Since the end of World War II, recreation has become increasingly important socially and economically in the United States, so much so that it became a focus of federal policy beginning in 1958.Since that time, two national commissions, the Outdoor Recreation Resources Review Commission and the President's Commission on Americans Outdoors, were established to bring to the president and the Congress findings and recommendations on the nation's policies to ensure continued availability of recreation opportunities for America. Now, twenty years since the last review, there is interest in addressing anew the policy initiatives needed at this time. This paper provides an overview of the two Commissions and outlines some considerations to address today.
The Policy Path to the Great Outdoors: A History of the Outdoor Recreation Review Commissions
Working Paper by George Siehl — 1 minute read — Oct. 15, 2008
DownloadAuthors
George Siehl
Related Content

On the Issues — Feb 26, 2021
Understanding the Texas Blackouts, Prospects for Climate Legislation, and More
A weekly newsletter connecting global current events, pressing climate and energy policy news, and economics research from RFF scholars.

Resources Magazine — Feb 25, 2021
More from the Climate Insights 2020 Survey
RFF and Stanford researchers provide follow-ups from our Climate Insights 2020 survey, which gauges American public opinion on climate change and the environment.

Media Highlight — Jan 29, 2021
National Monument Designation Leads To Job Creation
The Mountain West News Bureau reports on RFF analysis regarding national monuments and their effects on local economies.