Non-Partisan Outdoor Recreation Candidate Questionnaire
Questions
- According to Outdoor Industry Association data, every year Americans spend $887 billion in the outdoor recreation economy which supports 7.6 million American jobs. What policies should the U.S. promote to drive continued growth in this vital economic sector?
- Our natural environment is the backbone of the outdoor community. How can the U.S. work to improve outdoor access, address cuts to federal recreation funding, fund proper maintenance of our public lands and waters, and ensure public lands are protected?
- What role should federal agencies play in partnering with and supporting volunteer groups, corps, non-profit organizations, and the outdoor industry to steward our public lands?
- How should the U.S. address issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in the outdoors, in both urban and rural communities?
- The nearly 150 million Americans who participate in outdoor activities each year are dependent on climate stability and, as such, are among the first in the U.S. to experience the negative effects of climate change on an ongoing basis. How should the U.S. address the climate change impact on our public lands and outdoor recreation? How can public lands be a solution to climate change?
- International trade benefits U.S. importers and domestic manufacturers alike, supports American jobs, lowers consumer prices and opens new markets to U.S. exports. As president how would international trade agreements impact:
- import tariffs on outdoor products
- reciprocal market access to “Made in the USA” outdoor products;
- labor and environmental provisions that match international standards and are fully enforceable?
- How has the outdoors and public lands impacted your life?
Background
Our organizations, associations, and businesses collectively represent or provide services to the 146 million strong outdoor recreation community. Nearly half of the US population over the age of 6 participates in outdoor recreation activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, boating, camping, and countless other activities. Outdoor recreation is fundamental to many Americans’ way of life, providing physical and mental health benefits, employment, and overall personal fulfillment.
According to recently released government data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, outdoor recreation is an economic driver, accounting for 2.2 percent (427.7 billion) of GDP and growing faster than the economy as a whole. Every dollar the federal government invests in outdoor recreation generates a $143 return on investment. Additionally, climate related impacts including wildfires, flooding, drought, and fossil fuel driven energy extraction are impacting access to and use of our public lands for recreation and other enjoyment. Public lands have the opportunity to be part of natural climate solutions.
The next President of the United States will play a critical role in determining the future of our public lands and factors impacting outdoor recreation access across the country.
We request your brief response to the questions below. Your responses will be shared with members of our organizations and associations, supporters, and customers, who collectively represent millions of recreation and public lands enthusiasts nationwide.
Candidates may submit questionnaires to tray@americanhiking.org
All major presidential candidates were given the opportunity to respond to this questionnaire. American Hiking Society is a 501(c)(3) organization and does not endorse any specific candidate or campaign. We are a non-partisan, tax-exempt organization dedicated to empowering all to enjoy, share, and preserve the hiking experience. For more information about candidates’ positions, please visit their individual campaign or party websites.
