Open Spaces Open Minds: A Call for Access and Investment

The outdoor economy has tremendous value to Michiganders — being outside is good for our physical and mental well-being, helps us connect with family and friends, and is the foundation for a powerful stewardship ethic and a passionate community of advocates.

The recent release of statistics by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) showcases the impact of outdoor recreation on the economy. 

In 2022, outdoor recreation contributed $12.4 billion to Michigan's economy, supporting 119,000 jobs and generating $5 billion in wages.
At a national level, these new numbers show outdoor recreation generates $1.1 trillion in gross economic output, 3.2% of U.S. wage and salary employment, and 4.98 million jobs. This means the outdoor recreation economy contributes more to the U.S. economy than mining, utilities, farming and ranching, and chemical products manufacturing.

With outdoor recreation growing, it's even more essential to invest and advocate for statewide policies that bolster access to the outdoors, expand trail networks, and safeguard our open spaces to ensure that every Michigander has the opportunity to enjoy, explore, and benefit from our state's unparalleled outdoor resources.

As the call to "opt outside" echoed throughout our state — the post-Thanksgiving tradition of reconnecting with the outdoors instead of Black Friday lines — Michiganders filled parks, trails, and open spaces celebrating Michigan’s outdoor culture, the businesses and organizations who support it.

Now and throughout the year, Michiganders' embrace outdoor experiences, demonstrating the strength and depth of our state’s outdoor economy.

The power of Michigan’s outdoor economy was heralded by recent release from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) on the impact of outdoor recreation on our state.  In 2022, outdoor recreation contributed $12.4 billion to our state’s economy, supporting 119,000 jobs and generating $5 billion in wages.

​This current release establishes a new benchmark for Michigan since the BEA started calculating the size of the outdoor recreation economy in 2017. It demonstrates the tremendous economic and social value the outdoors has for Michiganders. Being outside is good for physical and mental well-being, helps us connect with family and friends, and is the foundation for a powerful stewardship ethic and a passionate community of advocates.

Critical factors in how the outdoor recreation industry contributed to Michigan's economy in 2022:

• Outdoor recreation made up 2.2% of Michigan's economy
• 119,000 people work in the outdoor industry in Michigan, a 7% increase from 2021
• Michigan's outdoor recreation industry added 10,000 jobs
• Manufacturing of outdoor recreation gear and equipment contributed $1.9 billion
• Outdoor Retail contributed nearly $4 billion to Michigan's economy

Top activities that contributed to Michigan's GDP in 2022:

• RVing, Boating, and Fishing — $1.1 billion
• Hunting/Shooting/Trapping — $304 million
• Motorcycling/ATVing — $278 million
• Climbing/Hiking/Tent Camping — $149 million​

With outdoor participation ever-growing, it's even more essential than ever for us to invest and advocate for statewide policies that bolster access to the outdoors, expand trail networks, and safeguard our open spaces to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy, explore, and benefit from our state's unparalleled outdoor resources.

"These numbers are more than just figures on a page; they are an invitation to appreciate the significance of outdoor recreation in our lives," shared Nichole Fisher, Executive Director at mParks. "Michigan's parks, trails, and open spaces have long been sanctuaries, offering solace and becoming economic pillars for our communities."

At a national level, these new numbers show outdoor recreation generates $1.1 trillion in gross economic output, 3.2% of U.S. wage and salary employment, and 4.98 million jobs. This means the outdoor recreation economy contributes more to the U.S. economy than mining, utilities, farming and ranching, and chemical products manufacturing. This is the first time the outdoor economy has surpassed the one trillion-dollar mark.

"If there's one thing to take away from today's BEA presentation, it's this: the state of the outdoor recreation economy is strong, and sustained investment in outdoor recreation and our shared public lands and waters pays dividends for our local and national economies and quality of life," said Jessica Turner, president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR). "Our industry continues to provide benefits to communities across the country – big, small, urban, and rural alike. To ensure that this success is sustainable and that our public lands and waters will continue to be accessible to all Americans for generations to come, we will continue to work together with leaders on the passage of America's Outdoor Recreation Act by the end of this year. We are thrilled to once again see the data reflect what we hear everyday, that outdoor recreation is not a nice to have — but a necessity for healthy people, places, and economies."

