Collaboration between the federal government and the outdoor recreation industry is critical to enabling our industry to thrive. America’s outdoor recreation industry leaders have expansive experience and help drive the U.S. economy. They should be used as a resource by federal decision makers as they consider policies that will impact the future of outdoor recreation in the United States.
Private investment is a common-sense approach to improving conservation and access for outdoor recreation enthusiasts to public lands and waters. However, there are still too many barriers that prevent the necessary investments from being made. From improving campgrounds to upgrading lodging facilities, public-private partnerships are a smart, efficient way to help ease the maintenance backlog of these public lands. Lawmakers must enact policies that remove barriers and facilitate public-private partnerships to enhance the experience for visitors to public lands and waters.
All Americans should have access to the nation’s great outdoors—and enjoy a high-quality experience during their visit. Visitors too often experience worn-out facilities that are long overdue for upgrades, and lack of broadband access in front-country areas denies visitors contemporary tools for interpretation and education—even safety information. Federal agencies need to prioritize policies that will expand access and enhance public lands and waters so they allow for the safest and most enjoyable experience possible.
America’s outdoor recreation economy is dependent on responsible and sustained use of our nation’s public lands and waters. We support balanced policies that conserve federal lands and waterways so that they can be accessed and enjoyed today and by future generations of Americans.
The outdoor recreation economy accounts for 2.1 percent of U.S. GDP and 5.2 million American jobs, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Our annual economic impact—totaling $788 billion—surpasses other key U.S. industries, such as agriculture, mining, utilities, and chemical products manufacturing. Yet policymakers have been slow to recognize the importance of our industry in every corner of the nation. But that is changing in a big way. We’re working to ensure advocates and proponents of the U.S. outdoor recreation economy continue to be recognized as an essential part of the U.S. economy.