Success of the 2024 Basecamp Conference and Workshops
Basecamp 2024 Moab, Utah
I'm pleased to share the success of the 2024 Basecamp Conference and Workshops, organized and hosted by the Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism at Utah State University. The event, held in Southeastern Utah, was attended by over 130 attendees, including outdoor recreation managers, gateway community leaders, federal, state, and local officials, and others dedicated to the stewardship and sustainability of outdoor recreation in the Western United States. The conference and workshops spanned seven days (!) filled with plenaries, research presentations, skill-building workshops, field visits, and a service project. Through generous donations from academic and industry partners, we were also able to provide ten scholarships to graduate students from around the county, enabling them to attend and make valuable connections for their future careers.
The conference featured insightful presentations and field visits from numerous local organizations, demonstrating the diverse ways that Utah State University can support outdoor recreation managers, the outdoor recreation and tourism industries, and gateway communities throughout the region. These activities helped participants gain a deeper understanding of how USU’s resources can be leveraged to address the unique challenges and opportunities in outdoor recreation management and gateway community development.
We also had the opportunity to host a special evening event at the Utah State University-Moab campus, where we highlighted the significant investments USU is making in communities like Moab and other key locations in Southeastern Utah. This event showcased USU’s commitment to being a critical partner in the development and sustainability of outdoor recreation and the economic growth of gateway communities.
As we continue to build on the success of this year’s conference, the ongoing support of the University's leadership will be imperative. With your involvement and partnership, Utah State University can further solidify its role as a vital resource and facilitator for outdoor recreation managers, industry leaders, and gateway communities across the Western U.S.
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Jordan W. Smith, Ph.D. |