Resources
Government Resources
America’s Great Outdoors. A President Obama initiative to develop a 21st century conservation and recreation agenda.
Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center. The Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center’s mission is to preserve the values and benefits of wilderness for present and future generations by connecting agency employees and the public with their wilderness heritage through training, information, and education.
BLM National Training Center (NTC). NTC offers more than 200 courses annually making it a primary source for BLM training in natural resources and leadership.
DOI Recreation. A site promoting recreation opportunities on our nation’s public lands. Find hundreds of recreation opportunities on public lands and a link to Recreation.gov to make reservations, buy passes, and get permits you might need.
Forest Service Publications. A one-stop site for Forest Service administrative, general, and research publications, including technical publications, articles, and papers.
Forest Service Research & Development. The research and development (R&D) arm of the Forest Service works at the forefront of science to improve the health and use of our nation's forests and grasslands. The organization consists of seven research stations and 80 experimental forests and ranges.
Forest Service Technology and Development Program. The Forest Service's Technology and Development program provides practical solutions to problems identified by Forest Service employees and cooperators.
HD.gov. HumanDimensions.gov, or HD.gov for short, is an interactive informational website and a portal with featured links related to the human dimensions of natural resource management. HD.gov guides users to credible on-line information, including methods, on-line tools, publications, and a calendar of events. HD.gov adds value to existing sites by highlighting the widely applicable aspects of their content, while retaining links to more detailed information.
Interagency Wild and Scenic River Council. The goal of the council is to improve interagency coordination in administering the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, thereby improving service to the American public and enhancing protection of important river resources.
National Conservation Training Center (NCTC). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service training center provides training and professional development tailored to achieve the agency's conservation mission.
Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program (RTCA). This program is the community assistance arm of the National Park Service. RTCA supports community-led natural resource conservation and outdoor recreation projects across the nation.
Wilderness Connect. Connecting federal employees, scientists, educators, and the public with their wilderness heritage.
Professional Societies
American Planning Association. The American Planning Association brings together thousands of people — practicing planners, citizens, elected officials — committed to making great communities happen.
George Wright Society. The Society strives to be the premier organization connecting people, places, knowledge, and ideas to foster excellence in natural and cultural resource management, research, protection, and interpretation in parks and equivalent reserves. A nonprofit association of protected area professionals dedicated to the preservation of cultural and natural parks and reserves.
International Association for Society and Natural Resources. The objectives of the Association are to: Foster the interdisciplinary social scientific understanding of the relationships between humans and natural resources; further the application of social science information in natural resource decision-making and provide a mechanism whereby social scientists, resource managers, practitioners, agency personnel, and decision makers can generate dialogue and useful exchange
National Association for Interpretation. A professional organization dedicated to advancing the profession of heritage interpretation.
National Recreation and Parks Association. NRPA promotes the benefits of outdoor recreation and a stronger voice addressing the issues that help sustain parks and recreational facilities across the country.
River Management Society. A professional organization whose mission is to support professionals who study, protect, and manage North America's rivers.
Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals. A professional association of outdoor recreation and related professionals who strive to protect our natural and cultural resources while providing sustainable recreation access.
Society for Wilderness Stewardship. An organization working exclusively to advance the professional practice of wilderness stewardship.
Educational Organizations
Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism. The Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism at Utah State University does research, outreach, and teaching focused on outdoor recreation and tourism management — inside Utah and beyond its borders. Our work focuses on the social and economic trade-offs associated with providing outdoor recreation opportunities on public lands.
Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research. Located in the University of Montana, College of Forestry and Conservation, ITRR serves as the research arm for Montana's tourism and recreation industry.
The Wilderness Institute. The institute works to further the understanding of wilderness and its stewardship through education, research, and service. The institute is a part of the College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana.
Non-Profit Organizations
Access Fund. A national advocacy organization that keeps U.S. climbing areas open and conserves the climbing environment.
American Hiking Society. The society promotes and protects foot trails and the hiking experience.
American Trails. A national organization working on behalf of all trail interests.
American Whitewater. Their mission is “to conserve and restore America's whitewater resources and to enhance opportunities to enjoy them safely.”
International Mountain Bicycling Association. An educational association whose mission is to create, enhance, and preserve great mountain biking experiences.
Leave No Trace. The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics teaches people how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly.
National Trails Training Partnership. An arm of the American Trails organization, the National Trails Training Partnership is an alliance of federal agencies, training providers, nationwide supporters, professional contractors, and providers of products and services who work together to provide trail-related training and resources.
Tread Lightly. Their mission is to promote responsible recreation through education.
The Wilderness Society. A conservation organization working to protect wilderness and inspire Americans to care for our wild places.