This week, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) released the prototype statistics from the Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account (ORSA).
In other words, another report shows how the economy is supported by outdoor recreation.
And the numbers are impressive.
Here are some highlights:
- The outdoor recreation economy accounted for 2.0 percent ($373.7 billion) of current-dollar GDP in 2016.
- The outdoor recreation economy grew 3.8 percent in 2016, compared to growth of 2.8 percent in the overall economy.
- Hunting/Shooting/Trapping activities were $15.4 billion in 2016, with hunting accounting for over 60 percent of this value.
- Boating/Fishing activities were $38.2 billion in 2016, an increase of 4.0 percent from the previous year.
Why are the statistics important?
They justify the important impact of outdoorsmen and women on the economy.
As U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross also notes, “Businesses need the right data to help them hire, invest and grow. The historical lack of detailed federal data regarding outdoor recreational activities has handicapped both the private and public sectors.”
In order for the report to be most effective for all audiences, the Bureau is accepting feedback on presenting the statistics.
For the full report, click here.
