Home/

REI Co-op Calls for Industry Unity on Public Lands

Jerry Stritzke|

Earlier today, REI Co-op CEO Jerry Stritzke sent the note below to outdoor industry leaders.

We are experiencing a once-in-a-generation, challenging retail environment, which has impacted several important and longstanding outdoor retailers, not to mention the ripple impact through all outdoor brands. We also have seen a massive shift in the thinking and discussions about trade shows, which I really think is a proxy for a conversation about how we function as an industry. Finally, we find ourselves in a fast-moving policy fight to protect our public lands.

I have found myself trying to connect the dots and determine how REI should participate in the conversation in order to strengthen the outdoor industry and advocate for the outdoors that we all love. I am sharing my thoughts because I think this is a conversation the industry needs to have while at the same time knowing that there is no one right answer. I do believe, however, that as an industry we share a passion for a life lived outside and in the end that unites us. #UnitedOutside

Public Lands

When I learned about the Utah legislature and Governor Herbert’s effort to rescind protection of the Bears Ears National Monument, I was mad as hell and disappointed. The issue had been framed in Utah during the Winter OR show by both Peter Metcalf and Yvon Chouinard — two of our most respected outdoor voices. That was followed by over 170 outdoor industry leaders signing a CEO letter declaring protecting public lands as our top priority. It would certainly appear that despite having a state fueled by an outdoor recreation economy and serving as the 20-year host of our OR show, which pumps close to $40 million into their state annually, they chose to attack our public lands without the courtesy of a conversation.

I applaud the action of Patagonia and my kindred spirit, Rose Marcario. I also believe that the quick action of OIA to put the OR show out for bid was the absolute right step.

Now it gets more complicated. The real battle to protect our public lands is actually in the hands of our federal government. We are cautiously optimistic, because the nominee for Secretary of Interior has stated for the record, in multiple venues, that he is an advocate for public lands and not in favor of transferring lands to private hands or states that would do the same. It has taken courage for him to take these positions. This has long been an issue that has bipartisan support. The hunting and fishing industry and many leaders on both sides of the aisle care deeply about our public lands. Bottom line, while we address the attacks on public lands in Utah we have to be at the table in D.C. We can only do this as a united industry.

OR and the Outdoor Industry

The Outdoor Retailer show plays a special role in the outdoor community. It is the one time and place that we come together across all elements of our industry. OIA plays host, and the show is attended by every outdoor brand ranging from those iconic outdoor brands that founded our industry to every emerging brand that loves the outdoors and has developed an innovative product that they hope will take off. Retailers from every walk of the outdoor industry can see in one place the future of the outdoor industry. And the key non-profits that advocate and protect our most sacred assets gather to share, plan and dream. At the show, we advance our values by looking at sustainability issues. We share stories, concerns and most importantly we are, for that week, a community.

Never Underestimate the Power of Community and its Importance to Our Industry

I believe it would be a mistake for us not to gather as an industry this July. Now more than ever, we need to act together to advocate and find a common voice to protect our most important asset — our public lands. To be clear, REI is strongly in the camp of moving OR if Utah persists in attacking our public lands – the sooner the better.

REI will be at Summer OR. We will also show up at every opportunity to advance the conversation in support of our public lands. We will stand up to politicians who would deprive our children and grandchildren of the legacy of public lands and all the majesty and wonder that they protect. We think it is more important than ever to come together as an outdoor community and make our voice heard.

I hope that even those companies that have had the courage to make a statement by indicating a willingness to walk away from Utah due to their attack on public lands might consider making a trip to OR this July. I would like to see our community get together and pay a visit to the Utah state government and let them know how we feel about their disregard for our public lands!
jerry stritzke head shot
Jerry Stritzke

Jerry Stritzke served as REI president and CEO from 2013 to 2019. When he’s not at home in Seattle, he’s tackling a Colorado 14er, fly-fishing and whitewater kayaking the Arkansas Rivers, skiing the Rockies, or getting grubby on Pacific Northwest mountain bike singletracks.

Read More

49 Comments

Please fill in your details below to comment:

  1. Bill

    Can Outdoor Retailer not be moved to another State I am for pulling are member owned store out of Outdoor Retailer we don’t need to give one dime of are money to people who try to hijack are land and sell it for profit.

    Reply
    • Jeff

      Trade shows this size are booked and contracted many years out. I believe they are contracted with SLC through 2018 but after that look for them to move. Denver is a strong contender.

