Clear, science-informed insight for real-world planning and decision-making.
ContactOutdoor Research Insights (ORI) helps communities, land managers, and public and private organizations make smart, practical decisions about recreation, tourism, outdoor spaces, and energy-related development.
Based in New Hampshire and working across New England and beyond, ORI provides clear, actionable insights that support strong visitor experiences, sustainable resource management, community well-being, and informed infrastructure planning.
ORI offers applied recreation, tourism, and environmental consulting services for organizations that need timely, grounded support. We work with public agencies, nonprofits, private organizations, and land managers to:
Plan for visitor use and recreation capacity
Understand visitation patterns, community needs, and tourism trends
Conduct strategic assessments that inform capital planning and investment decisions
Evaluate programs, facilities, and management strategies
Conduct economic impact and workforce studies
Support recreation and tourism planning efforts
Facilitate stakeholder meetings and collaborative planning processes
Support grant technical writing, proposal development, and project implementation
Support energy and infrastructure projects where recreation, tourism, and community considerations intersect with regulatory and planning requirements
ORI is led by Dr. Mike Ferguson, who brings deep experience working with land managers, communities, agencies, and project partners across the recreation, tourism, and outdoor planning space. Clients value ORI for being:
Straightforward, responsive, and easy to work with
Grounded in best practices but focused on practical outcomes
Thorough, detail-oriented, and committed to high-quality deliverables
Whether you’re managing public lands, planning for future recreation demand, navigating infrastructure development,
or supporting community-driven projects, ORI provides clear insights and practical support to help you make informed decisions.