Breadcrumb
California Outdoor Economy Summit
Join the Inaugural Outdoor Economy Summit
At a defining moment for California’s outdoor economy, this inaugural summit convenes those working in and alongside outdoor recreation to build more resilient economic development, through equitable careers, stronger natural landscapes, and place-based futures for communities across the state.
California Outdoor Economy Summit
June 3rd-5th, 2026
Eureka, CA
Why Now
California leads the nation in outdoor recreation, generating $81.5 billion in value added and supporting more than 545,000 jobs statewide. Yet despite its scale, the state lacks the coordinated strategy seen in other states with dedicated outdoor recreation economic development offices, limiting its ability to fully align industry leaders, land managers, Tribal and community partners, policymakers, and workforce developers around shared priorities.
At this defining moment, as communities pursue economic development, workforce leaders advance equitable career pathways, and natural landscapes face mounting pressures, the inaugural California Outdoor Economy Summit convenes leaders working in and alongside outdoor recreation to strengthen alignment, investment, and collaboration across the sector, building a resilient, place-based future for communities across the state.
(subject to change)
DAY 1
6-8:00 pm
Summit Welcome mixer at Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center, sponsored by the California Outdoor Recreation Partnership
DAY 2
8:00 am – 9 am
Check-in at Adorni Center
Light breakfast and coffee for summit attendees
Outdoor wellness session on the waterfront: Dr. Erika Torres
9 am-12:30 pm
Land acknowledgment
Welcome with Dean Eric Riggs and summit planners
Keynote Speaker
Gloria Sandoval, Deputy Secretary for Access, California Natural Resources Agency. Gloria Sandoval will open the summit with insights on how California is advancing conservation, outdoor access, and partnerships that support the state’s outdoor resiliency.
State of the State
What role should the state play in strengthening California’s outdoor economy? This session examines how statewide initiatives, funding streams, and strategic partnerships are expanding access to public lands, supporting local economies, and building long-term resilience through intentional investment in outdoor recreation.
Speakers: Elisabeth Johnson, Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation; Lexie Gritlefeld, California Outdoor Recreation Partnerships
Investing in the Outdoor Economy
This session explores the range of public and private investment strategies that can strengthen outdoor recreation economies, from state funding and infrastructure support to private capital, philanthropy, and local partnerships.
Speakers: Enhao Li, Founded Outdoors; Gary Bracelin, Bend Outdoor Worx; Will Franklin, North Coast SBDC, Shasta-Cascade; Jason Young, Outdoor Recreation Accelerator
12:30 – 1:30 pm
Lunch and a movie
Join the Redwood Coast Mountain Bike Association for lunch by Ramone's and showing of the local film Building Together.
Speakers: Sean Tetrault (Revolution Bicycles), Gina Bauer (RCMBA) and Justin Wheeler (Ruf).
1:30 pm-4 pm
The Road Less Traveled: Building a Sustainable and Inclusive Outdoor Economy Through Gravel Cycling: Speakers
Speakers: Aviva North, Corragio group; Juan Dela Roca, Gravel Adventure.
Tribal Leadership, Culture & Collaboration
Tribal members and collaborators will share perspectives on how tribal enterprises and economic development strategies reflect cultural priorities, land stewardship, and long-term community goals.
Speakers: Dylan Aubrey, Yurok Fisheries; Nickole Whipple, Slave the Salmon; Alisia Sanchez, Stone Lagoon
4 pm
Outdoor Recreation on the Bay
Experience Humboldt Bay by kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or on foot. Join local guides for a memorable outdoor experience that highlights the beauty, ecology, and character of this remarkable coastal environment.
Hosted by Outdoor Adventures of Cal Poly Humboldt
7 pm
Evening movie night – Fundraiser: The power of outdoor recreation for tribal youth. A fundraiser for Páah Áama Paddle Club. This organization based in the Lower Klamath Basin of California focuses on connecting Indigenous youth with cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities through paddling.
Speaker: Amada Lang (Club Founder) and youth from the First Decent
Community members can purchase tickets at Humanitix
Day 3
8-9 am
Light breakfast and coffee for summit attendees
Outdoor wellness session on the waterfront: Dr. Erika Torres
9-11:30 am
Outdoor Recreation Business Roundtable
Hear directly from rural outdoor recreation business owners as they share insights on their successes, ongoing challenges, workforce needs, and outlook for the future.
Speakers: Jennifer Johnson, Adventures Edge; Grant Roden, Redwood Tour Guide.
