Today Doug opens the container with Luis Benitez to discuss the need for a National Office of Recreation.

The rise in outdoor recreation has always been a part of the American experience, with transcendentalists like Emerson and Thoreau heading to the woods for enlightenment, down to current day secularists just wanting to get away from work. The indigenous people of this continent whose lands were taken and occupied had a deep connection to these spaces and still do.

Luis joins the show to discuss the critical role of outdoor recreation departments in advocating for the outdoor community and promoting sustainable practices on public lands.

He shares his journey from guiding on Everest to becoming a prominent advocate for the outdoor recreation sector, highlighting the importance of collaboration across political lines to address shared concerns for conservation and accessibility.

The discussion also touches on challenges faced by the outdoor industry, including increasing pressure on public lands and the necessity of responsible management as more people seek outdoor experiences.

Through their dialogue, they emphasize the potential for a national department of outdoor recreation to unify efforts and further protect these vital spaces for future generations.

Note: This conversation was recorded before the 2024 presidential election.



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