Metro Detroit Boat Show to host 'Outdoor Nation OWN It Summit'

The Michigan Boating Industries Association has been chosen by the national organization Outdoor Nation to host an OWN It Summit at its fall Boating & Outdoor Festival. The MBIA shares a common goal with Outdoor Nation to lead Michiganders outdoors to enjoy all the natural resources the state has to offer. The purpose of the Outdoor Nation Summit is to increase outdoor participation with the millennial generation and will have a specific focus on boating and other water related activities.

“The Outdoor Nation initiative to get young people outdoors is one the MBIA also sees as a priority, this partnership is a great opportunity for MBIA to make a difference and introduce young adults to what Michigan has to offer,” said MBIA Executive Director and Boat Show Manager Nicki Polan.

According to the state of Michigan, Michigan has 57,000 acres of public water & boating access sites, 3,288 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, 38,000 square miles of Great Lakes water, 11,000 inland lakes, 36,000 miles of rivers and streams, 5.5 million acres of wetlands, 1,406 public access sites, 1,064 marinas and so much more to offer!

Young adult leaders will gather at the OWN It Summit on Saturday, Sept. 21 at Lake St. Clair Metropark during the Boating & Outdoor Festival to tackle issues that are causing America’s inactivity crisis and nature deficit. Summit participants will develop strategies to address these barriers and commit to taking action together. During the Summit, Outdoor Nation will fund the most creative and impactful project idea – investing in on-the-ground projects that get Americans outdoors and active. To participate in the Summit, please contact the Boating & Outdoor Festival at boatmichigan@mbia.org or visit BoatingandOutdoorFest.com.

About the Boating & Outdoor Recreation Festival
The Boating & Outdoor Recreation Festival is produced by the Michigan Boating Industries Association (MBIA). The festival, located at Lake St. Clair Metropark, will be held September 19-22, 2013. Hours: Thurs., Fri.: Noon – 7:30PM, Sat.: 11AM – 7:30PM and Sun.: 11AM – 6 PM. For more information, discount tickets, current promotions and contest information, visit BoatingandOutdoorFest.com. Admission: $10 for adults, children 12 and under free with an adult. Parking is $5 – or free to those with a Metroparks permit. General park information can be found at www.metroparks.com or by calling 1-800-47-PARKS. The Boating & Outdoor Festival is sponsored by Great Lakes Scuttlebutt, official Magazine of the Boating & Outdoor Festival.

About The Outdoor Foundation
The Outdoor Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to inspiring and growing future generations of outdoor enthusiasts. Through groundbreaking research, action oriented outreach, and education programs, the Foundation works with partners to mobilize a major cultural shift that leads all Americans to the great outdoors. In 2010, the Foundation launched Outdoor Nation, a pioneering initiative that aims to empower young leaders to champion the outdoors on campuses and in communities across the United States. For more information visit: OutdoorFoundation.org and OutdoorNation.org.