Outdoor Recreation

The U.S. Forest Service is revising its Travel Management Rule to broaden access for motorized vehicles and e-bikes within national forests. This modernization aligns with a Presidential Executive Order to reduce federal restrictions, potentially opening new procurement opportunities for contractors supporting outdoor recreation infrastructure and compliance services.

Tennessee's Clinch River Valley State Park, a 21-acre addition, will enhance recreational access and boost local economies. The **Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation** (TDEC) is set to oversee long-term development, opening doors for procurement opportunities in construction and visitor services.

The Department of the Interior has expanded hunting and fishing opportunities across 111 federal lands, opening over 92 million acres. This change aligns federal and state regulations, potentially increasing demand for infrastructure and compliance services, presenting new business opportunities for GovCon professionals in wildlife management sectors.

Tennessee State Parks is converting 1,300 acres of McDonald Farm into a new park, expanding the park system significantly. The initiative presents procurement opportunities in construction, landscaping, and environmental planning, driven by the fiscal year 2027 budget allocation for park development.

The U.S. Forest Service has proposed its inaugural national policy for managing recreational climbing, including guidance on climbing equipment. This initiative opens up avenues for procurement related to climbing infrastructure and safety equipment, signaling potential contract opportunities for vendors in the outdoor equipment sector.

The New Mexico Economic Development Department is set to launch the Trails+ Grant program on July 1, 2026, aiming to invest **$12 million** in outdoor recreation projects. This program emphasizes strong community collaboration and is vital for stakeholders in infrastructure and environmental conservation sectors.

Governor Kim Reynolds established the Iowa Office of Outdoor Recreation under the Iowa Economic Development Authority. This new initiative aims to enhance collaboration among stakeholders, drive economic growth, and support job creation in the outdoor recreation sector.

Governor Bill Lee’s initiative transforms the Cherokee Removal Memorial Park into a state park, aiming to boost local economies and outdoor recreation. This change represents significant procurement opportunities in construction, preservation, and visitor services for contractors across Tennessee.

New Mexico has dedicated **$4.5 million** to support youth outdoor programs through the **Outdoor Equity Fund**. This funding aims to address a **90%** increase in demand for outdoor activities, with grant applications opening on **July 1, 2026**. Organizations involved in youth services and outdoor recreation should prepare for these opportunities.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to expand hunting and fishing across over 92 million acres, creating 1,450 new access opportunities in 32 states. This initiative will stimulate economic growth in rural areas and simplify relevant regulations to align with state practices.

The U.S. Forest Service has partnered with the Boone and Crockett Club and 14 organizations to improve recreational access in national forests. This initiative presents opportunities for contractors specializing in outdoor recreation and habitat conservation, reflecting a federal commitment to sustainable land use.

The Healey-Driscoll Administration has relaunched the MassTrails10 initiative to improve public access to outdoor spaces and promote local tourism. This renewed focus on trail maintenance and infrastructure development will create a range of procurement opportunities across agencies involved in outdoor and transportation projects.