Launched in 2020, Outside Central, is building an equitable and accessible outdoor recreation culture within the ten-parish region of central Louisiana in order to jumpstart a thriving outdoor recreation economy. This work is done by increasing access to, demand for, and use of central Louisiana’s outdoor recreation assets for everyone. Along with our communities and our partners, we will achieve these goals through network-building, infrastructure development, entrepreneurship, skill-building, regional branding, and industry recruitment & retention. Outside Central is strategically-guided by a 2019 report commissioned by CLEDA and written by The Flurry Group.
MILLION SPENT ANNUALLY
THOUSAND
JOBS*
RANKED IN OUTDOOR
RECREATION
VALUE-ADDED
MANUFACTURING
Partnered with the U.S. National Forest Service and local community groups to host first-ever Wild Azalea Trail Blitz; 34 residents participated in the event.
Developed three-year outreach agreement with USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service to partner on implementing outdoor recreation planning and programming.
Released report (commissioned for CLEDA) identifying economic impact of outdoor recreation in Central Louisiana.
As part of our inaugural Rural Prosperity Summit, hosted keynote presentation on impact that gravel bike racing has on rural communities. In addition, hosted panel discussion on outdoor recreation featuring community organizations and entrepreneurs.
Formally launched the region's first outdoor recreation initiative, seeking to leverage Central Louisiana's outdoor recreation assets to strengthen the livelihoods of all of the region's residents.
Awarded a New Horizons Grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation to design and implement Outdoor Recreation Fellows, the state’s first outdoor recreation leadership development program.
The Louisiana Central project team began developing a curriculum and engaging with outdoor recreation specialists from around the nation to lead the workshops.
Outreach efforts across the ten parish region on social media, local news programs, and through direct email help build awareness of the program and recruit applications to participate.
The inaugural Outdoor Recreation Fellows leadership cohort convenes for formal workshops to learn about the industry, grassroots leadership, entrepreneurship, and more. Workshops will be followed by community projects using the knowledge and skills gained in the program.
Home to West Bay Wildlife Management Area and the spring-fed Wiskey Chitto Creek, those looking for paddling, fishing and hunting opportunities will have their fill in Allen Parish. Learn more about one of Louisiana’s most scenic creeks, Wiskey Chitto, by visiting https://www.louisianatravel.com/paddle/trail/ouiska-chitto-creek.