DENVER – Congress is expected to take up legislation that would measure the economic impact of outdoor recreation.
While there have been independent studies of the impact outdoor recreation has on the economy – placing it at around $646 billion in consumer spending each year – there has never been a government-driven study.
The bill, co-sponsored by Republican U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner of Colorado, would require the secretary of Commerce to conduct an assessment and analysis of the outdoor recreation economy. The study would be led by the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
“Outdoor recreation in Colorado is a pillar of our local communities, our Western heritage, and attracts people from all over the world to our state,” Gardner said. “Colorado’s great outdoors has contributed significantly to state and local economies across the country, and the Outdoor REC Act recognizes that.”
The bipartisan bill also has the sponsorship of Democratic U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire.
The goal is to inform lawmakers and business leaders on the jobs created and consumer spending driven by the outdoor recreation economy.
Independent studies have shown that the outdoor recreation industry supports 6.1 million jobs. In Colorado, outdoor recreation contributes more than $34.5 billion in annual economic activity and creates 313,000 jobs, according to the 2014 Colorado Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.
“The hope is that having this acknowledgment will enable people to work together toward having a better industry nationally and on the local level just in terms of having multiple stakeholders working together,” said Kristin Carpenter-Ogden, founder of Durango-based Verde PR & Consulting, which specializes in brand communications for the outdoor recreation industry.
Supporters of the legislation point out that the Bureau of Economic Analysis looks at other industries that contribute to the economy. Yet the outdoor recreation industry is a larger contributor to the economy than the oil, natural gas and mining sectors combined, according to the bill’s sponsors.
“This bill would allow lawmakers to make informed policy decisions to further enhance the industry by understanding the impact recreation has on our economy,” Gardner said. “Congress could use a little fresh air, and this bill shows the value of it.”