House designates Feb. 16 as Vermont Outdoor Recreation Day; Kelly Brush leads devotional

The Vermont House of Representatives on Feb. 16 designated Feb. 16, 2024, as Vermont Outdoor Recreation Day at the State House and welcomed leaders from the state’s outdoor recreation community.

The House read House Concurrent Resolution H.C.R.149, which cites U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis figures showing outdoor recreation spending in Vermont totaled $1,900,000,000 in fiscal 2022 and that the industry employed just over 15,000 people. The resolution directs copies be sent to state agencies and outdoor organizations.

Kelly Brush, founder of the Kelly Brush Foundation, delivered the morning devotional and recounted her 2006 alpine ski accident that resulted in a spinal cord injury. “When I learned I could be active and actually experiencing that activity for the first time, it truly made me feel like myself again,” Brush said, describing how adaptive sports shaped her recovery. She told members the foundation has given grants in all 50 states to help people with spinal cord injuries obtain adaptive sports equipment and access programs.

Several members recognized guests who attended for the observance, including executives and representatives from the Vermont Mountain Bike Association, Kingdom Trails, the Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance, Vermont ski-area interests and local recreation groups. Members highlighted events tied to the day, including a press event and a public screening of a documentary on food and housing insecurity scheduled later in the week.

Members said the designation was meant to spotlight outdoor recreation’s economic and community role in Vermont and to encourage inclusive access. The House did not take further legislative action on the resolution during the session; the resolution was read and shared with the agencies and groups listed in the text.

The House then proceeded with its remaining business and later adjourned until Feb. 20, 2024.