      Reply
  2. nerfherder

    REI should also reexamine its relationship with USBank, which is one of the funders of Dakota Access Pipeline.

    Reply
    • Jennifer Schonert

      Thank you for bringing this up. Not enough are even aware of this issue. ✌

      Reply
    • Trillian Kugelblitz Gently

      amen. they dont want to talk about this other than giving excuses. they’re full of shit and are helping to sell our land to the lowest bidder; pipeline companies.

      Reply
  3. BMOVIN

    I would like to see REI support the actions of their vendors in the strongest way. Kudos to Patagonia, Black Diamond, Arcteryx, Kuhl and others. REI has the power in the outdoor industry to make a strong statement. There are times to watch and times to act. This is a time to act.

    Reply
  4. runnerwriterreader

    It’s easy to attack the move to rescind Bears Ears when REI isn’t affected by what these federal designations mean. For years, many Utah small town economies have been irreparably damaged while a few notable ones flourish. But that’s generally not the case for most of them. Public school attendance is at an all time low, and now, there’s talk of closing them down altogether. Folks just can’t survive when they can’t utilize the land around them to make a living. When 66.5% of your state’s land is federally owned and controlled, it makes it extremely challenging. The vote to move OR to another state over this is one-sided. I love REI and I love enjoying the outdoors. I love taking my family all over and engaging in outdoor activities, but the arguments against the federal designations are so much more complex. There are livelihoods at stake that no one else talks about. All I hear about is how everyone applauds the outdoor retailers for boycotting OR, etc. What about the little guys? What about these small town citizens who struggle daily to make ends meet in a land they love and strive to protect? There’s a delicate balance I’m not sure has been achieved very well to date.

    Reply
    • AT2008

      “What about the little guys? What about these small town citizens who struggle daily to make ends meet in a land they love and strive to protect?”

      Excellent questions that are too often ignored by those who live far away from land they will never visit nor think about again, once the damage is done.

      Reply
    • Scott Jones

      “Public school attendance is at an all time low, and now, there’s talk of closing them down altogether”
      “When 66.5% of your state’s land is federally owned and controlled, it makes it extremely challenging.”

      So exactly what has changed? The land has been federal public lands from before the time Utah was even a state. It’s *always* been this way. And seriously, public school attendance is the stat you want to cite? Come on, that has little direct connection to a newly designated monument. Maybe it’s because young families want to live in the city, and especially within the LDS community there’s a strong push for home schooling.

      In a mobile age where quality of life is important to quality employees, why wouldn’t you use your proximity to federal public lands as a selling point?

      Reply
      • runnerwriterreader

        I guess I need to be more specific. As an example:

        A LOT changed, especially when Bill Clinton designated the Grand Staircase-Escalante Monument in 1996. What I’m trying to communicate is that while some towns benefit from their proximity to federal land designations, many others do not. As a result of those federal designations, they lose some of the land that they were formerly able to utilize to help make a living. Once those lands were lost, you saw local economies nose dive.

        As a result, numerous businesses have closed down. Small towns who don’t benefit from being RIGHT NEXT to national/state parks slow down and some are nearly ghost towns. Those who were able to be formerly employed locally now look elsewhere for employment, not because they want to but because they have to. As a result, school enrollment is down and some of these schools face bussing their kids even FARTHER away to other schools.

        The folks in these smaller towns love their land. Most (not all, obviously) respect it. But I think many feel disenfranchised by feds (someone lower down mentioned bullet holes in signs, etc.), and I will not deny that that’s misguided behavior. It’s been my sense that’s the motivation behind those kind of people putting bullet holes in signs and having a general dislike for federal authority in those areas…they feel they can do as good a job if not better as the federal government and they don’t like the infringement on “God’s country” as they frequently call it.

        Like I said, it’s a delicate balance…we need to find a way to keep these towns alive and to provide an opportunity for commerce while still maintaining the integrity of these places…the lands AND the towns. I love the small town feel. The folks who still manage to eek out a living in their towns stay there because they prefer it that way. But there’s got to be a way to help them IF we are going to strip employment opportunities away.

        Scott, I don’t know you. But I have friends and family with a long history of a lifestyle in Southern Utah that has been incredibly difficult to maintain. Businesses have closed down while others have done okay. But the federal designated lands have had a direct impact on our industry and made it nearly impossible for us to survive. Your listed “solution” isn’t viable for everyone. Industries vary greatly. It’s just not cut and dry as we’d like it to be, sometimes.

