Bully for Patagonia! In what is arguably the loudest and clearest statement of principle regarding conservation, public access, and connecting the dots between outdoor recreation and the economy, the company has announced it will withdraw from the Outdoor Retailer show in Utah this summer.
From the Patagonia Press Release:
PATAGONIA TO WITHDRAW FROM OUTDOOR RETAILER IN RESPONSE TO GOV. HERBERT’S DECISION TO RESCIND BEARS EARS PROTECTION
Ventura, Calif. (February 7, 2017) – “Utah Gov. Gary Herbert signed a resolution on Friday urging the Trump administration to rescind the Bears Ears National Monument, making it clear that he and other Utah elected officials do not support public lands conservation nor do they value the economic benefits – $12 billion in consumer spending and 122,000 jobs – that the outdoor recreation industry brings to their state. Because of the hostile environment they have created and their blatant disregard for Bears Ears National Monument and other public lands, the backbone of our business, Patagonia will no longer attend the Outdoor Retailer show in Utah and we are confident other outdoor manufacturers and retailers will join us in moving our investment to a state that values our industry and promotes public lands conservation.“ – Rose Marcario, President and CEO, Patagonia, Inc.
Last month, Patagonia’s founder, Yvon Chouinard penned an op-ed, The Outdoor Industry Loves Utah; Does Utah Love the Outdoor Industry? in which he stated, “If Gov. Herbert doesn’t need us, we can find a more welcoming home. Gov. Herbert should direct his Attorney General to halt their plans to sue and support the historic Bears Ears National Monument. He should stop his efforts to transfer public lands to the state, which would spell disaster for Utah’s economy. He should show the outdoor industry he wants our business – and that he supports thousands of his constituents of all political persuasions who work in jobs supported by recreation on public lands. We love Utah, but Patagonia’s choice to return for future shows will depend on the Governor’s actions. I’m sure other states will happily compete for the show by promoting public lands conservation.” Read the full piece here: http://www.patagonia.com/blog/2017/01/the-outdoor-industry-loves-utah-does-utah-love-the-outdoor-industry/
Contacts:
Corley Kenna [email protected]
Tessa Byars [email protected]
Jessica Clayton [email protected]
It will be interesting to see if other companies follow suit.