Agrotourism and Ecotourism
This session explores how UC ANR, Hip Camp and the North Coast Growers Association work with counties, agencies, and community partners to support outdoor recreation through research, regulatory guidance, and business development in support of rural communities.
Speakers: Rachel Callahan and Alec Dompka from UC ANR, Cassandra Prenn-Vasilakis from Hip Camp, & Portia Bramble from the North Coast Grower Association.
11:45 am – 12:45 pm
Themed networking lunch: Participants will select a topic and gather in small groups to enjoy lunch. Designed to spark deeper dialogue, these themed conversations encourage collaboration and connection beyond the conference room.
12:45-4 pm
Regional Project Roundtable
Leaders from across the state will discuss regional projects supporting outdoor access, environmental stewardship, and sustainable economic development.
Speakers: Elaine Hogan, Great Redwood Trail Agency; Justi Hansen, Siskiyou Outdoor Recreation Alliance; Jesse Voremberg, Bay Area Trails Collaborative, Billy Morrow, Coachella Valley Association of Governments
Conservation as an Economic Driver
Exploring how land and water conservation efforts support sustainable outdoor recreation and long-term regional economic growth.
Speakers: Melodie Meyers, EPIC; Jessica Matthews, California Council of Land Trust; Carson Risner, Earth Economics; Thomas Morales, Coastal Conservancy.
Building the Workforce
This session explores current workforce needs across the outdoor recreation sector while highlighting existing initiatives and training programs underway in California.
Speakers: Calder Johnson, CA Jobs First; John Wenthworth, Mammoth Lakes, Trails and Access Foundation;
4 pm
Closing speaker
Assemblymember Chris Rogers and the 2nd congressional district as a rising force in outdoor economic development.
5 pm
Enjoy the Eureka Friday Night Market: Join us in downtown Eureka for the vibrant Friday Night Market, an outdoor gathering that draws more than 5,000 attendees and showcases the region’s largest collection of local makers, artists, and entrepreneurs. The Market’s mission is to bring diverse communities together, drive local economic growth, foster community engagement, and uplift small businesses.
Saturday June 6th (Optional)
Join us for a mountain biking ride with RCMBA and CAMTB, visiting the local trails in Blue Lake.
Equity, Access & Students
We are committed to expanding access to the outdoor economy and increasing representation in the field. A limited number of scholarships are available for students and individuals facing financial constraints. If cost is a barrier, please contact us to learn more.
Speakers
If you are interested in being a speaker, we’d love to talk with you!
The California Outdoor Economy Summit is a new, cross-sector gathering dedicated to strengthening and advancing one of the nation’s largest outdoor recreation economies, with a particular focus on rural communities. Hosted in Eureka, June 3–5, 2026, the Summit will bring together leaders from government, tribal nations, conservation, recreation, business, workforce development, education, and public policy to collaborate and shape California’s outdoor future.
Sponsoring the Summit positions your organization at the forefront of conversations shaping the outdoor recreation economy in California. Sponsors will have the opportunity to:
Lead
Demonstrate leadership in advancing outdoor access, stewardship, and economic resilience
Connect
Build meaningful relationships with policymakers, business leaders, tribal partners, and regional innovators
Visibility
Increase visibility and brand recognition among a diverse, cross-sector audience
Influence
Influence emerging strategies around workforce development, investment, infrastructure, and sustainability
Support
Support broader participation through scholarships and equitable access initiatives
Levels of sponsorships
| Sponsorship Level | Donation Amount | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$500 - Grove | $1000 - Ridge | $2000 - Canyon | $3000 - Coast | |
| Logo on all digital/print materials | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Recognition on event website | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Social media shout-out | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Color ad in digital/print event program | Included | Included | Included | |
| Option to provide brochures at event check-in | Included | Included | Included | |
| Banner space on-site for the event | Included | Included | ||
| Verbal recognition during event opening/closing | Included | Included | ||
| Registration for one person | Included | Included | ||
| Title sponsorship of session or summit event | Included | |||
Peak Event Sponsors - $5000
Beside the above benefits, you will receive an exclusive opportunity to address the audience during the Thursday or Friday events, an electronic list of all attendees, and 3 complimentary registrations.
If you do not see a level of partnership or benefits that fit your needs, please contact us to discuss how we may accommodate those.
For more information about sponsorships, please contact Geneviève Marchand, gm923@humboldt.edu
In-Kind Support
We welcome in-kind contributions that enhance the Summit experience for participants. Contributions may include locally made products, outdoor-related goods, printed materials, or other mission-aligned items for attendee welcome bags and event experiences.