        I hope that outdoor industries and outdoor retailers can come to recognize the complexity if these issues and resolve to spend their time and money to helping rather than just saying “Let’s boycott OR” or whatever. That’s not the most obvious solution to those of us in the thick of it.

        Reply
      • runnerwriterreader

        I guess I need to be more specific. I was connecting dots in my brain but not necessarily translating them over.

        Bears Ears is new, yes. But the idea that the feds come into the state and designate more land is not new. For many S. Utahans, this is yet another time when the fed gov’t comes in and flexes its muscles with little regard to the outcome for locals.

        In ’96 when Clinton designated Grand Staircase-Escalante, many industries eventually dwindled away because some of the land they utilized in their industry was now taken away. That’s a massive piece of real estate…so the towns who don’t naturally find themselves strategically located near state/national park entrances are left out of the high tourist traffic.

        Many families have lived in these small towns for decades and choose to stay there because they like the small town feel. But it’s nearly impossible to make a living there anymore. They have to go elsewhere for employment because so much industry has shut down in that neck of the woods. These people love their land. They were drawn to it or grew up on it and want to see it thrive, like everyone else. But when they can’t make a living where they live because of so many fed restrictions, it makes it difficult. Families are forced to move away. School attendance is now at all time lows. And many schools are facing a dreadful future.

        All I’m saying is that there’s a very delicate balance between proclaiming death on many of these small towns and not designating more land for federal protection. Someone commented about bullet-pocked signs. Many S. Utahans are sick of federal authority (there are a lot of really sad stories of the feds flexing muscles in a way that truly hurt locals) and that’s how they show that disgust, as misguided as that behavior is.

        Anyway, short story, I think it’s illogical to approach this issue by puffing up your feathers, saying you’re boycotting OR, and feeling good about yourself. Well done, you, REI.

        Reply
  6. ClimbingBunny

    If REI can’t lead by example regarding its US Bank relationship, and making a stand for public lands in Utah, then it has no right to talk about its commitment to public lands. It’s clear from both this action and REI’s email responses to its members that business decisions (ie the financial value of its ties to US Bank, commercial development opportunities at OR) takes priority over supposed “core value” of stewardship, sustainability, etc. You’re running a business, these choices make financial sense, we get it. The least you can do is own up to being driven by business metrics and bottom line, and don’t turn around and lecture people about lands protection. You’ve lost that right when you chose money over principle.

    Reply
  7. Yoshimi Yosemite

    Hi, REI member having lived in Salt Lake City, and also having spent time traveling in Utah canyon country, I think Utah is not the right place for the OR because the state lacks in requisite literacy in sustainability. The vision is not shared. The residents in southern Utah still think the coal deposits are a viable economic resource for them. There is a hostility towards BLM, NPS, and although they love the tourist cash, they are not willing to protect what draws them. (Bullet holes shot through the national monument sign were a clear expression of local sentiments. NPS rangers told me they often went to Colorado for buying trips for the same.) I don’t like being used as a cash cow while watching my back.

    By all means, unity is needed. But maybe an outdoor industry summit in Boulder, Colorado? I hear it’s nice there.

    Reply
  8. disqus_pstGFMRdAT

    As a long time co-op member and a resident of Utah, I think you are missing a huge opportunity to communicate with the Utah legislature in a language that they comprehend. I hope you reconsider your position and follow the lead of outdoor industry role models standing up for public lands.
    This movement against public lands in Utah transcends Bear’s Ears and Utah leaders want to bring it to the national stage. Stand up, give back to the constituents and ethos, for public lands access and protection, that your business is built on. You owe it to the land.

    Reply
  9. hatmaster

    I have been a member of REI since 1996, and have bought most of my outdoor gear there. I live in Utah, work on public land here, and spend almost all my free time hiking, mountain biking, climbing and backpacking in our amazing national parks, monuments, and on BLM and Forest Service land. I am extremely worried and angry about the ongoing efforts of Governor Gary Herbert, my Representative Chris Stewart, our two senators Orrin Hatch and Mike Lee, and especially Reps. Rob Bishop and Jason Chaffetz to block the designation of Bears Ears NM, reduce the area of Grand Staircase-Escalante NM, dissolve all federal law enforcement capabilities on federal public land, and constantly trying to transfer ownership of public land to states and/or sell it off outright to private ownership. Calling for “unity” is no longer enough. Utah’s Governor, Senators and Represenatives have shown over and over again that they have a hard line and will not compromise with their stance on attempting to transfer public land ownership, despite overwhelming opposition by their constituents and the majority of the public. The have visited with outdoor companies numerous times, have have highly attended town hall meeting, and have been overwhelmed with angry calls, letters and emails from their constituents who are opposed to public land transfers. Yet they still persist, without compromise, in their refusal to understand the opposition to their federal land-grabbing attempts, or to moderate their position on this issue.

