Outdoor Recreation = Big Business in WA

 PRESS RELEASE

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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