Professionals who work in the regional outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism industries will participate in a roundtable discussion of the impacts these activities are having, adaptive efforts to mediate the impacts, and sustainability related to the industries. The event, hosted by Northern Michigan University's new master's degree program in administration of outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism, will be held on Friday, April 21, in the Northern Center Peninsula V room. It is open to the public.
A meet-and-greet breakfast is scheduled at 9 a.m. The roundtable discussion runs from 10-11 a.m., followed by an 11 a.m. keynote address from Mark Gasta, associate director of the outdoor recreation economy (ORE) program at the University of Colorado Boulder. Gasta serves as faculty lead for both the introduction to the ORE certificate and the leading a sustainable business in the ORE certificate. NMU President Brock Tessman will deliver closing remarks after the keynote.
Panel participants include: Susan Estler of Travel Marquette and Respect Marquette; Lori Hauswirth of the Noquemanon Trail Network; Carl Hansen of Northern Waters Kayak Tours; John Madigan or another representative of Pictured Rocks Tours and Pure Michigan; Bill Thompson of Michigan Ice Fest and Down Wind Sports; and possibly a DNR representative.
"The outdoor recreation industry in our community is a reflection of the industry throughout the nation,” said NMU Professor Scott Jordan. “It is important to hear from those working in outdoor recreation to address their successes and their concerns."
Jordan directs the new master's degree program in administration of outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism, launched in fall 2022. It is delivered largely online through NMU's Global Campus, with two in-person summer seminar courses. The program is designed for individuals currently working in the parks and recreation fields who wish to advance to administrative positions, as well as prospective students interested in entering these occupations. Learn more here.
NMU's undergraduate program in the field was among 18 nationwide featured in a November 2022 Outside Magazine article titled “These Schools Can Help You Break into the Outdoor Industry.” The story addressed a growing number of U.S. colleges offering programs for future adventure-industry workers in response to the booming outdoor recreation industry.
Media Contact: Scott Jordan, 906-227-1136 or scjordan@nmu.edu