Issue No. 64: CU Denver and Outside Inc Forge Game-Changing Partnership ๐ค
Hey, Outsiders! We just flipped the calendar to November, the seasons are changing, and the clocks are about to follow suit! ๐๐ Enjoy that โextraโ hour of sleep this weekend!
In todayโs issue:
The Nature Conservancy to bet some of its $3 billion endowment on climate startups ๐ค
National Parks Foundation and L.L. Bean head to SXSW โฌ๏ธโ๏ธ
Indigenous-led conservation efforts take center stage in Maine
Start walking and donโt stop for 22 minutes, a new study tells you the benefits ๐ถ๐พ
American Alpine Club and Yosemite sync up ๐ง๐ผโโ๏ธ, BLM doles out $9 million of Bidenโs โInvest in Americaโ dollars for ORโฆ
โฆand a whole lot more.
โ Scott Crowder
๐ข If you are enjoying how Outsider Insider expands your ๐ง with each issue, we would love it if you would share it with someone. Join us on LinkedIn.
HIGHER EDUCATION & INDUSTRY:
CU Boulder and CU Denver Launch New Programs ๐
๐ค CU Denver and Outside Inc Forge Game-Changing Partnership: Colorado University Denver (CU Denver) has teamed up with Outside Inc to launch the groundbreaking Outside Lab at CU Denver's campus. This cutting-edge facility is set to revolutionize the outdoor gear industry by focusing on sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation. The Denver Post reports that the Outside Lab will serve as a hub for students, researchers, and industry professionals to collaborate on developing, testing, and enhancing outdoor gear.
๐ CU Boulder Joins the Drive for Sustainability and Inclusivity: CU Boulder is also making strides in the outdoor industry. As part of the commitment to sustainability and inclusivity, CU Boulder recently unveiled a graduate certificate program aimed at fostering these values within the outdoor sector. This program aligns perfectly with CU Denver's mission and emphasizes the industry's dedication to responsible practices.
๐ Implications for the Outdoor Industry: These announcements collectively signal a transformative era for the outdoor industry. The partnership between CU Denver and Outside Inc., along with CU Boulder's certificate program showcases the industry's dedication to sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation and its support from higher education, specifically the University of Colorado. With a focus on developing environmentally friendly gear, promoting diversity, and fostering creativity, the industry is poised for a brighter, more inclusive, and eco-conscious future. Outdoor enthusiasts can look forward to gear that not only enhances their adventures but also aligns with their values, while the industry as a whole seeks to become more responsible and inclusive.
Business, Industry, & Economy:
๐ฑ The Nature Conservancy's Startup Investment: The Nature Conservancy is making a unique move by investing a portion of its $3 billion endowment into startups. This strategic investment aims to support innovative solutions for conservation and sustainability.
๐ NEMO Equipment's ISPO Awards: NEMO Equipment receives recognition by winning two ISPO awards. Their innovative designs, including a sustainable daypack series for Spring 2024, highlight their commitment to excellence in outdoor equipment.
๐ Laird Hamilton's Expansion: Laird Hamilton, the legendary surfer, opens his first brick-and-mortar store in Southern California, providing surf enthusiasts and fans with an exciting retail destination to explore his products and brand.
๐ Glamping Company's Remarkable Growth: Under Canvas, a PE-backed glamping company experiences rapid growth, achieving a 5x increase in its valuation in just 13 months. This success story highlights the potential and attractiveness of the glamping industry in the outdoor recreation sector.
๐๏ธ National Park Foundation and L.L.Bean to Showcase National Parks at SXSW 2024: The National Park Foundation and L.L.Bean collaborate to bring the beauty and significance of national parks to the SXSW 2024 stage, emphasizing the importance of nature conservation and outdoor experiences.
๐ฟ The Nature Conservancy Announces Neel Broker as New COO: The Nature Conservancy welcomes Neel Broker as its new Chief Operating Officer, a strategic move aimed at advancing the organization's conservation efforts and environmental impact.
๐๏ธ Sea-to-Sky's Basecamp Innovation Centre: Further emphasizing the industry's commitment to innovation and sustainability, a new Basecamp Innovation Centre is set to launch in Sea-to-Sky region of BC. This center, as announced by Newswire, will be a dynamic hub for outdoor recreation. It reflects the outdoor industry's continuous efforts to foster innovation and sustainability.
