In May of 2023, outdoor recreation enthusiasts living in Ohio were astounded when the robust budget for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) proposed by governor Mike DeWine was gutted during the legislative process. 

Since January, mountain bikers in Ohio watched the legislative session closely because advocacy groups and trail organizations had contributed to collaborative fundraising of millions of dollars for new capital projects including new trails and trailhead facilities. If the ODNR operating budget were to move forward as amended, it would have been nearly impossible to access the funds and begin the new projects they had planned and fundraised for on ODNR lands. The budget reduction also would have led to reduced staffing and law enforcement in parks and forests across Ohio, and closure of some areas completely. Mountain biker or not, these budget reductions had the potential to change the face of outdoor recreation in Ohio for myriad user groups.

Engaging Statewide Organizing

Keenly familiar with the impact of the ODNR on Ohio’s outdoor recreation, conservation practices, and economy (a powerful $5.9 billion dollars is added to the state’s economy each year by people utilizing ODNR spaces), advocates and leaders from the Ohio Mountain Bike Alliance (OMBA) and the Ohio Trails Partnership (OTP) teamed up to garner statewide support to reverse the devastating budget reductions. They also hired a registered lobbyist and consultant for the Ohio Trails Partnership, Sean Logan. Sean, a former legislator and former Cabinet member with both legislative and executive branch service, kept them abreast of the pace with which the legislation was moving forward, and helped them translate actions and legislative language into summaries people could understand.

With days left in the session, and only a few bicameral committee meetings remaining, hikers, hunters, anglers, mountain bikers, equestrians, campers, and paddlers came together. Jason Reser, Trail Development Director for the Cincinnati Off-Road Alliance (CORA) and participating member of OMBA, was there. Jason, a long time IMBA member and mountain bike advocate, reached out via IMBA’s Action Cultivator Tool to see how IMBA could activate networks of mountain bikers across Ohio to communicate to legislators how important taking action to reinstate the budget to as-introduced levels was. Jason and Sean provided IMBA with details and up-to-the-minute updates so a strong, inclusive call to action could be crafted and distributed. Every Ohioan had an opportunity to write a letter to each of the 17 legislators with the power to reverse or minimize the budget cuts, but taking on that task without technology was daunting, and in the age of technology, unnecessary. 

“As the Trail Development Director for CORA, I witnessed firsthand the impact of IMBA’s Action Cultivator Tool (ACT) in our recent advocacy efforts. Facing the challenge of potential budget reductions for Ohio's Department of Natural Resources, we recognized the urgency to take action. Working with IMBA and using the ACT, we contacted and rallied various user groups, including mountain bikers, equestrians, hikers, and water trail enthusiasts, who are engaged with OMBA, the Ohio Trails Partnership, Rail Trails, The Buckeye Trail Association, Ohio Horseman's Council, and other outdoor recreation advocacy and trail organizations,” said Reser.

Through IMBA’s ACT, and by emphasizing the significance of trails and parks for economic impact, health, wellness, talent attraction, and retention, the collective message resonated with legislators.

Reflecting on the Advocacy Action

IMBA: In your experience, what is the best tip you can share for achieving impactful statewide organizing around legislative issues? 

Jason Reser: “Collaboration among seemingly disparate groups is paramount to turning a local movement into a statewide force. Bringing together people from various backgrounds, regions, and interests for a common goal showcases our initiative’s significance and broad appeal. Working as a team of organizations with a shared interest, such as the Ohio Mountain Bike Alliance (a group of IMBA chapters) and the Ohio Trails Partnership, has been instrumental in our endeavors.

Engaging as a united front from the perspectives of diverse trail user groups demonstrates broader support for trails. Plus, there’s a better chance to create a meaningful connection with the individuals that we are appealing to. The legislator or aide may not be a mountain biker per se, but they may hike, pedal rail-trails, ride horses, or paddle water trails, making it more likely that someone in the group will already have a vested personal interest in our cause.

Effecting legislative change often requires time and patience, especially when lawmakers with whom we’ve made progress move on after elections. By staying committed and consistent in our advocacy, we show that our cause is not a fleeting trend but a well-founded, long-term goal that we intend to achieve.

And with all the above, it didn’t hurt that we turned to a consultant to guide and teach us. Sean’s expertise was instrumental in getting the right message, in the most acceptable form, to the right people, at the right time.”

Sean Logan: “I can’t limit it to just one tip! As a former legislator, and a former Cabinet member (i.e. legislative and executive branch service), getting to know your state legislators on a first name basis, and being active in organizations like IMBA are the top 2 tips. IMBA has a great tool in their rapid messaging system, but what makes it even better is if the legislator (or staff) recognizes your name. There is instant trust in the message, and a solid reminder that, “Oh, I know them. They’re a voting constituent!” Powerful, genuine, and effective.”

IMBA: Sean, you’ve got a ton of history working in the legislature. What stood out to you about working with the Ohio Trails Partnership and OMBA?

Sean Logan: “It was a great effort this Spring – and Summer – at the Ohio Statehouse by outdoor recreation enthusiasts! Especially working with Jason Reser, OMBA, IMBA and Ohio Trails Partnership (OTP). Dozens testified in the State Senate to restore the deep cuts in Ohio DNR’s budget request and it made a difference. Most of ODNR’s requested budget for fiscal year 2024-2025 was appropriated by the General Assembly. While OTP was not successful with their direct request in the state budget, much ground gained, legislator education increased, and deeper understanding of the many benefits of pedaling, hiking, riding horses, and paddling was shared. IMBA’s rapid response system is easy to use and effective in communicating with decision-makers. Ohio OTP was fortunate to be able to have access to it. And it benefitted every Ohioan.”

Results

“ODNR’s Parks and Watercraft, Forestry, and Real Estate & Land Management divisions all had sizable increases in their 24/25 operating budgets, and the General Assembly in the end recognized (thanks to many advocates!) the value of robust funding for ODNR and outdoor recreation,” stated consultant and registered lobbyist Sean Logan.   

Although the budget wasn’t fully reinstated, by answering the call to action, stakeholders and outdoor enthusiasts from across Ohio and across the spectrum of outdoor recreation were able to influence their legislators, and the ODNR budget was protected. Leveraging IMBA’s expertise in advocacy campaign planning, outreach efforts were maximized through targeted emails and alerts with specific, inclusive calls-to-action. Significantly, 25% of Ohio advocates took the time to write personalized letters.

Jason Reser concluded, “With widespread support and a unified voice, I would like to think we helped save the Ohio Department of Natural Resources budget, ensuring the forward momentum of trails and the continued availability of trails and parks for all. IMBA's ACT played a crucial role in our success, empowering all our partners and facilitating engagement within the overall trails community.”  A win for OHIO supported by IMBA’s ACT.