NMMA President and CEO Joins Secretary Burgum at ORR Health Forum

At the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) Health Forum on Thursday, NMMA President and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer joined Doug Burgum, Secretary of the Department of the Interior, on stage for a fireside conversation that reflected the growing role of outdoor recreation in national policy conversations.

The discussion moved from personal experience to federal leadership and, ultimately, to a broader vision for how public lands and waters can serve the country in new and meaningful ways. It explored how time outdoors could potentially support physical and mental well-being, how government can better align around shared goals, and how partnerships across sectors can expand access and opportunity nationwide.

While the forum focused on health, the conversation underscores a much broader reality for the recreational boating industry. The Department of the Interior (DOI) plays a central role in managing access to America's public waters and lands, implementing key policies and supporting infrastructure that enable outdoor recreation. Through efforts like the EXPLORE Act and stewardship of federal lands, DOI is helping shape the future of access-an issue that remains foundational for boaters, anglers, and manufacturers alike.

This moment also reflects a sustained and strategic engagement between NMMA and DOI. NMMA continues to work alongside federal partners to advance policies that strengthen recreation infrastructure, protect public access, and support conservation goals. That includes advocacy for the America the Beautiful Act, which would fund the Legacy Restoration Fund and provide needed investment in public lands and waters across the country that DOI manages.

For an industry where 95% of boats sold in the United States are made domestically and 93% of boat builders are small businesses, these policies carry real impact. Access to well-maintained waterways, modern infrastructure, and healthy ecosystems directly supports American jobs, local communities, and the continued global competitiveness of U.S. marine manufacturing.

The ORR Health Forum setting offered a unique opportunity to connect these priorities to a larger national conversation. By highlighting the role of outdoor recreation as a driver of both economic activity and personal well-being, the discussion reinforces the importance of policies that expand access, invest in infrastructure, and encourage innovation in marine technology and sustainability.

For NMMA members, the significance is clear. This conversation demonstrates how the recreational boating industry continues to engage at the highest levels of government on issues that matter most, helping to ensure that America's public waters remain accessible, sustainable, and central to the nation's economic and environmental future.