    It is now time for the public and the outdoor industry, which depends heavily on public access to public land, to unify in our resistance to the land transfer advocates. We need to put our money where our mouths are, since money is apparently the only language our lawmakers in Utah seem to understand. REI should join Patagonia, Arc’teryx, Peak Designs and Polartec in the boycott of outdoor retail shows in Salt Lake City and Utah. This needs to happen and REI has a huge opportunity to really show how committed they are to environmental health and justice, as well as to their conservation-minded and politically savvy customers. This is a historic moment, and REI, as one of giants in the outdoor industry, has an amazing opportunity to demonstrate their values and commitments to their customers and the environment. You need to be on the right side of history on this one.

    If REI continues to support outdoor retailer shows in Utah and not join in this boycott, you will lose me as a lifelong customer. I will throw my membership card away and choose to spend my hard-earned money at
    retailers/companies that share my values regarding public land, conservation and enviromental health, and who don’t support (even by default with inaction) politicians who don’t do the will of the people they supposedly represent.

    Reply
  10. Catherine Bayer

    I just cancelled my REI MasterCard as I will NOT write another check to US Bank in the name of REI. Your corporation needs to rethink your ties to US Bank as they are a major contributor to the DAPL. I had a savings account with US Bank which I closed and redeposited in a local Community Credit Union. I have now canceled my card with you. You are not setting a good example of your supposed values by keeping ties with US Bank! Don’t take this lightly. Thank you.

    Reply
  11. Rick Diehl

    Talk about mad as hell!

    As a 58 year old born and raised in Utah I feel your
    thoughts are a bit misguided.

    I am very concerned when I see people and industries think
    the Federal government can do a better job of managing lands. Look at anything
    the Feds do and you honestly would rather have control at a Federal level where
    nothing gets done and certainly not right. By keeping lands in control at the
    State at least the people of that State have more input and control. It wasn’t
    long ago when the Fed was shut down over funding, how was your National Park
    experience then? It was the State of Utah that asked to take control of the
    funding so we could keep our lands open. It should seem obvious to all of you
    that local control is always better than Federal on any program.

    Next issue why is it you all pick on Utah? More land is
    grabbed from Utah by the Feds and you all think it’s great, so if it’s all that
    great why don’t all your states donate an equal portion of land to Utah so we
    all share together?

    Hmmm I haven’t heard any offers!

    Don’t trample on people just because you feel big with your
    organizations and you feel you are right. Remember there are just as many
    people that feel different than you and trust me I vote with my spending which
    means I will no longer buy Black Diamond, Patagonia and others that sell good
    products that try to force their political views on me. Please don’t make me put REI on this list.

    Reply
  12. Franklin Cat

    I am a member of REI. You can make a stronger statement by withdrawing from OR as long as it is held in Utah. Instead the various CEOs should use the opportunity to gather together and educate the politicians of Utah about the importance of Federal lands and recreation to the economy of Utah. Selling raw materials is a one-way road to the Third World.

    Reply
  13. Andrew Escue

    Jerry,

    In your opening paragraph, the last thing you mention is protecting public lands. This makes me think you’ve got higher priorities (the challenging retail environment and trade shows). You speak about community, but don’t join those making brave steps. I’m a believer in voting with your pocketbook, and I agree with those refusing to attend this trade show. So until you change your mind, I won’t be spending any money at REI. I hope your feelings about community are sincere and you get behind your peers to make a stand.

    Reply
  14. Rick

    There’s nothing inconsistent about working through OIA to protect wild public lands–in Utah and elsewhere–and at the same time refusing to participate in Outdoor Retailer because it’s in Utah. REI should be participating through OIA, and should also not participate in OR in Utah. OR is a boon to a state whose officials are the cutting edge of opposition to preserving public lands for outdoor use–particularly the spectacular and unique redrock of southern Utah. Kind persuasion has not moved those officials in the past; maybe the conviction to wild spaces shown by moving OR will make a difference. If not, by all means confer the boon of hosting Outdoor Retailer on a state whose policymakers show commitment to, or at least an open mind about, keeping public lands public and keeping them undamaged for future generations.

