NARROWSBURG, NY — Nathan Reigner, Pennsylvania’s first-ever director of outdoor recreation, will deliver the keynote address at the Upper Delaware Council’s (UDC) 36th annual River Valley Awards on Sunday, September 22.

Public nominations for the awards are being accepted through Thursday, August 23.

Recognizing that Pennsylvania has the sixth-largest outdoor recreation economy in the nation—at $17 billion, with more than 164,000 associated jobs—PA Gov. Josh Shapiro established the state’s Office of Outdoor Recreation in 2023. The director of outdoor recreation position was created in January 2022, working within the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).

The office’s mission is to grow Pennsylvania’s outdoor economy by expanding equitable access, investment, conservation, collaboration, and business development.

In his address, Reigner will share an expansive vision for how outdoor recreation connects participants with Pennsylvania’s great outdoors, improves public health, creates entrepreneurial opportunities, and drives prosperity in communities.

About Nathan Reigner

A Pennsylvania native, Reigner graduated from Upper Perkiomen High School and holds degrees from Gettysburg College, Virginia Tech and the University of Vermont. 

Before joining the commonwealth in 2021, Reigner was part of Penn State’s research faculty and led Recreation Tourism Science, a consultancy.

In 2023, Reigner became Pennsylvania’s first director of outdoor recreation and played a key role in establishing the state’s Office of Outdoor Recreation.

His career has focused on enhancing experiences in communities, parks, trails, and tourism destinations while preserving their character. He has worked with more than 100 national and state parks, forests, trails, historic sites, and heritage areas across the U.S. and internationally.

As a liaison among industry, NGOs, users, and government partners, he communicates the importance of outdoor recreation, advocates for support and investment, and encourages all to enjoy Pennsylvania’s outdoor offerings.

Reigner led a statewide tour to gather feedback and joined Shapiro to launch the Outdoor Business Alliance earlier this year.

Pennsylvania will receive $9.7 million and New York $14.6 million from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Stateside Assistance Program to support outdoor recreation and conservation projects that protect and enhance access to the outdoors.  See related story, "Millions flowing to NY and PA to connect people with nature."