โท๏ธ Indy Pass: New Owner Ready to Shake Up the Ski Industry: Unofficial Networks discusses the Indy Pass and its new owner's approach to challenging the status quo in the ski industry, signaling potential changes and innovations in the world of skiing.
๐ Unions File Labor Complaint Over REI Store Layoffs: Retail Dive reports on labor complaints filed by unions in response to store layoffs at REI, shedding light on labor-related issues within the retail sector.
SPONSORED BY GIVEโR
๐๏ธ Elevate Your Adventure with Give'r! ๐งค
Looking to gear up for your next outdoor escapade? Look no further! Give'r is here to take your outdoor experiences to new heights. From rugged outdoor apparel to durable accessories, Give'r offers a wide range of products that are as tough as you are.
๐ฒ Born in the Heart of the Wilderness Based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Give'r draws its inspiration from the wild and untamed landscapes of the American West. With a commitment to quality, authenticity, and adventure, their gear is designed to withstand the most challenging outdoor conditions.
๐๏ธ Gear That's Built to Last Whether you're hitting the slopes, embarking on a backcountry hike, or simply enjoying a weekend camping trip, Give'r has the gear you need. Their selection includes waterproof gloves, durable hats, and outdoor apparel that's as stylish as it is functional. No matter the weather or season, Give'r has you covered. Their products are designed to keep you warm in winter, cool in summer, and comfortable during all your outdoor pursuits.
๐ Shop Now and Elevate Your Adventure! Ready to take your outdoor experiences to the next level? Visit Give'r today to explore their range of high-quality outdoor gear. Plus, enjoy fast and reliable shipping to get you ready for your next big adventure. Don't miss outโgear up with Give'r!
Sustainability, Conservation, & Environment:
๐๏ธ Aspen's Expansion Shows Off Climate-Resilient Slopes: Ski Mag reports Aspen Mountain isn't just getting bigger; it's getting smarter. The ski resort is expanding its terrain in a quest to prove that climate-resistant slopes can still offer thrilling experiences even in a warming world.
โท๏ธ๐ก๏ธ POW and FIS: Skiing's Climate Action Clash: The skiing world is grappling with climate action disputes, as organizations, like Protect Our Winters (POW), clash with the International Ski Federation (FIS). While the pace of change is debated, Aspen is in the ring, advocating for a greener future on the slopes.
๐๏ธ Pandemic Heli-Ski Shutdown Doubled Range of Some BC Caribou, Study Says: Richmond News reports on a study suggesting that the pandemic-related shutdown of heli-skiing operations in British Columbia led to an expansion of the range for some caribou herds, highlighting the environmental impacts of outdoor activities.
๐ป Five Grizzlies Killed in Greater Yellowstone Since August: Mountain Journal discusses the concerning issue of grizzly bear fatalities in the Greater Yellowstone region, raising questions about conservation efforts and human-wildlife coexistence.
๐ Missoula's Outdoor Economy and Climate: Missoula Current explores the intersection of the outdoor economy and climate change in Montana, shedding light on the region's efforts to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.
๐ฅ Paradise, California, was Destroyed by Fire: Here's What it Looks Like 5 Years Later - Fast Company explores the aftermath of the devastating fire in Paradise, California, and the efforts to rebuild the community half a decade later, shedding light on the resilience and challenges faced by the residents.
๐จ รrsted Axes Two New Jersey Wind Projects: CNBC reports on the decision by รrsted, a major renewable energy company, to cancel two wind projects in New Jersey and take $4 billion writedown, highlighting the financial implications and setbacks in the renewable energy sector.
๐ณ Tribes and the Land Return for Conservation in Maine: The Washington Post discusses the significant conservation efforts in Maine, where indigenous tribes are regaining stewardship of their ancestral lands, emphasizing the importance of indigenous-led conservation initiatives.
โฎThe Field Ranger Program Returns: The intent of the Field Ranger program was to provide increased visitor services in high-use recreation areas of the SGMNM and ANF by employing diverse candidates via partnership service-learning programs that created training opportunities for aspiring environmental professionals. After a 5-year hiatus, the Field Ranger Program returned in the summer of 2023, thanks to partnerships between the Angeles National Forest, National Forest Foundation, Hispanic Access Foundation, Los Angeles County Regional Park Open Space and Park District, and REI.
