Outdoor recreation is a growing and diverse economic super sector that is a vital cornerstone of successful communities that cannot be ignored. Most importantly, outdoor recreation is no longer a “nice to have,” it is now a “must have” as leaders across the country recognize the undeniable economic, social and health benefits of outdoor recreation.
Outdoor recreation plays a significant role in American lives. It provides physical challenges and well-being, helps develop lifelong skills, provokes interest and inquiry, inspires wonder and awe of the natural world, and often provides an alternative to daily routines. Recreation contributes greatly to the physical, mental, and spiritual health of individuals, bonds family and friends, and instills pride in natural and cultural heritage. Federal lands contribute significantly, and in many cases uniquely, to the provision of nature-based outdoor recreation opportunities.
Outdoor recreation plays a significant role in American lives. It provides physical challenges and well-being, helps develop lifelong skills, provokes interest and inquiry, inspires wonder and awe of the natural world, and often provides an alternative to daily routines. Recreation contributes greatly to the physical, mental, and spiritual health of individuals, bonds family and friends, and instills pride in natural and cultural heritage. Federal lands contribute significantly, and in many cases uniquely, to the provision of nature-based outdoor recreation opportunities.
A new report, “THE OUTDOOR RECREATION ECONOMY” shows Americans spend $887 billion a year on outdoor recreation on a range of outdoor activities including camping, wildlife watching, hiking, hunting, fishing and water sports — more than the $770 billion they spend annually on gasoline and prescription drugs, according to the analysis unveiled today by the Outdoor Industry Association.
It is apparent that the industry is testing its newfound political clout in an emerging battle over public lands. President Trump is expected to announce an executive order on April 25th that will direct the Interior Department to conduct a review of at least 50 national monuments to determine whether existing boundaries should be changed. The data could be a factor in future policy discussions on infrastructure investment and reform as well as debates over public land use.
It is apparent that the industry is testing its newfound political clout in an emerging battle over public lands. President Trump is expected to announce an executive order on April 25th that will direct the Interior Department to conduct a review of at least 50 national monuments to determine whether existing boundaries should be changed. The data could be a factor in future policy discussions on infrastructure investment and reform as well as debates over public land use.
According to the report,
“From our national parks to local green spaces, from alpine lakes to transcontinental rivers, America’s outdoor recreation assets are its citizens’ common trust. Our public lands and waterways belong to every American, and they are the backbone of our outdoor recreation economy. They hold the promise of prosperity and well-being. It is as much our responsibility to invest in them as it is our right to enjoy them. From the smallest rural towns to the most densely packed cities, outdoor recreation powers a vast economic engine that creates billions in spending and millions of good-paying American jobs. Likewise, it is an underappreciated and underfunded weapon against crime, poor academic performance and rising health care costs. We are fortunate to live in a nation of iconic natural beauty, inspiring landscapes and bountiful waters. Going outdoors to hike, bike, camp, fish, hunt or just walk around the neighborhood orients us to the natural world. In the outdoors, we come together with friends and family, make lasting memories and find solitude and contemplation. And a growing body of research shows that being outdoors delivers health benefits that are, in many cases, on par with pharmaceutical treatments. By enjoying these places, we invest in our own well-being and affirm our shared history. In challenging times, when disagreements appear sharper and differences seem harder to bridge, it is the outdoors that reconnects us.”
According to the Outdoor Industry Association, the $887 billion outdoor recreation economy is a mandate. If we are to turn America’s natural resources over to the next generations increased, not impaired, in value, today’s policy makers must:
- Protect America’s lands and waters, the assets that are the foundation of the outdoor recreation economy.
- Invest in local and federal recreation infrastructure and programs to ensure all Americans have access to public lands and waters.
- Promote outdoor recreation as part of community and public health policy and programming
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