Big Tent Outdoor Coalition points to new
report showing outdoor recreation as big business in Washington—worth $22.5
billion
The
Big Tent Outdoor Coalition, an alliance of more than two-dozen organizations including The Mountaineers,
is pointing to a new study that shows outdoor recreation is an economic
powerhouse in Washington State and across the country.
The
Outdoor Industry Association’s (OIA) recently released a report that provides both
national and state-by-state figures – and its data show that Washington State has the sixth-highest number of outdoor recreation sector jobs in the nation.
Over 63% of Washingtonians participate in outdoor recreation activities each
year.
The
overall data for Washington State is stunning. $22.5 billion is spent each year
on outdoor recreation here, directly supporting 226,600 jobs and generating
$1.6 billion in state and local tax revenue.
Direct jobs include the design and development of outdoor gear and
apparel; wholesaling and retailing those products; providing lodging and
transportation services; serving as guides and outfitters; and more.
“Here in Washington, we’ve
always believed that outdoor recreation opportunities and quality of life are
inseparable from the economy,” said Kaleen Cottingham, Director, Washington
State Recreation and Conservation Office. “Finally, we have current data that
demonstrates that these activities are not only an important part of our
culture—they’re big business for the state and our local communities.”
This is the first
comprehensive update of the economic impact of outdoor recreation since the OIA
released figures in 2006 and the new data show significant increases in
consumer spending and jobs. It is important
to note that this report does not include equestrian, sailing and diving
activities—popular pursuits in Washington that likely push these numbers even
higher.
“Protecting our natural areas and our legacy of outdoor recreation is the right thing to do – and it’s pretty clear from this data that it’s the economic thing to do as well,” said Martinique Grigg, Executive Director of The Mountaineers.
Peter Schrappen,
Government Affairs Director for the Northwest Marine Trade Association, points out
that Washington State’s history of investing in public access to the outdoors
has helped build a thriving recreation industry. “Outdoors businesses are successful in
Washington because our state has had the foresight to ensure access to public
lands, waterways and trails. Those
investments are not just smart from a quality of life standpoint but smart from
a dollars and sense standpoint,” he said.
The Big Tent Coalition
believes the OIA data bolsters and reinforces the need for Washington lawmakers
to protect dedicated capital accounts for outdoor recreation activities, to
provide general fund assistance for State Parks, and to support significant
funding for programs such as Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program.
The national report as
well as a one page fact sheet for each U.S. state is available on the OIA website
at outdoorindustry.org/recreationeconomy.
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