New Economic Report Shows Outdoor Recreation on Federal Public Lands contributes an Average of $351 Million into the Economy Every Day

Outdoor recreation on federal public lands and waters is fueling America’s economy, according to a new report released today by Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR). This new analysis, “Outdoor Recreation on Federal Public Lands & Waters: A Valuable American Asset” reinforces the idea that conserving and maintaining access to our shared natural resources for recreation is not only a business imperative but also a consistent, high-return investment in the nation’s health and economic growth.

Outdoor recreation already drives $1.2 trillion in economic output and supports 5 million U.S. jobs each year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. For the first time, ORR’s report gives a complete look at the value that outdoor recreation on federal public lands and waters generate every day: 

• $351 million is added to the U.S. economy every day from recreation on federal lands and waters – the equivalent to hosting eight Super Bowls every month in economic impact. 
• Through receipts, permits, entrance fees, leases, and other payments, outdoor recreation on federal public lands and waters directly contributes at least half a billion dollars annually to federal coffers. 
• Maintaining federal public lands for outdoor recreation is an investment that yields incredible returns. These returns include $128 billion in economic activity and nearly $6 billion in federal tax revenue, and significant contributions to the physical and mental health of Americans. 
• Of the 5 million American jobs created by outdoor recreation, one out of five depend on federal public lands.  

Download the full report here.