    Reply
  15. David Sahalie

    poor excuse. UT is not ‘continuing to threaten public lands’ in the future

    they are doing it NOW!

    so the time to boycott is NOW!!!!!

    Reply
  17. h153r

    I’ve not seen this side of REI before. I’ve spent so much cash there (my div. was over $1200 one year). Luckily, there is a campmor not too far from here. Between this poor decision by Jerry and the fact that REI is carrying more glamping junk than actual gear, I think it may be time to move on. I hope Jerry changes his mind and shows REI has a concious.

    Reply
  18. RosieKsf

    Dear REI, I am in the market for two new rain jackets. I plan to visit Patagonia and refer to the list of companies boycotting the Utah event in making my choice of where to shop. Of course, I’d planned to visit REI and The North Face stores and sites, but now I will not. There are too many retailers doing the right thing to bother with those who are not. I look forward to resuming my relationship with REI when I see more genuine responsible corporate practices.

    Reply
  19. James

    I couldn’t disagree more with your decision to attend. It appears me that your letter is intended to inform the state of Utah that regardless of their actions you will support it’s economy. This will cause more attacks on public land.

    Reply
  20. dendino

    I don’t think you need to physically gather in UT for the outdoor retailer show in order to pull together the important companies to unify. You can do both. Pull out of the show, and unite the industry to tackle the federal environmental, conservation, and recreation access issues. I’ll be waiting to spend my next $$ until I hear a more reasonable response. Thanks. Adrienne in CO

    Reply
  21. woodyguthrie

    Mr Stritzke:

    I am a very long-time REI coop member. You state “Now more than ever, we
    need to act together to advocate and find a common voice to protect our
    most important asset — our public lands”.

    The clearest way to send a message is to not attend the OR show this summer. The Utah congressional delegation and state legislature have a long, clear record of fighting any protection of public lands. What more are you waiting on?

    REI is on the wrong side of this boycott when it should be one of the leaders.

    Reply
  22. Jeff

    A disappointing decision. There are many ways to continue the conversation with industry players and partners without showing up at OR. You certainly don’t need a booth on the show floor to do it. The fact is at this point in time, REI (or any exhibitor) would forfeit all or most of the substantial booth fees they have already paid if they cancel. REI I guess just doesn’t want to suck that up – or the loss of business by not having a presence on the show floor. Your failure to even acknowledge that makes me question your sincerity.

    Reply
  23. AT2008

    “REI will be at Summer OR. We will also show up at every opportunity to advance the conversation in support of our public lands. … We think it is more important than ever to come together as an outdoor community and make our voice heard.”

    Good decision, REI. Entering into a dialogue with those of differing opinions is always better than slamming the door on discussions.

    Reply
  24. Jeannie Gillett

    Sorry to hear the decision by Jerry Stritzke of REI to attend the OR in Utah. It has prompted me to discontinue shopping at REI. I have been a member since the 1980’s but there are plenty of other options for outdoor supplies, equipment, clothing, etc. I was going to apply for the REI credit card but decided against it as US Bank supports DAPL, as do many other large banks (i.e. Citi Bank). My money, credit cards and loans all go through my local Credit Union. I encourage everyone to fight back with your economic power. A mass shift in financial deposits will get the attention of those large corporations. For me, it is important to support local, community oriented, sustainable institutions. I do not have immense power but I do have control over my money – where I spend it and where I save it.

    Reply
  25. daveinthecanyon

    A response to Jerry Stritzke’s comments …

    Jerry wrote …

    “The real battle to protect our public lands is actually in the hands of our federal government.”

    My response …

    Yes, it’s partly in the hands of our federal government. However the early returns on the current functioning of our federal government – at least the executive, legislative, and it appears possibly even judicial, branches – are not good. The government appears borderline moribund, and not inclined to have civil, rational, fair-minded discussion. So, it’s also partly (largely?!) in our hands too.

    Jerry further wrote …

    “Bottom line, while we address the attacks on public lands in Utah we have to be at the table in D.C. We can only do this as a united industry.”

    “To be clear, REI is strongly in the camp of moving OR if Utah persists in attacking our public lands – the sooner the better.”

