By Jeff Shaw l September 25, 2023 l Media
(Rockfall, CT) - In just two years since receiving its 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization status, the Connecticut Outdoor Recreation Alliance (CORA) received another $5,000 to advance their mission of promoting outdoor recreation opportunities and stewardship in Connecticut. These funds will enable CORA to present and sponsor the upcoming 5th Annual CT Trails Symposium, host education programs, consult on CT Trail Finder trailside services initiative and build brand awareness. This REI Co-op grant award is the third grant the organization has received, totaling $17,000.
“It’s just remarkable to think that in less than four years, CORA grew from a small, informal group of businesses, user groups, and conservation organizations into an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to elevate the voices of more than 75 outdoor businesses and recreation nonprofits. The grant dollars received is a recognition of the value of promoting outdoor recreation in Connecticut. And all of it is 100% volunteer-driven. I’m excited to see what the next year brings,” said Paula Burton, President, CORA and Member of the Board of Directors, New England Mountain Bike Association.
CORA is also sponsoring an educational session at the “Connecting Connecticut: 5th Annual Connecticut Trails Symposium on October 13, 2023. The session entitled, “Working Together to Grow the Outdoor Recreation Economy,” will focus on how partnerships and collaboration across the public and private sectors can support thriving outdoor economies. Learn how the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation and Maine Outdoor Brands, along with other organizations and agencies, are working together to build, grow, and sustain the outdoor recreation economy at the state and local level. The Symposium is October 10-13, with events at various locations. Registration information can be found on CORA’s website www.ctoutdoors.org
In addition to promoting outdoor businesses and recreation opportunities, CORA also:
works with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), having collaborated on a number of projects, such as the 2023 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP);
advocates annually in the state budget process for more state resources for trails;
raises awareness of the physical and mental health benefits of being outdoors;
promotes the establishment of a dedicated statewide Office of Outdoor Recreation; like 16 other states;
increases access to the outdoors for all residents (such as the above mentioned CT Trail Finder project, identifying lesser known trails and promoting trailside services) and promoting events shared by outdoor recreation groups.
“REI is proud to partner and support local advocacy for life outside. We recognize the critical role that outdoor recreation partners play in advancing those causes,” said Neil Johnson, REI Milford store manager. “We’re thrilled with the progress CORA has made to further their mission to educate, inspire and mobilize stakeholders across Connecticut to support outdoor recreation.”
As a member-owned co-op, REI invests deeply in the outdoor community, supporting efforts that create access to - and steward - the outdoor places that inspire us all. To learn more about the co-op’s investment, click here.
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About Connecticut Outdoor Recreation Alliance (CORA)
CORA is a concerted effort to grow outdoor recreation by supporting the development of Connecticut’s outdoor recreation economy. We believe outdoor recreation is created through the intersection of resources (parks, trails, waterways, etc.), users (hikers, boaters, skiers, etc.) and supporting organizations (businesses, nonprofits, educational institutions, etc.). As businesses and supporting organizations and individuals, we stand for the protection and promotion of the outdoor recreation resources used by visitors and residents of Connecticut.