Communities

Warren County Outdoor Recreation Economy Strategic Plan

Warren County Planning Department

Mosaic of three people rowing a boat on colorful waves along a street.

SE Group, in partnership with Common Ground Consulting, led the development of Warren County’s first comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Economy Strategic Plan. This effort established a clear framework for how the County can strengthen and sustain its outdoor recreation economy, an essential part of its identity and quality of life. Using robust research, mapping, and engagement, the plan identifies actionable strategies, partnerships, and investments that connect outdoor recreation with community and economic development.

At the southern gateway to the Adirondack Park, Warren County is a landscape where small towns, clear lakes, and forested mountains converge. Home to Lake George, Gore Mountain, and the Hudson River, the County offers year-round opportunities for hiking, boating, skiing, and adventure. Outdoor recreation is not just a pastime here; it defines the region’s economy, attracts millions of visitors each year, and anchors community pride. This project celebrates and advances that legacy, helping Warren County steward its natural assets while embracing recreation as a foundation for long-term prosperity.

Cyclist on a tree-lined path beside a serene river under a blue sky.

The Challenge

While outdoor recreation is central to Warren County’s identity, it lacked a unified strategy to connect recreation investment with economic growth and community benefit. Assets and organizations operated in silos, data on recreation activity and spending were limited, and smaller towns needed additional capacity to plan and implement projects. The County sought a framework that would strengthen collaboration, identify catalytic projects, and establish clear roles for local government, non-profits, and businesses in supporting the recreation economy.

SE Group’s Role

SE Group led the planning process through a comprehensive and collaborative approach. The team conducted an in-depth inventory of outdoor recreation assets, businesses, and community initiatives, combining geospatial mapping with economic analysis to visualize the alignment between recreation destinations and local economic activity.

A robust engagement process brought together municipalities, non-profits, land managers, and business owners to identify priorities and challenges. Building on this foundation, SE Group developed five guiding principles and a series of strategic actions that anchor the plan’s recommendations. These included six catalyst projects across the County and a new technical assistance program to help local governments and organizations plan, fund, and implement outdoor recreation improvements.

People strolling by a lake, docked boats, distant mountains, and evening light.

The Impact

The Outdoor Recreation Economy Strategic Plan positions Warren County as a statewide leader in leveraging recreation for economic growth, workforce retention, and community vitality. By aligning local and regional efforts, the plan builds new capacity for stewardship, strengthens tourism and small businesses, and enhances quality of life for residents. The County now has a clear path forward to connect its outdoor destinations, communities, and businesses through a shared vision that ensures its natural landscapes continue to sustain both people and place.