    He also wrote …

    “REI will be at Summer OR. We will also show up at every opportunity to advance the conversation in support of our public lands.”

    To which I respond …

    And at this summer’s OR you’ll have conversations with like-minded folks about maintaining Bear’s Ears as a national monument, and the existing integrity of Grand Staircase Escalante, and trying to prevent federal public land from being seized by state and local governments. And you’ll be preaching to the choir.

    Will Governor Gary Herbert be involved in, or even aware of, those discussions you’re having? Do you think Senator Orrin Hatch, or Congressmen Jason Chaffetz or Rob Bishop will be aware of – or even care about – those discussions or sentiments? I don’t think so. If they give it a second thought they’ll just be happy that the millions of dollars brought into the Salt Lake City and Utah economy by the OR continue to flow.

    I think, at this juncture, with the Trump administration and the GOP-controlled federal and – in Utah – state legislatures bent on rolling back environmental protections, civil liberties, seizing public lands, reversing national monument designations, etc. one of the best ways to have our voices heard, to affect change, is to hit ‘em where it hurts, the Achilles heel of the GOP, their wallets. We need to take the approach that Rosa Parks sparked. Among the weapons in our quiver we need the outdoor retailers counterpart to the Montgomery bus boycott. I think that may be encouraged by, as Jerry Stritzke advocates, a “united industry”. With that I mind, I again strongly urge REI to bow out of the summer OR in Salt Lake City, as have Patagonia, Arc’teryx, Polartec and other outdoor industry leaders.

    Reply
  26. daveinthecanyon

    Hello, I made a posting to respond to Jerry Stritzke’s commentary but I don’t see the posting. Can you tell me why it’s not here? Thanks!

    Reply
  27. Derek

    What a shame. Now is not the time to “share stories,” as Jerry puts it, but to act! REI and Jerry Stritzke have missed a tremendous opportunity to unite and act alongside Patagonia and so many others in a truly effective manner. This blog only serves to confirm that REI is too tangled up with larger business interests and seems to have forgotten what is truly important to those who love the outdoors… #boycottREI

    Reply
  28. Bob6

    Bravo Patagonia! Jerry Stritzke, the time to act is NOW. Not another year. You state in your letter, “the sooner the better.” Well, how about sooner?

    My wife and I are REI members, and soon to be EX-members if you show up at OR this year. But I understand, $$$ is more important than anything else these days.

    Reply
  29. disqus_pstGFMRdAT

    Jerry, I think what you might not realize is just how badly it would hurt Gary Herbert to lose OR on his watch. The Utah government is extremely proud of the myriad ways they can “sell Utah” and bring in money.

    The reason so many Utahns are telling you that NOW is the time to act is because 1) we know how hard our legislators have been working to dismantle public lands administration. 2) we know they have a sympathetic president and control of both houses of Congress. 3) we know they are salivating over the nexus of points 1 and 2. And, 4) we know just how big an impact OR has in Utah. This is still a relatively small state and OR has outsized impact here. Losing OR will be tremendously demoralizing to the Utah government. Local businesses will add to the pressure on the Utah government.
    The iron here is hot. Herbert and the Utah congressional delegation may act as if OR is just another convention, but they a bluffing. The prospect of actually losing OR has them shaking in their boots. Just look at how powerful the simple threat of moving OR has been. Metcalf has capitalized on this more than one. Unfortunately, the threat value is wearing thin as it has been weilded so many times. The Utah congressional delegation recognizes the importance of this moment. You also need to recognize this moment and stand for public lands.

    This is no ordinary battle. The time for talk has passed. Bob Bishop’s PLI was a sham and momentum is on their side. We need the power of REI on the side of public lands. Please reconsider your position, this is the real deal.

    Reply
    • Reynard The Fox

      Actions speak louder than words REI . Unfortunately this has to be an issue . Our family hikes every year for two weeks in Utah and we have canceled our trip this year in direct response to the governors actions. REI it is time to stand up and not attend the convention in July. Reply what you like there are always two sides in situations like this but Utah travel association has quite a few commercials to come see the big 5 . If Utah wants tourism then protect the things that people visit for .

      Reply
      • Rick Diehl

        Thanks for not coming this year! Less crowded for us that live and enjoy the way our State is ran.

        Reply
    • Rick Diehl

      Dream on! Shaking in their boots? That’s why they just told OR take a hike and I totally support Utah in doing so. Do us all in Utah a favor and stay out of our State and Parks!

