Iowa Task Force Urges Outdoor Recreation Growth Plan
A state task force released a final report recommending steps to grow Iowa's outdoor recreation economy.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in National Parks
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Gov. Kim Reynolds released the final report from the Iowa Outdoor Recreation Task Force, which recommends steps to grow the state's outdoor recreation economy. The task force was created under Executive Order 19 to guide the newly established Iowa Office of Outdoor Recreation.
Why it matters
The task force said Iowa could strengthen its outdoor recreation economy by connecting existing assets with tourism and rural development. Its recommendations call for collaboration among public, private, and nonprofit organizations.
The national figures of 5.2 million jobs and $1.3 trillion in output from 2024 are the only quantified benchmarks cited. No Iowa-specific economic totals were included in the report summary.
The players
Kim Reynolds
Kim Reynolds is the Governor of Iowa, who released the final report of the Iowa Outdoor Recreation Task Force.
Iowa Outdoor Recreation Task Force
The Iowa Outdoor Recreation Task Force was created under Executive Order 19 to guide the Iowa Office of Outdoor Recreation and includes members from business, local government, conservation, and outfitting.
The details
The task force's recommendations include developing a five-year statewide outdoor recreation plan, creating a network linking outdoor businesses with communities, and coordinating marketing for Iowa's offerings. It also recommends exploring agritourism, attracting regional and national events, and expanding access for students and others facing barriers.
Timeline
2024: Outdoor recreation supported 5.2 million jobs nationally.
November 12, 2026: Gov. Kim Reynolds released the final task force report.
Seasonal Patterns
The task force's recommendations build on Executive Order 19, which established the Iowa Office of Outdoor Recreation to coordinate the state's outdoor recreation economy. The report's national benchmark of 5.2 million supported jobs in 2024 places Iowa's effort within the broader U.S. outdoor recreation sector.
Iowa residents and visitors interested in outdoor activities may see future expansion of recreation options as the recommended five-year plan takes shape. Travelers planning trips should watch for new coordinated marketing and events as the state implements the task force's recommendations.
The takeaway
Connecting existing outdoor assets with tourism, agritourism, and rural development is the central strategy the task force identified for Iowa. Residents and travelers can follow state outdoor recreation announcements as the five-year plan develops.
Further reading
For more on public lands and visitor destinations, explore National Parks coverage on Wisevoter.
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Do you think your community is getting better for outdoor recreation?
