Today, the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) spoke officially with Utah Governor Gary Herbert about the future of the trade show.
The Outdoor Industry Association represents more than 1,200 outdoor businesses nationally. The organization, several gear companies, and members of the outdoor community have voiced concern over Utah’s policies around public land.
The newly-stamped Bears Ears National Monument has served as a flashpoint. Utah is making efforts to reclaim the preserve to be under state power, while many argue its federal designation will best protect the land for the long term.
It’s a stir that’s motivated multiple brands to boycott the twice-annual Outdoor Retailer Trade Show, held in Salt Lake City.
Today the OIA held a call with Utah Governor Gary Herbert “in an effort to achieve a common understanding of the value Americans place on our public lands and our right to access those lands for recreation.”
The fallout from the call is that the OIA will support the efforts of Outdoor Retailer to seek a new home for the trade show. As in, the show is leaving the state of Utah.
“Unfortunately, what we heard from Governor Herbert was more of the same,” noted the OIA in a statement. “It is clear that the governor indeed has a different perspective on the protections of public lands from that of our members.”
Below is the statement in full. GearJunkie will continue to monitor the situation as news develops.
Outdoor Industry, Governor Herbert Disagree on Public Lands Protections, Utah’s Recreation Economy
Outdoor Industry Association, representing more than 1200 outdoor businesses nationally, including more than 50 in Utah, today held a call with Utah Governor Gary Herbert in an effort to achieve a common understanding of the value Americans place on our public lands and our right to access those lands for recreation.
OIA was joined on the call by the leadership of Patagonia, The North Face, REI and Outdoor Retailer.