Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office Proposal

Outdoor Recreation Asset Mapping and Strategic Planning in Moffat County

Project Leads:

Nathan Fey, Director
Samantha Albert, Deputy Director

Executive Summary:
Outdoor recreation is a valuable economic driver for many communities across Colorado. It can contribute to economic diversification, a better quality of life, and can be a strong attractor for businesses of all kinds. As many communities in Colorado focus more attention on diversifying their economies, some are looking to outdoor recreation and tourism to support economic development. Some communities are also balancing transitioning away from extractive industries. In Moffat County, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association plans to fully close its Craig Station coal-fired power plant by 2030, along with the local Colowyo Mine that supplies it. With such an announcement, Moffat County could benefit from other opportunities to support economic development and to help retain a strong workforce. Moffat County has an abundance of beautiful natural resources and the potential to grow their outdoor recreation assets. The Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office (OREC) is seeking a talented group of graduate students to complete an outdoor recreation asset map in Moffat County, and provide a robust strategic plan for growing outdoor recreation and tourism. This strategic plan should provide clear recommendations on the next steps for the county, and rely on economic development data.

Key words:
Outdoor recreation and tourism, economic development, asset mapping, strategic planning

Links:
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