Directors and Conference Attendees,
The past couple of years have inarguably presented all of us with some incredible challenges. However, it has also been a time of creative problem solving, unparalleled collaboration, and an abundance of learning. At this year’s annual conference, the National Association of State Park Directors invites you to join Director Lisa Sumption and the Oregon State Parks team in celebrating their centennial anniversary. It will also be a time to share our collective lessons learned, recognize the outstanding, and plan for how best to prepare for the next 100 years.
As you may know, the changes in leadership of America’s State Parks continue at a record pace, with nine new directors since we met in Pennsylvania last year. Thus, it is even more important that decision makers and the public continue to meet to share experiences, understandings, and best practices as America’s State Parks continue to face a surge in attendance since the onset of the pandemic. Nationally, a record 53% of Americans participated in outdoor recreation last year; camping and hiking were up by 28% and 16% respectively. Recreation equipment sales continue to increase. Following the success of the Great America Outdoors Act and the federal relief bills, a strong focus now turns to infrastructure improvements at all levels. While we have great support from outdoor enthusiasts and the public at large, to foster this trust we have much to do to establish, balance, and manage policies to conserve the public lands and improve visitor outdoor recreation experiences effectively and efficiently.
In terms of this conference: we asked, you answered, and we listened. Clearly, taking the long view is important to all of us. This year’s conference will focus forward, with topics including recreation trends, staying relevant, advancing a welcoming environment, and responding to natural disasters and emergencies. You will also find many opportunities to engage and connect with NASPD leadership, state park directors, and senior staff from across the country as well as our federal partners, affiliate non-profit organizations, and our ever-increasing community of industry suppliers and service providers.
Located in Central Oregon, Sunriver Resort is our host conference facility and is just minutes away from the Redmond Municipal Airport. The Oregon team and partners are putting together some exciting excursions for you to choose from on Tuesday, and the conference program includes visits to LaPine, The Cove Palisades, and Smith Rock state parks. If you want to see more of Oregon, you are invited to come early and stay late to explore more of what Oregon has to offer.
Whether it will be your first time attending, or you are a veteran of our conference, we thank you for the leadership and support you provide America’s State Parks and welcome you to Oregon.
Sincerely,
Lewis R. Ledford
Executive Director, National Association of State Park Directors