Outdoor Recreation Roundtable

?? Have you seen the top-performing segments from yesterday's release of U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis outdoor recreation economy data? Top segments by size: ??? 1) Boating/Fishing ?? 2) RVing ?? 3) Hunting/Shooting/Trapping ??? 4) Motorcycling/ATVing ?? 5) Snow Activities Top segments by growth: ??♀? 1) Bicycling ?? 2) Snow Activities ?? 3) Hunting/Shooting/Trapping ? 4) Climbing/Hiking/Tent Camping ??? 5) Motorcycling/ATVing

BREAKING: Outdoor recreation contributed $1.2 trillion (2.3% of GDP) and 5 million jobs (3.1% of all employment) to the U.S. economy in 2023, according to new data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.? ? New data in this year’s report also shows that the outdoor recreation economy has grown 36% in real terms since 2012. ? ? “The new BEA data highlights outdoor recreation as a cornerstone of our economy, generating jobs, supporting small businesses, and providing essential opportunities for Americans to engage with the outdoors for health, connection, and quality of life,” said Jessica (Wahl) Turner, President, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. “This release should signal to policymakers and leaders across the country that investing in outdoor infrastructure and access must remain a national, bipartisan priority. We urge this Congress to take swift action to pass the EXPLORE Act, a widely supported package of bills that will help to ensure that all Americans have access to the outdoors and support the communities and businesses that rely on recreation economies." Read more about this year's release: https://lnkd.in/eD8S3rac

NEW ANNUAL OUTDOOR RECREATION DATA: On Wednesday at 11 AM EST we'll unveil new data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis on the economic impact of outdoor recreation nationwide and in the states. We'll be joined by leaders from the outdoor industry and U.S. Congress to unpack this year's Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account and identify priorities to help the outdoor recreation economy reach its potential for years to come. Register for the webinar at the link in the comments!

In 2024, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum was a featured speaker at ORR's National Outdoor Recreation Executive Forum in Washington, D.C. Days later, he announced the creation of the North Dakota Office of Outdoor Recreation. Now, he is President-elect Trump's pick to lead the Department of the Interior. If confirmed, Burgum would be the first cabinet-level official to have created a State Office of Outdoor Recreation. Read ORR's statement on his nomination here: https://lnkd.in/g3UGRQ_J

310+ OUTDOOR GROUPS UNITE FOR EXPLORE ACT: Over 310 outdoor recreation businesses and organizations joined Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) today in a joint letter urging Congress to pass the bipartisan EXPLORE Act before the end of the year. This critical legislation would streamline management processes, support local economies, and protect public lands — all vital for a thriving outdoor recreation industry. Read more about this effort and the letter ORR sent to Congress today in the comments. #OutdoorRecreationEconomy #EXPLOREAct

??????????????The Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation has launched the Trails for All Initiative to ensure that the Commonwealth's trails, parks, and natural points of interest are accessible for people with disabilities across the Bay State. "“The movement for increased accessibility in the outdoors, has been building momentum. The support of dedicated partners like Unpaved Trails for All, Appalachian Mountain Club, and disability advocates has been invaluable in laying the foundation for this work,” said MOOR Director Paul Jahnige. “Ensuring individuals who use mobility aids can enjoy nature, no matter the season or terrain opens the door for all communities to access the trails.”

Western North Carolina Strong: A broad coalition of public, private, and nonprofit partners have been working tirelessly to reopen the region's cherished outdoor recreation assets after the catastrophic damage of Hurricane Helene. According to reporting from the Transylvania Times, the National Park Service has reopened 11 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Pisgah Area Southern Off Road Bicycle Assocation has contributed at least 1,300 volunteer hours to clear more than 420 trees from over 40 trails, among many heroic efforts. Special credit goes to Asheville's Amy Allison, Director of the North Carolina Outdoor Economy Office, who has played a central role in ensuring that her constituents have the support they need. ORR will continue to coordinate between agency, private, and local partners in the ongoing recovery efforts to support North Carolina's $14.6 billion recreation economy. Photo: Volunteers from The Pisgah Conservancy clean up a beloved picnic area in the Pisgah National Forest as part of a collaborative relief effort that brought 100 volunteers together in one day.

As we move beyond election season, ORR continues its commitment to grow and sustain the $1.1 trillion outdoor recreation economy. We are eager to work with new and current elected officials and leaders across the country to connect all Americans with the power of the outdoors. ? Learn about our 2025 policy priorities here: https://lnkd.in/g2mSgpPm ? “The outdoors has a unique and powerful way of bringing people together – across states, communities, and political affiliations – offering a meaningful space to connect, recharge, and be inspired. We will continue our important work to increase access to the outdoors for everyone and support the growth and resilience of the $1.1 trillion outdoor recreation economy," said Jessica (Wahl) Turner, President, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. "With over 110,000 businesses and 5 million American jobs, the outdoor industry contributes to every state and congressional district in the country, drawing support from Republicans, Independents, and Democrats alike. We will work with President-elect Trump, the new Administration, and Members of Congress to enhance outdoor access for all Americans and amplify the industry's contributions to economic prosperity, public health, and stewardship of our lands and waters."

NEW ECONOMIC DATA COMING SOON: On November 20 at 11 AM EST, we'll be joined by the U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Economic Analysis alongside key leaders from across the outdoor recreation economy to reveal new economic impact data about the size and impact of this sector looking back at 2023. To register for the webinar, follow this link: https://lnkd.in/gzYUDKTi

Yesterday’s Together Outdoors webinar on best practices in equitable grantmaking was bursting with insights from brilliant panelists—take a listen below to highlights of the conversation facilitated by ORR’s Senior Program Director Ambreen F. Tariq!