Launched in 2019, 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. According to a 2019 report written by The Flurry Group for Louisiana Central, central Louisiana “is home to most of the state’s only national forest, four national wildlife refuges, the state’s longest hiking trail, and the state’s only national wild and scenic river.” Additionally, according to the Outdoor Industry Association, residents of the 4th and 5th Congressional districts, home to much of central Louisiana, “spend an average of $2.8 billion on outdoor recreation each year.” As a rural region with amazing natural resources, we see the importance of this opportunity to spur economic recovery, grow jobs, and support entrepreneurs with a program that aligns so closely with our local culture.
