Join the Alliance
Our partners are critical to our efforts and make what we do possible. Businesses, nonprofits and other supporting organizations, and individuals who support our mission are encouraged to join. And it’s free! Partner benefits:
Joining a unified voice representing outdoor recreation in Connecticut.
Representation with decision-makers who impact Connecticut’s outdoor recreation economy.
Participation opportunities to advocate for outdoor recreation through lobbying and letters.
Connection to a community of outdoor recreation professionals.
2026 Legislative and Action Agenda
CORA is the voice of the outdoor recreation community in Connecticut. We strive to increase outdoor recreation access and opportunities, support economic development and steward natural resources.
2026 Legislative and Action Agenda
1. Adopt the Confluence Accords Principles (see list on the right) supported by the National Governors Association and adopted by 21 states, four of which are in New England.
2. Collaborate with the Senior Advisor for Outdoor Industry & Experiences to co-sponsor events that support No Child Left Inside initiatives, work with state agencies, outdoor recreation-focused organizations, businesses, and others to better publicize and enhance Connecticut’s outdoor recreation opportunities.
3. Encourage Investments in CT’s Outdoor Recreation Economy with appropriations (e.g., DEEP staffing) and bonding (e.g., for DEEP’s Recreational Trails & Greenways Program, the Passport to the Parks, etc.), to leverage public and private resources to assist equitable access to the outdoors (e.g. CTParks.com, CT Trail Finder, etc.), and spur economic development for outdoor recreation-related businesses.
Confluence Accords Principles
Conservation & Stewardship
Advocate for conservation, and public access to land, air, water, & wildlife.
Enhance public outdoor recreational access, infrastructure, & conservation.
Promote connections between a healthy environment, outdoor recreation & economy.
Education & Workforce Training
Support learning opportunities for early and life-long outdoor activity and career development.
Promote programs for workforce training, skill mastery, and business opportunities.
Promote interest, participation, and diversity in the outdoors for all.
Economic Development
Invest in outdoor recreation infrastructure.
Attract business, retain workers, encourage expansion and market the outdoor recreation economy.
Address barriers to business success in the outdoor recreation economy.
Public Health & Wellness
Increase outdoor recreation opportunities for people of all backgrounds and abilities.
Engage with health & wellness stakeholders to fulfill shared visions.
Quantify impacts of access to outdoor recreation on healthcare outcomes and costs
Support $ for Recreational Trails
Demand for recreational trails is growing! In February the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection's Recreational Trails Grant Program awarded $3 million for 20 projects to plan, build, or improve trails across the state. But a total of $22 million were requested, and the highly ranked proposals alone totaled over $7 million.
Connecticut House Bill 5291 proposes authorizing this grant program for up to $6 million in future years. This would help ensure more funds are available to address the large, ongoing needs for bikeways, greenways, and other recreational trail infrastructure in Connecticut. These trails provide recreation opportunities of course, but also can support nearby businesses, public health, and conservation. Though the public hearing has passed, there’s still time to contact your State Senator and Representative. See our earlier action alert email for details.
Volunteer for a Working Group
Help expand our efforts by joining one of our working groups. Please email the chairpersons to learn how you or a member of your team might contribute!
Protection & Advocacy: Recommend how to help the State promote and support outdoor recreation businesses and protect outdoor recreation spaces for everyone. advocacy@cora.org
Engagement & Education: Recruit outdoor recreation businesses and partners, and recommend how to support one another’s efforts. membership@cora.org
Communications & Development: Develop email, web, and social tools to foster networking and provide updates. communications@cora.org