The Outdoor Industry will host a “This Land is Our Land March” during Outdoor Retailer in July. The 2017 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market is likely the last time it will take place in Salt Lake City. Thanks to Utah Governor Herbert and his anti-public lands policies, the OR Show is (presumably) moving to Denver and taking tens of millions of dollars of direct spending per-year with them. But the Outdoor Industry is not leaving without saying goodbye in the form of a protest march on the Utah State Capitol.
This Land is Our Land March happens on July 27, 2017, on the second day of the Outdoor Retailer show. OR, along with The Conservation Alliance, Outdoor Alliance and the Outdoor Industry Association, will march from the South Plaza of the Salt Palace Convention Center at 4:30 p.m. and proceed along a designated route to the Utah State Capitol.
According to a press release about the march, once at the Capitol steps outdoor industry leaders will hold a 45-minute rally to raise issues that “spark further public lands discussion and action. Speakers include Utah tribal leaders, outdoor industry leaders, athletes, and policy makers.”
According to Amy Roberts, OIA executive director, the march will spotlight 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.
“The outdoor community has been in the national spotlight because of its fervent passion for protecting the public lands we all enjoy,” said Marisa Nicholson, show director for Outdoor Retailer. “This is not a one-and-done issue. While Bears Ears National Monument status has been a catalyst for our community, it’s just the most currently visible example of what will be a long, hard series of national debates. This march will harness that passion by providing a responsible yet energized path to celebrate what is so important to all of us, and about which we need to be heard.”
“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.
All Outdoor Retailer show attendees as well as interested citizens of Utah are welcome to attend. All march participants are asked to abide by the established Code of Conduct.
For more information, head over to the event Facebook page.