In-kind partners will receive recognition aligned with the value of their contribution and an opportunity to showcase their commitment to California’s outdoor recreation economy.
We are especially interested in partnering with local and rural businesses whose products reflect the spirit of California’s outdoor economy. In-kind contributions provide meaningful visibility while supporting a high-quality attendee experience.
Who Should Attend
The Outdoor Economy Summit is designed for people who are curious about, or actively engaged in outdoor recreation in community and economic development. Participants do not need to work directly in outdoor recreation. The summit is especially valuable for those looking to better understand how outdoor recreation connects to jobs, investment, infrastructure, land management, and long-term regional resilience.
Community Builders & Nonprofits
Organizations expanding access, strengthening stewardship, and growing participation across California.
Public Sector & Government Leaders
Local and regional decision-makers shaping outdoor infrastructure, economic development, and policy.
Outdoor Recreation, Tourism & Related Business Leaders
Entrepreneurs and operators whose work connects to outdoor recreation and regional economies.
Economic & Workforce Development Professionals
Those building job pathways, supporting business growth, and strengthening rural economies.
Investors & Capital Partners
Philanthropic organizations, impact investors, and funding partners supporting place-based and rural economic development.
Education & Emerging Leaders
Faculty, researchers, and students developing the next generation of outdoor industry and community leaders.
Why the outdoor economy matters in California
California has the largest outdoor recreation economy of any state in the nation. Contributes over $81 billion annually, supports more than 545,000 direct jobs and represents approximately 2.1% of California’s GDP.
Public lands make more than 50% of California. National Parks alone contribute $5.1 billion in economic benefit and support nearly 40,000 jobs.
The economic contributions of hunting, fishing, and wildlife-watching on BLM Lands supported 1035 jobs and $53 million in salaries and wages.
Research on California state parks indicates that spending time outdoors can be a cost-effective investment in our health, helping prevent chronic conditions and improving well-being
Outdoor recreation in rural areas frequently intersects with local history, Indigenous practices, and cultural traditions. These activities help people connect with the land, physically, culturally and spiritually.
Public lands and outdoor access enhance quality of life in ways that attract entrepreneurs, skilled workers, and high-wage industries, reinforcing California’s economic competitiveness
The Outdoor Economy Summit is a new, place-based convening focused on strengthening outdoor recreation economies in California, with a particular emphasis on rural communities.
Hosted by Cal Poly Humboldt, Redwood Region RISE, and Humboldt County’s Economic Development Division in collaboration with regional partners, the summit brings together practitioners, policymakers, business leaders, educators, and community partners who recognize outdoor recreation not simply as a lifestyle or amenity, but as a serious and growing economic driver. Over three days, participants will explore how outdoor recreation intersects with workforce development, business growth, land stewardship, tribal lands and projects, investment, infrastructure, and long-term community resilience.
California stands at a pivotal moment. As the outdoor economy expands nationwide, rural regions across the state face both significant challenges and unprecedented opportunity. With intentional investment, coordinated policy, and strategic collaboration, outdoor recreation can support economic diversification, strengthen workforce pathways, and build resilient regional economies.
At the same time, California is home to tens of millions of acres of public lands — from national forests and parks to state lands, coastal areas, and tribal territories. These landscapes are foundational to the state’s outdoor economy and its identity. Safeguarding them requires thoughtful management, cross-sector collaboration, and a shared commitment to stewardship that balances access, conservation, and long-term sustainability.
This inaugural summit is designed to meet that moment—practical, collaborative, and relationship-driven, grounded in real projects, real challenges, and real opportunities, and focused on shaping an outdoor economy that works for communities while protecting the lands and waters that sustain it.
We don’t have all the answers, but through collaboration, stewardship, and shared commitment, we can move closer to an outdoor economy that works for both communities and the landscapes they depend on.
Evening Film Fundraiser
Supporting Páah Áama Paddle Club
June 4, 2026 | 7:00 PM to 8:30 pm
Eureka Theater | Jaroujiji (Wiyot) - Eureka CA
Located near Wiji (Wiyot) Humboldt Bay
Event Overview
Please join us for a special evening film screening and community conversation in support of Páah Áama Paddle Club, a Native youth culturally based paddlesport program for Karuk Native youth, young adults, and families of the Klamath and Salmon River Basins. The club was formed to establish paddle programs to support the training of youth for the Paddle Tribal Waters Program, and create long lasting programs after the initial Klamath descent journey had concluded.
