The Outdoor Retailer trade show may be leaving Utah after a 22-year long run, but they aren’t going quietly. On the second day of their 2017 Summer Market, thousands of convention participants, along with Utah locals, marched from the Salt Palace Convention Center to the state capitol building. Their message? To keep public lands in public hands.
The “This Land is Our Land” march is the culmination of political bad blood between the Outdoor Industry Association, and the Utah government and their differing views on the future of public lands. It all started when Utah Governor Gary Herbert called on President Trump to repeal the newly created Bears Ears National Monument. The outcry from the outdoor industry led to Patagonia and other influential companies to pull out until Outdoor Retailer moved out of Utah. With Herbert refusing to soften his stance, the show announced its relocation to Denver.
An estimated 3,000 people marched, carrying banners and chanting. Once the crowd gathered below the capitol steps, outdoor industry and civic leaders addressed the gathering during a 45-minute rally. Speakers included Outdoor Industry Association director Amy Roberts, Ute tribal chairman Shaun Chapoose, mountaineer Conrad Anker, Boulder resident Blake Spalding, REI CEO Jerry Strizke, Conservation Alliance director John Sterling, and Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski.
According to Amy Roberts, OIA executive director, the march put a spotlight the issue that public lands across America are the foundation of the outdoor industry. “We aim to communicate that America’s national treasures require investment and effective management today and for generations to come—and they must remain accessible for all Americans,” Roberts said.
“Protecting public lands is central to The Conservation Alliance’s mission, and the Outdoor Retailer tradeshows provide a great venue to connect with the tribe and share our passion for this mission. At this pivotal moment, it is important that we join forces with Outdoor Retailer, the Outdoor Industry Association and Outdoor Alliance to rally the industry around a long-term agenda to protect and preserve the mountains, deserts, forests and waters that grace our nation’s public lands,” commented John Sterling, executive director of The Conservation Alliance.
With the loss of Outdoor Retailer’s twice-yearly shows, Utah can say goodbye to an estimated $45 million annual economic impact.