AHS Supports Study of Outdoor Recreation Economy

April 10, 2015 – American Hiking Society joined with numerous other recreation and environmental organizations urging the Department of Commerce to measure the economic activity generated by the outdoor recreation economy. This information will be critical to support continued investments in conserving the public lands used by hikers, paddlers, mountain bikers, and others.

While we understand that there is genuine value in protecting these lands simply so that all Americans can enjoy these recreational opportunities, improve their fitness and health, and connect with nature, AHS also believes that an accurate measurement of economic activity will make the business case for continued investment in these treasured lands as well.

To this end, AHS has joined like-minded organizations, sending a letter and asking Secretary Pritzker at the Department of Commerce to implement such an economic study. Adding their voices and support to this effort, Senators Amy Klobuchar (MN) and Ron Wyden (OR) have also signed a letter requesting that Secretary Pritzker and Secretary Jewell, US Department of the Interior, collect and analyze data that will provide accurate information about the outdoor recreation economy.

From a trails perspective, we believe that hiking trails have an especially important role to play economically. Because of the linear nature of trails, they in particular impact a large number of communities, both rural and urban. The communities they touch frequently gain significant economic benefits from the public who enjoy using the trail. And AHS believes that the jobs created in these locales are good for America in numerous ways: guiding businesses, lodging, and dining cannot be outsourced and also generate a ripple effect throughout the local area.

In a nation where the outdoor recreation economy is estimated to generate $646 billion in economic activity, it is important that we have accurate information so that decision makers can understand the impact of protecting public lands and trails. We need to ensure that the implications of closing trails due to lack of maintenance funds or reducing park hours are understood and that we as a nation are not being “penny wise and pound foolish.” It is our hope that good information will lead to good decisions.