Vermont Business Magazine At Waterfront Park in Burlington this morning, Representative Peter Welch (D-VT) announced that the US Department of Commerce, in response to bipartisan legislation sponsored by Welch, will undertake a comprehensive study to quantify the benefits of outdoor recreation to the US economy. The project will take several years to complete.
Welch was joined by Tom Torti, President of the Lake Champlain Chamber of Commerce, Megan Smith, Commissioner of Vermont Department of Tourism and other travel and tourism industry leaders to highlight the significant economic benefits of outdoor recreation activities to Vermont’s economy. