It’s a point well taken and one that governmental leaders,
at all levels, should take to heart. It’s been reported that America’s outdoor
recreation industry generates a $734-billion “gross domestic product output”
while producing $887 billion in consumer spending and supporting nearly 8
million jobs.
In other words, there is a lot of biking, hiking, camping,
fishing, paddling, bird watching, and other outdoor recreation going on
locally, statewide, and across the United States. We’re told 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.
Recently, the 13th Annual Southern Tier Outdoors Show
(www.southerntieroutdoorshow.com) at the Steuben County Fairgrounds in Bath
helped highlight the range of outdoor recreation available regionally for area
sportsmen and sportswomen, and families!
As a former chairman of the Senate Environmental
Conservation Committee and a lifelong sportsman, I have been grateful for
opportunities to support the ongoing resurgence of outdoor recreation. The
Legislature annually takes actions on behalf of the outdoors, not solely for
the economic and environmental benefits 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 2018, a record 74 million visitors
enjoyed our state parks and historic sites. The advocacy group Parks &
Trails New York (PTNY) 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 the state
parks and trails system supports approximately 45,000 jobs and generates
upwards of $4 billion in consumer spending – which means each dollar of state
investment is supporting a return of nine dollars in consumer spending.
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. These expenditures support jobs, generate sales and income taxes,
and spark tourism.
“This includes day trips as well as overnight trips,” the
PTNY report notes, “with visitors spending money on park entrance and use fees,
sporting equipment, food and drink, transportation, lodging, and other
expenses. Visitor spending creates jobs and revenue not only for the park
system, but also has a multiplier effect, as jobs and revenues are created in
supporting industries throughout the local economy.”
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.
