Outdoor Recreation Accounts For 2.3 Million Jobs In Utah And The West

Outdoor recreation is a huge economic engine for Utah and other states in the Western US, according to a new report released yesterday at a meeting of the Western Governor's Association.

The Salt Lake Tribune has this article about the report. Below are excerpts.

Outdoor recreation is an overlooked economic giant, generating $645.6 billion last year — compared to $354 billion Americans spent at the gas pump, $340 billion spent on motor vehicles and parts, $331 billion on pharmaceuticals and $309 billion on utilities.

The Outdoor Retailers foundation collaborated with the Western Governors’ Association on the report, which noted that spending goes beyond buying a tent, fishing pole, ATV, bicycle, boat, snowboard or rifle. Expenditures also include related spending such as gas, lodging and travel guides as well as manufacturing and sales.

The study, conducted by Southwick Associates, looked at trail, snow and water sports, hunting, off-roading, biking, wildlife watching, camping, fishing and motorcycle riding.

Utah Gov. Gary Herbert stressed the need to balance protecting pristine lands for outdoor enthusiasts with energy development and other multiple uses of public lands, during a teleconference in the town of Cle Elum, outside Seattle.