Senate Passes Recreation Economy Bill

November 28, 2016 – American Hiking Society thanks the U.S. Senate for passing the Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act of 2016 this week. This bill was passed by the House of Representatives in mid-November. This legislation, once signed by the President, would have the Bureau of Economic Analysis thoroughly assess the economic impact of outdoor recreation on the national economy.

American Hiking Society has supported such action since early in 2015 in the hopes that improved data would further make the case that public lands and hiking trails are more than just fun – they’re good business. With so many competing priorities for tight funding from various sources, sometimes it is too easy for decision makers to think of hiking and public lands as non-essential when in fact trails not only keep health costs in check by promoting physical activity but are truly economic engines for the U.S. economy.

In 2015, American Hiking Society produced the report, Hiking Trails in America: Pathways to Prosperity. Along with an overview of the National Trails System, this report highlighted the very concrete economic benefits to local economies and the nation from the existence of trails.

As the trails community prepares to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System Act, it is American Hiking’s hope that this legislation will become law and further affirm the impact of America’s outdoor recreation economy and the wisdom of protecting and expanding America’s cherished trails system.