
The TART Trails Lewis notes the trail network saw a 40 percent boost in usage during the pandemic and participation continues to grow. “People want to be outdoors where it’s clean and beautiful and they want to be healthy. Michigan has all of that,” she says.
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