RECREATION: Outdoor activities an 'overlooked economic giant' in West -- study
Scott Streater, E&E reporter
Greenwire: Monday, June 11, 2012
Recreational spending is a much bigger economic driver than expected both nationwide and across the West, according to a new study commissioned by the Western Governors' Association and a coalition of outdoor industry groups.
The study, released yesterday at the WGA's annual meeting in Cle Elum, Wash., found that consumer spending on boats, snowboards, fishing poles, river guides, and other recreational gear and activities generated $646 billion in national sales and services last year.
About 40 percent of that total -- $256 billion -- was spent in Western states, generating more than $30 billion in federal and state tax revenues and supporting 2.3 million jobs, according to the study conducted for WGA and the coalition by Fernandina Beach, Fla.-based Southwick Associates Inc.
"The numbers are better than expected," Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire (D), the WGA's chairwoman, said in a statement. "We knew that outdoor recreation was a growth sector and that it creates jobs, but this study documents just how important it is to our national and Western economies."
The study, titled "A Snapshot of the Economic Impact of Outdoor Recreation," is part of a broader effort by WGA this year to release detailed state-by-state data on the topic, said Utah Gov. Gary Herbert (R).
"With this information states can consider policy that will help to create more businesses, jobs and income related to outdoor recreation," Herbert said in a statement.
Southwick Associates conducted a study last month for the Sportsmen for Responsible Energy Development that concluded rural counties in the Rocky Mountain West with the highest volumes of public lands actually see better economic and job growth compared with counties that have a higher percentage of land devoted to energy development. That study served as a rebuttal to long-held claims by Western GOP leaders in Congress and oil and natural gas industry representatives who have lobbied for more domestic energy production on federal land as a way to stimulate economic development (E&ENews PM, May 22).
The latest study funded by WGA and the coalition of outdoor industry groups -- including the Outdoor Industry Association and National Marine Manufacturers Association -- tracked individual recreational spending, regardless of whether on federal or state land. Southwick Associates surveyed households on actual expenditures on outdoor recreation, according to the study, and based on that data and modeling, it then calculated the number of jobs generated, as well as the taxes, payroll and total economic impact of the spending.
"Spending on outdoor recreation is a vital part of the national and western economies. It means jobs and incomes and can be the lifeblood of many rural communities in the West," according to the eight-page study. "This snapshot helps highlight the value of this often overlooked sector -- one that is not otherwise measured as a traditional pillar of the U.S. economy."
Sally Jewell, president and CEO of outdoor equipment retailer REI and a member of the Outdoor Industry Association, said the study "confirms the significant contribution the outdoor recreation industry makes to the American economy and way of life."
"Going forward, the data should inform public policies that support growth within our local communities and that sustain the beauty of our natural treasures for current and future generations," she said. "Ultimately, we all want to inspire more people to experience the wonderful benefits that nature presents."
Streater writes from Colorado Springs, Colo.
Full Study is found here:
http://www.westgov.org/reports