๐๏ธ Utah Leaders Appeal Monument Lawsuit Dismissal: Utah leaders are appealing the dismissal of their lawsuit challenging the reduction of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments. This ongoing legal battle has significant implications for land conservation and management in the state.
๐ณ Forest IQ: A Tool for Deforestation-Free Portfolios: Financial institutions are getting a new ally in the fight against deforestation with "Forest IQ." This tool aims to help them build deforestation-free portfolios, aligning investments with sustainability goals and addressing the environmental impact of finance.
Health, Wellness, & Fitness:
๐โโ๏ธ Wellness Industry Redefines Healthcare: The Guardian says โWeโre sedating women with self-careโ The wellness industry is increasingly becoming a cornerstone of healthcare, focusing on holistic well-being, especially for women who often bear the brunt of stress. This shift highlights the growing recognition of the importance of stress management and self-care in overall health.
๐ Apple and Anytime Fitness Collaboration: Tech giant Apple is teaming up with Anytime Fitness to provide members with a more integrated fitness experience. This partnership underscores the growing role of technology in the fitness industry, offering users enhanced connectivity and personalized workout options.
๐ Walmart's Family-Building Support: Walmart is taking steps to support its associates in building families by expanding doula services nationwide. This move aims to provide employees with access to valuable support during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, emphasizing the importance of family-friendly workplace policies.
๐ถ Encouraging Nature Bonding: The Children & Nature Network emphasizes the benefits of getting parents and their babies outside to connect with nature. Encouraging new parents to embrace outdoor experiences with their infants can have a positive impact on family bonding and introduce young ones to the wonders of the natural world.
๐ถโโ๏ธ Offsetting Harmful Effects of Sitting: A brisk twenty-two-minute walk can help offset the harmful effects of prolonged sitting, according to a study. This simple and time-efficient activity highlights the importance of incorporating short bursts of physical activity into our daily routines for better health.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion:
๐ฑ Common Ground for Youth and Nature: Vista Outdoor is partnering with the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles to introduce urban youth to outdoor activities and environmental education. The "Common Ground" program seeks to bridge the gap between urban communities and nature, fostering a deeper connection to the environment and outdoor recreation among young people.
๐ Exploring Environmental Justice Geography: Scientific American delves into the work of Dr. Robert Bullard, widely recognized as the "father of environmental justice," who has dedicated his career to exposing the geography of environmental inequity. Dr. Bullard's research has highlighted the disproportionate environmental burdens borne by marginalized communities, advocating for more equitable policies and practices to address these disparities. His work continues to be instrumental in the fight for environmental justice.
๐ฎโโ๏ธ NPS Commits to Gender Diversity in Law Enforcement: The National Park Service (NPS) has embarked on a seven-year initiative aimed at increasing the representation of women in law enforcement positions. By joining the 30x30 pledge, the NPS commits to enhancing female representation in its law enforcement workforce, with a goal to nearly double the number of female officers. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to diversify and strengthen law enforcement agencies across the United States, addressing the current underrepresentation of women, who make up only 16% of the entire NPS law enforcement workforce.
๐ Renaming Mount Blue Sky Wilderness: Colorado is taking steps to rectify offensive place names on public lands. Legislation introduced in Congress seeks to change Mount Evans Wilderness to Mount Blue Sky Wilderness, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and respect for Indigenous perspectives. While progress has been made, it's clear that there's more work to be done in collaboration with the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes and the Mestaaโฤhehe Coalition to recognize and honor the heritage of Indigenous communities.
Government, Grants, & Policy:
๐ฐ BLM Allocates $9 Million for Resilient Outdoor Recreation: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has allocated $9 million as part of President Biden's "Investing in America" agenda to enhance outdoor recreation infrastructure and build resilience in public lands. This investment highlights the federal government's commitment to improving outdoor experiences and addressing the impacts of climate change on public lands.
๐ Senators Highlight Outdoor Recreation's Economic Significance: U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen during a hearing on the outdoor recreation economy, emphasized the vital role of small businesses in this rapidly growing sector. The Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship shed light on the challenges faced by small businesses operating in the outdoor recreation industry, underscoring the sector's economic importance and the need for support to ensure its continued growth and success.
๐ Controversy Surrounds Moab Motorized Trail Closure: The closure of motorized trails in Moab has sparked controversy, raising questions about access, conservation, and recreation management. This issue underscores the complex challenges faced by land managers in balancing outdoor recreation interests with environmental and conservation concerns. Finding common ground and sustainable solutions is crucial to preserving the Moab experience for all enthusiasts.
