Gov. Abigail Spanberger has appointed Heather Barrar as Virginia’s first director of outdoor recreation, a new position focused on growing the state’s outdoor recreation economy and supporting communities that rely on tourism.
Spanberger announced the appointment Sept. 29 at Riverfront Park in Danville.
Barrar will be responsible for developing a statewide outdoor recreation economy strategy incorporating conservation, economic development, tourism and workforce development.
“Visiting parks and trails shaped my childhood,” Barrar said. “That experience will continue to anchor my vision for a Commonwealth where conservation, recreation and economic development reinforce one another. I am looking forward to meeting Virginians where they are in our great outdoor regions.”
Spanberger also signed Executive Directive 3, establishing the director’s position and a process for gathering input from communities around the state.
As part of that effort, Barrar is scheduled to conduct a statewide listening tour this fall. A Southern Virginia session is scheduled for Nov. 16. Sessions also will be held in other regions of the state, along with a virtual session Nov. 9.
The administration also created an Outdoor Recreation Stakeholder Advisory Group to assist in developing the state’s outdoor recreation strategy.
