Outdoor Economy

Advancing West Virginia's economy and quality of life through outdoor recreation.

What we're doing

The Smith OEDC is evaluating the strategies that other outdoor-oriented states have used to explode their outdoor recreation revenue, grow their population and improve the health of their citizens. We are working towards creating those same results here in West Virginia. This includes rewriting the narrative for the Mountain State by showcasing outdoor recreation assets through research, data and innovative programming.

Professor Vaike Haas with her class doing trail work.

Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure

We want to grow outdoor recreation participation in West Virginia's by developing and enhancing trails, access points, wayfinding and more.

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Two people hiking through the many boulders at Coopers Rock State Forest, WV.

Talent Attraction & Recruitment

West Virginia has an unparalleled quality of life that provides the ability to live an outdoor lifestyle while still having a fulfilling career.

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Danny Twilley presenting on community development

Outdoor Community Development

We are empowering communities to embrace outdoor recreation by providing organizational support and expertise.

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Header Ascend WV Image Credit: West Virginia Department of Tourism

Remote Program

Emphasizing community, purpose and the outdoors, Ascend WV is designed to support remote workers as they relocate to West Virginia in pursuit of high quality of life and an outdoor-driven lifestyle.

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Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative

Danny Twilley, Ph.D.

Assistant Vice President of Economic, Community and Asset Development

Dr. Danny Twilley is the Assistant Vice President of Economic, Community and Asset Development for the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative. By utilizing West Virginia University’s intellectual and social capital, Danny focuses on growing the state’s outdoor economy to make West Virginia a more desirable place to live, work and play by leveraging the state’s expansive outdoor recreation assets. To do so, he leads initiatives that focus on talent attraction and retention, outdoor community development, outdoor recreation asset development, business development, workforce development and research to tell the story of outdoor recreation in the state. He approaches this work by engaging with communities and facilitating academic collaborations across the University, state and local governments, outdoor industry, and related groups.

View Profile for Danny Twilley, Ph.D.