Public Lands Package will help grow recreation economy for years to come
The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) – the nation’s leading coalition of outdoor recreation trade associations – strongly supports the recent passage of the Natural Resources Management Act (S.47) in the U.S. Senate. This bipartisan legislation takes great strides in protecting our public lands and waters – which suffered greatly during the recent government shutdown – and delivers needed reforms that will enhance visitor experiences in our great outdoors.
The outdoor recreation economy accounts for 2.2 percent of the U.S. GDP, producing $734 billion in output for the U.S. economy, supporting 4.5 million direct jobs and $887 billion in consumer spending. Smart investments and public lands management policies are needed to continue to grow this industry and preserve recreation opportunities for future generations.
“This public lands package – which includes reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act, Every Kid Outdoors Act, 21st Century Conservation Service Corps Act and much more – is a welcomed step towards investing in recreation access and infrastructure, helping this growing sector provide high-quality jobs while supporting rural communities and conserving our treasured places for future generations,” said ORR Executive Director Jessica Wahl. “ORR applauds the Senate for coming together in support of our shared lands and waters and the world-class recreation experiences they provide. We look forward to working with our champions in the House of Representatives to bring this legislation across the finish line.”
Read ORR’s letter of support for the bill here.