This week, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) released new data showing the economic impact of outdoor recreation in 2020. This analysis demonstrates outdoor recreation’s powerful and positive economic impact on the U.S. economy during a difficult and uncertain year defined by the pandemic which led to restrictions and closures. 

Despite the challenges, the BEA found outdoor recreation accounted for $688 billion in gross output (consumer spending) and 1.8 percent ($374 billion) of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2020.

As outdoor spaces became respites during the pandemic, outdoor recreation participation in 2020 was record-setting. According to the Outdoor Industry Association, 53 percent of Americans ages 6 and over participated in outdoor recreation at least once, the highest participation rate on record. Of those who started or resumed walking, bicycling, fishing, or running/jogging during the pandemic, more than 60 percent intend to continue once restrictions lift. The study found that new participants primarily sought socially-distanced outdoor activities in order to spend time with loved ones safely, to exercise, stay healthy or to reduce screen-time fatigue.
 
Additionally, the study found that the new participants did not mirror traditional outdoor recreation participants. The new participants are more likely to be female, younger, living in an urban area and slightly more ethnically diverse than existing participants. New participants were also largely motivated by outdoor recreation opportunities with low barriers to entry that are available and accessible within 10 miles of their homes, including walking, running, biking and hiking.
 
“Identifying these new outdoor recreation participants and their values is a huge step in moving our spaces to be more inclusive and accessible,” said Jonathan Jarosz, executive director of Heart of the Lakes, “we have a whole new audience to serve now, and we are excited to welcome them.”

In Michigan, BEA found that outdoor recreation in 2020 contributed $9.5 billion to our economy, supported 108k jobs, and $4.6 billion in wages. Outdoor participation soared, especially close-to-home recreation, highlighting the importance of better access to the outdoors for all communities. The prioritization of outdoor recreation continues into 2021 with strong numbers in participation and sales data. 
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“We’re always thrilled to see the impact outdoor recreation has in our state, but the focus on close-to-home recreation is especially exciting,” said Clay Summers, executive director of mParks, “this really puts an emphasis on the importance of local parks.”

In 2020, Michigan ranked 13th among all states in ORSA value-added and in the top 20 in value-added dollars for each of the identified activities: Boating/Fishing, RVing, Hunting/Shooting/Trapping, Motorcycling/ATVing, Equestrian, Climbing/Hiking/Tent Camping, Snow Activities, Bicycling, and Recreational Flying.
 
“Amidst these challenging times, Michigan’s outdoor recreation economy grew in certain key segments,” said Brad Garmon, director of the Michigan Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, “proving that our strong outdoor recreation sector will be essential in the recovery of our economy."

“The increase in value truly reflects the amenities Michigan has to offer,” said Andrea LaFontaine, executive director of Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance, “people discovered our multi-use trails and waterways and used them all year long.”

BEA launched its outdoor recreation economy project in 2017 to “deepen the public’s understanding of the economic impact of outdoor recreation, inform decision making, and improve governance and long-term management of public lands and waters.” In 2019, the agency announced it would also start sharing prototype statistics on state-level data. The BEA’s data joins long-standing work from the Outdoor Industry Association’s compilation of key national and statewide data informing on the economic impact of outdoor recreation.

Michigan State Parks to Receive $250 Million in Federal Funding

Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced $250 million will be invested into Michigan’s State Parks to address infrastructure needs. This monumental investment, which is part of the American Rescue Plan, comes at a time when we are experiencing record-breaking attendance and use of our public spaces met with limited funding.

According to the Michigan DNR FY 2021 Capital Outlay Five-Year Plan, the Michigan DNR Parks and Recreation Department has identified and documented the need for 558 priority renovation and upgrade projects, estimated at a cost of $278 million. News of this funding will support nearly all of those needs.

New Report Highlights Economic Benefits of Outdoor Recreation
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Outdoor business alliances across the country — known as the State Outdoor Business Alliance Network (SOBAN) — have joined forces to elevate the vital importance of a thriving outdoor industry. A new report highlights the many ways that communities across the country benefit from increased investment in outdoor recreation.

​Outdoor recreation in Michigan generates 26.6 billion in consumer spending and employs 232 thousand individuals. Nationwide, in 2019, outdoor recreation employed almost 5.2 million people who earned more than $226.3 billion dollars.  The report shares information from states around the country that illustrates the positive benefits of the outdoor recreation economy.
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Heart of the Lakes is proud to stand with a diverse group of environmental, conservation, business, labor and community leaders from across the partisan spectrum to endorse Proposal 1 to invest in protecting and expanding access to our natural spaces for future generations.

For decades, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) has been protecting our drinking water sources, wildlife habitats and outdoor spaces by receiving oil and gas royalties and directing them towards land acquisition and public recreation projects in all 83 counties across Michigan. However, the MNRTF reached its cap in 2011. These royalties are now directed to the State Park Endowment Fund to fund land acquisition for state parks and maintenance, operations and capital improvements of state parks. But that has a cap too.

This November 3rd, Michigan voters have a historic opportunity to update and expand the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund so that it can continue supporting the places that make Michigan unique – from Great Lakes beaches and public lands to our trails, paths, parks and playgrounds. Best of all, it achieves this as it always has, without tax dollars from Michigan families.

Proposal 1 will protect our water, wildlife & parks by:

• Removing the cap on the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, allowing it to again receive revenues from the royalties on oil, gas, and mining on state-owned land once the SPEF reaches its cap – safeguarding a constitutionally protected revenue source for conservation and recreation for future generations.
• Adding renovation and redevelopment of public recreation facilities as an allowable use of Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund dollars, allowing it to help communities reinvest in their aging recreation infrastructure in addition to creating new facilities.
• Requiring at least 25% of Trust Fund disbursements be made available for development, renovation and redevelopment of public recreation facilities to match the minimum 25% for land acquisition and protection, allowing the flexibility needed to fund and update trails, playgrounds, parks and more in communities across the state, while continuing to prioritize land conservation and protection.

These changes were put on the ballot with unanimous support from the Michigan Legislature and are endorsed by a wide range of environmental, conservation, business, labor and community leaders from across the state. You can learn more about the proposal and the organizations endorsing it at www.miwaterwildlifeparks.com. Join us in voting YES on Proposal 1 to protect Michigan’s water, wildlife & parks on November 3rd or by absentee ballot.