      Reply
  30. Rick Diehl

    REI now that you have taken your stand why not finish it and pull your stores out of Utah as well because I won’t be caught dead in your stores spending a dollar!

    Reply
  31. Christopher Plewa

    Jerry,

    Good sentiments and I agree that now is the time to lead on Public Lands. I’ve heard that the contract with US Bank leaves REI with little wriggle room to ditch them over DAPL. Here is a to do list if you want this member to return to your stores. None of the items should have a considerable commercial impact or invite litigation and many can be done with the stroke of a pen:

    1. Issue the Bank a notice of your intention to to terminate the relationship at the earliest possibility permitted by contract or failing that a notice stating your intention not to renew it.

    2. Publish #1 widely and communicate it to your members and the industry.

    3. Invite bidders for a new contract beginning on the expiry of the US Bank relationship. State your ethical pre-requisites. Publish this widely and communicate it to your members and the industry.

    4. Confirm that any retirement accounts linked to REI are divested from any of the 17 Banks involved in funding associated with DAPL and divest from such funds.

    5. Declare the profit REI will derive from its association with US Bank under the contract and make provision to place at least some of that funding into a public lands defenders trust to donate funds to lobbying and defending public lands.

    6. Stock Voter Registration Forms in your stores and invite registration booths and public lands issue petitions at your store events regularly.

    7. Stock No DAPL merch in your store and divert proceeds to defense efforts.

    8. Inform your members and the public more widely that you are adopting these actions and explain why and what members can do to support these efforts.

    Yours,

    Member since 2009.

    Reply
  32. headsup18

    REI, you just lost an entire family of customers. And in Utah, our families are huuuuuuuuuuuuge!!!!

    Reply
  33. Mary Geraldine Daly Martin

    As a long time member (since 1971) I support REI in moving the OR to a state which supports public lands. Unfortunately, for Utah, an amazing area with precious natural and cultural resources, there is no support with your state and national politicians and, therefore, we should take our money elsewhere. Because of the Governor’s and Congressman Bishop’s lack of support for Bears Ears and Grand Staircase we have spent our last skiing week in Deer Valley.

    Reply
  34. Dick Martin

    I have been an REI member since 1960, when REI was in 2 small rooms in downtown Seattle. As a longtime member (my number is in the low 5 digits) I wish to thank CEO Stritzke for taking on the Utah politicians on the matter of public lands (i.e., we all own it, not just Utah politicians.) Particularly the protection of the Bears Ears National Monument. My wife and I and several of our friends have been skiing in Utah every winter for over 10 years. When we heard that several of Utah’s politicians’s were proposing to remove Bears Ears from protection, transfer some Federal lands to the State, and remove BLM’s and the U. S. Forest Service’s law enforcement authority we were very disturbed. We are proud of the job that the Federal Government has done for over a century to protect much of the wild lands of the West, including Utah. In our view, no way can the State of Utah manage those lands as well for all the citizens of the United States. We immediately decided we are not going back to Utah for skiing or any other purpose, until such time as this threat to our national heritage hopefully passes. We love Utah’s outdoors and scenery, it is a beautiful state. Despite our love of the area, we are voting with our wallets and our values.

    Reply
  35. Jared Chiara

    I am a life long resident of Utah. I am proud to be a conservative Utahan and I am proud of our conservative values that have made us one of the strongest economies in the country. I have been a long time supporter of REI first shopping there when I was still not old enough to drive. I was saddened to see the stance of Jerry Stritzke. Utah has millions of acres of public lands, and did not need to have another oversized monument created so that outdoor companies could sell more gear. There has to be a balance. Utah does not exist along the Wasatch Front and Utah Valley. Some of us live hours from SLC. Our communities need to have a voice in what happens in our back yards. Jerry do you live in Utah? Your list of things you do when not leading the Co-op are not things done in Utah, so why do you want to lock up our land? Leave us alone. I have used my REI Master Card a lot this year and was excited to use my dividend and be an active consumer of REI. I will be using my dividend because it is mine, but I will be cutting up both my Master Card and Membership card and sadly I will end my 27 year long relationship with REI.

    Reply
  36. Trillian Kugelblitz Gently

    but you have a million reasons not to divest from banks taht are backing it all. it’s money that runs everything. you know that. and you can keep your nazi funding shit.

