On October 13, 2017, Governor Hogan issued an EXECUTIVE ORDER 01.01.2017.24 creating the Maryland Outdoor Recreation Economic Commission (link below).
Accordingly: “The outdoor recreation economy in Maryland generates 109,000 direct jobs, $951 million in state and local tax revenues, $4.4 billion in wages and salaries and $14 billion in consumer spending…providing improved access to world-class activities, such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, paddling, boating, fishing, hunting, camping, swimming, wildlife-viewing, and visitation to historic sites, will support economic investment in the State’s outdoor recreation industry and nature and heritage tourism.”
By December 1, 2019, the Commission was required to submit its recommendations and an action plan to strengthen and enhance the following: “(1) The business climate for the outdoor recreation industry so as to retain and grow Maryland jobs and Maryland’s economy; (2) Maryland’s brand as a premier destination for outdoor recreation and heritage tourism; (3) Development of a world-class outdoor and heritage tourism experience; (4) Stewardship of Maryland’s natural, cultural, historical and recreational resources; and (5) Opportunities for workforce development and job creation in the outdoor recreation industry.”
Thanks to inquiries by the bi-partisan Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, the Hunters of Maryland (HOM) have been informed the release of the Commission’s final Report is imminent. Upon its release, HOM will post the Report on its website –huntersofmaryland.com – and identify issues deemed pertinent to the policy and non-policy related interests of Maryland’s hunting community.
