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Following Monday’s meetings with senior U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and U.S. Forest Service officials, NMMA and other members of the Outdoor Recreation Industry Roundtable (ORIR) met with DOI Secretary Ryan Zinke Monday evening to close a productive day of advocacy for recreational boating. Secretary Zinke is committed to working with ORIR, recognizing the importance of Monday’s meeting and the outdoor recreation industry’s economic impact.

Secretary Zinke opened the evening discussion by outlining his overarching goals and vision for outdoor recreation, which align closely to ORIR priorities, including cultural changes within DOI, a focus on infrastructure, and prioritization of recreation. He also expressed strong support for public-private partnerships.

Zinke stressed the desire to work with the business community with actionable follow-up in the next 60 days, noting that the DOI is planning on a larger scale reorganization that will better meet the needs of the diverse divisions that impact recreation.

The meeting concluded with conversations about how ORIR and the recreation community can support the Secretary’s efforts. The Secretary is eager to enlist the recreation community and recognizes the opportunities to grow recreation, from trade and consumer shows and retail locations, to raising awareness across all media channels.

Participants in the meeting with the Secretary included key members of his team, plus the Secretary’s newest Senior Advisor, Dave Mihalic, and: Derrick Crandall, American Recreation Coalition; Chris Edmonston, BoatU.S.; Jim Houser, Delaware North; Frank Hugelmeyer, Recreation Vehicle Industry Association; Martin MacDonald, Bass Pro; Jay McAninch, Archery Trade Association; Mike Nussman, American Sportfishing Association; Amy Roberts, Outdoor Industry Association; Nicole Vasilaros, National Marine Manufacturers Association; Paul Vitrano, Polaris; and K.C. Walsh, Simms Fishing.