Open Spaces Open Minds: A Call for Access and Investment

The consistency of these annual reports from the BEA signals a clear return on investing in our natural spaces, public health, and fostering an environment conducive to entrepreneurship, small business growth, and workforce quality of life.

"We continue to recognize that our state's trails are vital economic engines, not just pathways for recreation. These statistics reinforce the importance of developing and preserving these spaces, not just for their inherent beauty but for their undeniable role in fueling economic growth and opportunity," added Andrea LaFontaine, Executive Director at Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance.

Amidst changing landscapes and evolving economies, the enduring presence of local public spaces stands as a testament to resilience, offering recreation, economic fortitude, and community resilience.

“Michigan has more acres of public land than any state east of the Mississippi, with more opportunities for deep partnerships between business and conservation.  Our economy is driven by close-to-home open space that has been, and must continue to be, a constant source of wellness and enjoyment," emphasized Jonathan Jarosz, Executive Director at Heart of the Lakes.

Jarosz continued, “Our state has the people and the assets to be one of the top five outdoor economies in the country.  A coordinated strategy between state government, private business, and nonprofit supporters will ensure economic stability and a high quality of life for generations to come."

For those seeking solace, adventure, or economic opportunity, the BEA’s 2022 numbers underscore the immense value of Michigan’s outdoors. As Michigan continues to celebrate and cherish our heritage, and our outdoor industry, the economic and personal benefits they offer can be a model for the rest of the country.

"The year-over-year increase in value-added by hiking, biking, running, and paddling are proof that Michigan's investments in trails have big payoffs," said Andrea LaFontaine, executive director of Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance. "We continue to attract destinations for travelers while maintaining beautiful public lands for our residents."

Inflation-adjusted GDP for the outdoor recreation economy increased by 18.9 percent in 2021, compared with a 5.9 percent increase for the overall U.S. economy.
 
"The rate at which the outdoor recreation economy continues to increase is a great sign for our state. As more jobs are being created, more talent is moving to Michigan, more money is being generated, and in turn, more investments are being made in our outdoors spaces,” said Jonathan Jarosz, executive director of Heart of the Lakes.​

The North Country Trail Association is seeking a full-time Director of Trail Protection to lead the efforts to securing permanent corridor for the North Country National Scenic Trail and surrounding landscapes. Full description and application details here. 

The Leelanau Conservancy is seeking a full-time Fund Development Director responsible for leading, creating and executing fundraising strategies, along with continuing to build, engage and retain a growing donor base. Full description and application details here. 

Chikaming Open Lands is seeking a full-time, seasonal Stewardship Field Technician to participate in planning and implementation of land stewardship activities, and participation in education and outreach programs.  Full description and application details here. 

COL is also seeking a part-time seasonal Outreach + Marketing Intern responsible for assisting with planning and implementation of outreach and education programs. Along with participating in development, marketing and communication activities. Full description and application details here. 

Chikaming Open Lands is seeking a full-time Education + Outreach Coordinator responsible for developing, planning and implementing conservation and stewardship education programs, community and member engagement, and increase awareness for the organization. This position is also responsible for website, social media and event needs. Full description and application details here. 

Dogs naturally live in the moment — unburdened from the everyday minutiae their outlook is simple; eat, drink, sleep and play. But arguably, they probably look most forward to adventuring with us. There's a reason we have to spell out "W-A-L-K" because they instinctively know that word directly correlates with being outdoors. Dogs are the best adventure buddies because they know the hype and receive the same influx of endorphins when they step outside. So that got us wondering, if dogs could talk, what would they say about living your best outdoor life? 

We recruited the help of the dogs from Heart of the Lakes to share a "loose" interpretation of what this advice might be. Hit the plus signs (+) to see what they have to say!
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The Nature Conservancy in Michigan is seeking a full-time Director of Land and Water Management. This position is responsible for overseeing and authorizing priority settings, planning, budgeting, project management and implementation, standard setting, legal monitoring and data management. Application deadline is November 25, 2021. Click here for full job description and application details.