According to a recent statement from the Washington,
D.C.-based Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), “Outdoor recreation is an
economic force.” The statement highlights the fact that the nation’s outdoor
recreation industry now accounts for over two percent of U.S. gross domestic
product (GDP), a key economic indicator. Specifically, according to the federal
Bureau of Economic Analysis, the industry generates a $734-billion “gross
domestic product output.” The OIA further notes that the industry produces $887
billion in consumer spending and supports nearly 8 million jobs.
In other words, there’s a lot of biking, hiking, camping,
fishing, paddling, bird watching, and other outdoor recreation going on
locally, statewide, and across the United States. The OIA has reported that
nearly one-half of American citizens annually take part in an outdoor
recreation activity, and that these Americans annually make more than 10
billion outdoor outings.
Later this week, on October 13 and 14 at the Steuben County
Fairgrounds in Bath, the 12th Annual Southern Tier Outdoors Show
(www.southerntieroutdoorshow.com) will “showcase the range of outdoor
recreation found in the Southern Tier of New York State” for area sportsmen and
sportswomen, and families!
The Southern Tier Outdoors Show, which is coordinated by the
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County, bills itself this way, “This
family friendly event offers a full weekend of contests and demonstrations to
keep everyone entertained. Kids have the opportunity to win prizes with the
indoor fishing pond or participating in the youth turkey calling contest, they
can test their archery skills, exhibit their shooting skills on the laser
course, and get up close and personal with birds of prey and a variety of exotic
wildlife.”
As Chair of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee
and a lifelong sportsman, I have been grateful for opportunities to recognize
the ongoing resurgence of outdoor recreation. This has included championing
efforts to establish the state’s largest-ever water quality infrastructure
grant program to help localities undertake these critical projects, as well as
initiatives to combat harmful algal blooms and invasive species, to name a few.
The Legislature annually takes actions on behalf of the outdoors, not solely
for the economic benefit but also because these activities offer a high quality
means of exercise, healthier lifestyles, and family fun and recreation.
Surveys by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service have shown
striking facts about the nationwide economic impact, to the tune of $122
billion in revenue and millions of jobs, of the 87.5 million Americans who
fish, hunt, or engage in other wildlife-related recreation. Hunting, fishing,
and trapping are deeply rooted in New York’s (and our region’s) culture,
experience, and tradition.
The same goes for our unmatched network of New York State
parks, trails, and historic sites. In 2017, there were a record 71 million
visitors to state parks and historic sites. The advocacy group Parks &
Trails New York routinely highlights the economic impact of New York’s more
than 200 state parks, dozens of historic sites, more than a thousand miles of
hiking trails, and over 8,000 campsites (to say nothing of numerous boat
launches, beaches, swimming pools, and nature centers). For example, a recent
PTNY report estimated that state parks support approximately 45,000 jobs and
generate $5 billion in spending – which means each dollar of state investment
is supporting a return of nine dollars in consumer spending. A solid
investment.
As we work to turn around the Upstate New York economy
through small business growth, a revitalization and strengthening of
manufacturing, an ongoing foundation of agriculture and tourism, and in many
other ways, we will be smart to keep an eye on the outdoors.
New York’s unique outdoor experiences and pastimes are sure
to entice more and more spending on goods and services provided by local
businesses – sporting licenses, bait and tackle, hotels and motels,
restaurants, lodges and camps, groceries and hardware, vehicles, boats, fuel,
guide services, and the list goes on. These expenditures support jobs, generate
sales and income taxes, and spark tourism.
It’s clear that more and more New Yorkers are getting
outside for a breath of fresh air and a better view – and it keeps adding up to
a stronger bottom line.
Senator Tom O'Mara's district includes Steuben County
