Mission 

The Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation works to leverage the state’s natural assets to grow the outdoor recreation economy.

About Us  

Outdoor recreation continues to be a growing economic force for states and communities across the country. In Arkansas, this industry now contributes $4.5 billion to the state’s gross domestic product (GDP), supports over 40,000 jobs, and generates more than $2 billion in salaries and wages.

Recognizing the significance of outdoor recreation to Arkansas’s economy, workforce, and quality of life, Governor Asa Hutchinson established the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation (AOOR) in 2021. Building on that foundation, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders launched the Natural State Initiative in 2023—a bold, coordinated effort to expand Arkansas’s outdoor economy, elevate its national profile as a premier outdoor destination, and increase investment in outdoor infrastructure and access across the state.

AOOR plays a key role in this effort by serving as the central state-level hub for outdoor businesses, nonprofits, land managers, and community leaders. The office is focused on four pillars: economic development, education and workforce training, conservation and stewardship, and public health and wellness. Through these priorities, AOOR ensures Arkansas remains a place where outdoor businesses thrive, recreation opportunities grow, and residents and visitors alike benefit from the state’s natural assets.

In addition to Arkansas’s unparalleled natural resources, the state provides fertile ground for outdoor industry growth. AOOR connects businesses to market expansion services, export assistance, incentive programs, product testing, innovation grants, and more.

AOOR also administers the Outdoor Recreation Grants Program, which helps enhance the quality of outdoor amenities statewide. This program provides matching grants to cities and counties for park acquisition, development, and improvement, and offers technical assistance and advocacy to strengthen local recreation infrastructure.

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