Ishkêesh (Karuk) Klamath River
Má'su' (Karuk) tributary to the Klamath, Salmon River
The evening will feature First Descent: Kayaking the Klamath River after the largest dam removal in U.S. history. This short film documents the initial source to sea descent of the Klamath River, seen through the eyes of the Native youth and Paddle Tribal Waters team completing the 30 day journey.
We will also showcase some of the day by day media clips released during the descent by River Roots productions, which features footage of participants in action.
We will follow with a discussion with Native youth paddlers who completed the journey, along with Amada Lang (Karuk/Wiyot), a whitewater kayak instructor who participated in the journey alongside this group of youth.
Amada Lang is the founder and Executive Director of Páah Áama Paddle Club, a culturally based paddlesport program for Karuk Native youth, while supporting all Native youth of Humboldt County. She holds a Bachelor in Recreation Administration and a Master in Environment and Community Social Science from Cal Poly Humboldt.
Together, we will reflect on tribal land sovereignty through paddling the Klamath River, river stewardship, youth leadership, and the importance of intergenerational connection to land and water.
This event is part of the California Outdoor Economy Summit and reflects our commitment to honoring tribal leadership, collaboration, and expanding access to outdoor recreation.
About Páah Áama Paddle Club
Mission: “Páah Áama Paddle Club is committed to deepen the connections with community, ancestral waterways, and Indigenous knowledge based systems through paddlesports. In an effort to shift to an outdoor teaching environment for youth programming, we hope to help uplift traditional ecological knowledge based teachings in a way that fosters joy, healthy minds, physicality, and outdoor stewardship practices for the health of our communities, homelands, and rivers. Water is life and life sustains the next generation.”
“Páah Áama Paddle Club is a culturally based paddle sport program for Native youth, young adults, and families of the Klamath and Salmon River basins. This Native led tribal paddling initiative connects young people to culture, community, and river stewardship through traditional and contemporary paddling experiences. The program supports leadership development, cultural revitalization, and outdoor skill-building while strengthening ties to ancestral lands and waters.
Proceeds from this evening will directly support the continued growth of the paddling program and its work with Native youth in the Klamath Basin.
Tickets & Access
Summit Participants
Admission is included with California Outdoor Economy Summit registration.
Community Members
If you are a community member who wants to join us for this event, tickets can be purchased at Humanitix!
All ages are welcome.
Ways to Support “Páah Áama Paddle Club
If you are unable to attend the event or would like to further support Páah Áama, you may make a donation directly to the program.
Páah Áama Donation Link (via riostorivers.org) *Make sure to select PAAH AAMA PADDLE CLUB on our fiscal sponsors website drop down donation link, securing our donation.
Your contribution helps sustain youth leadership, Native led programs in our community, cultural connection, and river stewardship in the Klamath Basin.
You can also take home some club merchandise on the night of the event including beanies, tshirts and hoodies.
Location of the summit and how to get there
Location: Eureka California.
The summit will be held at the Eureka Adorni Community Center, with some activity at the Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center (right next door). Both are waterfront venues overlooking Humboldt Bay and share a parking lot. They are within walking distance of our planned outdoor activities.
The June 3rd mixer will be held in the community park of Loleta, right across from Foggy Bottom Boys.
Flying
Approximately 20 minutes from the Arcata–Eureka Airport (ACV). Direct flights available from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Burbank. Out of state flights come from Denver, and starting Spring 2026, Provo, Las Vegas and Seattle.
Driving
Located directly off Highway 101. The drive is about 5.5 hours from the San Francisco Bay, 5 hours from Sacramento and 3 hours from Redding.
Lodging
Ramada Bayside Inn & Suites, a 5 minutes walk from our event location is offering a 10% to our attendees. To receive the discount, call the hotel directly at 707-443-1601, and mention that you are booking for the summit.
Hotels within 5-15 minutes walk from our venue include:
Newest hotels within 10 minutes drive (Free parking available near the venue)
Camping
Conveners & Leadership
Please reach out with questions or comments!
Geneviève Marchand, Phd, MBA
gm923@humboldt.edu
Professor in Recreation Administration; Board Member California Outdoor Recreation Partnership
Calder Johson
calder.johnson@gmail.com
Sector Investment Coordinator, Arts Culture and Tourism
Redwood Region RISE, California Center for Rural Policies
County of Humboldt,
Economic Development Division/ Humboldt Workforce Coalition