Outdoor Research Insights (ORI) partners with public agencies, nonprofits, and private-sector leaders to provide science-driven, actionable insights in recreation, tourism, and conservation. Below are examples of recent projects that demonstrate our commitment to supporting informed, sustainable decision-making across New England.
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Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests
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ORI is currently working with the Forest Society to develop a tailored visitor use management framework for Mt. Major. This project includes on-site data collection, stakeholder engagement, and visitor survey research to inform strategic decision-making, investments, facility upgrades, and improve the visitor experience while protecting ecological integrity.
This project demonstrates how targeted social science can guide effective visitor management strategies for conservation-focused land trusts facing high-use pressures.
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NH Department of Business and Economic Affairs – Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry Development
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As part of a collaborative team led by CRO Planning & Design, Outdoor Research Insights (ORI) is contributing to the development of a statewide planning toolkit commissioned by the New Hampshire Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry Development. This toolkit is designed to help communities across New Hampshire evaluate, prioritize, and invest in outdoor recreation infrastructure. It features evidence-based frameworks, performance metrics, and adaptable templates tailored to support municipal planning efforts, strengthen grant applications, and guide long-term capital improvement strategies.
This toolkit illustrates how research-informed guidance can empower local decision-makers to build resilient and inclusive outdoor systems.
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NH Department of Business and Economic Affairs – Division of Travel & Tourism
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As part of a collaborative team led by Blaze Partners, Outdoor Research Insights (ORI) served as the lead outdoor marketing research partner informing New Hampshire’s statewide outdoor recreation marketing strategies. ORI provided social science research to evaluate the effectiveness of various outdoor marketing and safety campaigns across diverse demographic segments throughout New England. Our work included visitor research, message testing, and campaign evaluations aimed at enhancing public safety, sustainability education, and responsible tourism.
This work directly informed the development of Wildly Responsible—a state-led initiative focused on educating the public on how to safely and responsibly enjoy New Hampshire’s outdoors while preserving its natural resources for future generations. Findings from this project shaped state-level communication strategies, supported data-driven messaging, and demonstrated how applied research can influence public behavior, enhance visitor safety, and protect outdoor resources.
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