"If you build it, they will come." The classic line from Field of Dreams certainly applies to our country's investment in outdoor recreation for its citizens. The Gaylord Area Convention and Tourism Bureau rebranded itself a few years ago as "All Outdoors" to capitalize on the investments made in this northern Michigan community through the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. As new trails were built connecting downtown with nearby state parks, bike shops and microbreweries opened up downtown, helping to revitalize this former lumber town. At the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers annual conference in Bismarck, North Dakota, Gaylord Tourism executive director Paul Beachnau joined Conservation Country to discuss how the draw of wildlife like elk, wild forests, free-flowing rivers and outdoor recreation investment are driving economic development in his community. 

Additional links: 

www.nwf.org/greatlakes

www.repyourwater.com/pages/great-lakes-reg

www.gaylordmichigan.net

www.aglowoutdoors.org