    Reply
  37. Ayan

    Jerry,

    Thank you for making the right decision by staying at the OR in SLC, Utah. Following Patagonia’s CEO, Rose Marcario’s, lead would have been a terrible and radical mistake. Most in the premium outdoor products industry, including the consumers, live in a wealthy coastal bubbles. They know or care not about working farmers, ranchers, miners, loggers, union laborers and others who provide the fundamental raw materials of modern existence.. and the materials for your stores and products. And as the comments show, know even less about he Antiquities Act of 1906. I have added a link here to the law: https://www.nps.gov/history… (Don’t worry, its a short read).

    When President Obama designated Bears Ears a National Monument, he far exceeded his authority, the law and its intent. If he wanted to protect 1.5 million acres of Utah land, he should have done it through a transparent, deliberate and democratic process … not through dictatorial decree in the waning days of his presidency. The people of Utah, and their duly elected representatives, have every right to be upset. 2/3 of Utah is already under Federal ownership, allowing unelected, unaccountable D.C. bureaucrats more control over Utah lands than the people of Utah. The industry is basically defending autocratic powers of the president over America’s lands; and under a Trump presidency this will come back to bite them.

    More importantly, this designation has dire consequences for outdoor enthusiasts, campers, hikers, backpackers and others. Federal managers at National Monuments have sovereign like powers over their turf. Since the main aim of National Monuments is protection (not recreation), managers can shut down all access to the public at the slightest whim. The antiquities designation will DECREASE public access to these lands.. not increase it (only increase red tape, permitting requirements).

    There were no problems with the previous arrangement, these were already PUBLIC LANDS. Bears Ears native sites/artifacts were already PROTECTED. The reason these lands are in such pristine condition IS because Utah the Feds managed them well. Patagonia and the outdoor industry are more intent on sounding good and feeling good, rather than doing good. Almost all Western states have similar land use position as Utah (MT, WY, NV, ID, etc.).. you gonna boycott all of them? Lets hold the next Outdoor Retailer convention in CEO Rose Marcario’s hometown: environmentally friendly STATEN ISLAND, NY.

    NO other state has more protected land than Utah by percentage (sans NV). Any move would mean OR is going to a LESS protected state. This time Patagonia (and the rich, yuppie $400 dollar jacket wearing herd) has gone too far. I can live without overpriced ‘outdoor’ stuff. But I can’t live without the outdoors, and Utah has the best climbing, camping, fishing, hiking and backpacking in the world, plus the nicest people who have a right to a voice.

    The overall position is illogical: Protect Utah wilderness for the public.. but then avoid it and boycott Utah. Please, all of you, come to your senses!

    Reply
  38. Janet Vail

    I understand the desire to be in the trade show, but why is REI still leading trips to Utah? It’s not just federal decision making; the state-level politicians are leading the charge to take back the land for non-recreation purposes. Don’t spend more recreation dollars in the state if they’re not appreciated.

    Reply
  39. tbright1965

    Maybe the answer is NOT federal control. As we saw, an executive order from Obama moves the land from the BLM ledger to the NPS ledger and a similar styled executive order from Trump moves it back.

    So maybe, just maybe, the answer is let’s take this out of DC’s hands. People closer to the lands have a bigger stake in how they are used and managed. They live with the fall out, not elected representatives a few thousand miles away.

    If Bears Ears is really a tribal land, then Federal control is exactly the WRONG solution.

    But even lands that are not tribal lands are and should be managed as local as possible.

    I can’t imagine that in a free nation, we think it is OK for a group of people outside the state or community can legitimately tell themselves they have the right to tell people in another state how they must manage their lands.

    They alone should decide, not some federal bureaucracy. If the people don’t want resources extracted from the lands, under federal BLM or Forestry management, DC can override the local people and allow the land to be mined or logged. If the state has say and the residents want it to be park land, it will not be harvested for resources because some beltway bureaucracy offer up parcels for mining or forestry. .

    Conversely, if the people in the state believe they can responsibly use the land for resources, again it is not the job of others outside the state to tell them what they can do with their land.

    So I think the real problem isn’t how the land is managed, but who has the say over how it gets managed. And we can see the very big downsides to remote management. Those far away from the issue face few, if any of the consequences of their management decisions.

    So may, just maybe, the way to resolve the issue and have a fruitful debate that benefits all is to give up the notion of federal control of such lands in the first place.

    Local control to the stakeholders is preferable to bureaucratic control from DC.

    Reply