๐๏ธ Investment to Enhance BLM Recreation Staffing Applauded by ORR: The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) applauds the Investment in Recreation Act (IRA) for its commitment to enhancing Bureau of Land Management (BLM) recreation staffing. This development highlights the importance of investing in public lands and outdoor recreation infrastructure to meet the growing demand for outdoor experiences and maintain the natural beauty of these areas.
๐ณ NPF Invests $5 Million in Service Corps to Support National Parks: The National Park Foundation (NPF) commits $5 million to support Service Corps programs dedicated to conserving and preserving national parks. This investment underscores the critical role of service organizations in maintaining the ecological and cultural integrity of national parks while providing valuable opportunities for young adults to engage in meaningful conservation work.
๐งโโ๏ธ AAC and Yosemite National Park Formalize Partnership: The American Alpine Club (AAC) formalizes its partnership with Yosemite National Park through a general agreement. This collaboration highlights the shared commitment to preserving climbing access and promoting safety and stewardship in one of the country's most iconic climbing destinations. It exemplifies the value of public-private partnerships in supporting outdoor recreation and conservation efforts.
๐๏ธ Parks Group Warns of Disastrous Impacts of Budget Cuts on America's Parks: The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) sounds the alarm about the potentially disastrous consequences of budget cuts on America's national parks, emphasizing the need for adequate funding to preserve these cherished natural treasures. This development underscores ongoing concerns about the maintenance and protection of the nation's parks, highlighting the importance of investing in their long-term sustainability.
๐ฒ Forest Service Proposes Unprecedented Logging of Mature Old-Growth Forests in Western Colorado: The Center for Biological Diversity raises concerns over the Forest Service's proposal for unprecedented logging of mature old-growth forests in western Colorado. This development sheds light on the ongoing debate between conservation efforts and resource utilization, highlighting the challenges in balancing ecological preservation with economic interests in forest management decisions.
Travel, Tourism, & Hospitality:
๐ Promoting Sustainable Tourism for Economic Thriving: The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation delves into sustainable tourism's potential for economic growth, highlighting the significance of balancing environmental responsibility with tourism development. Check out the subcommittee hearing titled โSustainable Tourism for a Thriving Economyโ on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at 10:00 AM ET.
โท๏ธ Top Aprรจs-Ski Resorts in the US: The Observer gives us the best aprรจs-ski resorts in the United States, where the adventure continues off the slopes with vibrant nightlife and relaxation options. As the travel industry seeks to cater to a diverse range of interests, these resorts exemplify the value of providing memorable experiences beyond ski runs, reinforcing the idea that modern travel is about more than just the destination.
๐ AdventureGenie's Partnership with Spot2Nite: AdventureGenie announces a collaboration with Spot2Nite, offering outdoor enthusiasts convenient access to campsites, underscoring the importance of technology in enhancing camping experiences. This partnership illustrates the growing role of digital platforms in connecting travelers with unique outdoor adventures, showcasing how innovation can make exploring the great outdoors more accessible and enjoyable.
Products, Gear, & Gadgets:
๐๏ธ Mindful Adventures Await with Cotopaxi & Headspace: Cotopaxi partners with meditation app Headspace for a limited-edition collection, merging outdoor experiences with mindfulness, reflecting a trend in holistic adventure lifestyles. The collaboration between a sustainable outdoor brand and a mental wellness platform signifies a growing trend in combining outdoor activities with mental well-being, catering to a holistic adventure lifestyle. Cross-sector partnerships are on the rise and this one is sure to strike a chord.
๐ Wave Pools Catch the AI Wave: Wave pool operators tap into artificial intelligence to create perfect waves and boost revenue, making every surf session epic. This integration of AI in the surfing industry showcases how technology is transforming even traditional sports, enhancing user experiences and potentially revolutionizing training for athletes.
๐ Patagonia's Sustainable Fashion Move in London: Patagonia and social impact firms launch a clothing repair center in London, emphasizing sustainability and reducing fashion waste, contributing to circular fashion practices. This initiative aligns with the sustainable fashion movement and highlights the importance of localized repair centers as a step toward circular fashion practices and reduced carbon footprints.
If this email was forwarded to you, you can subscribe here.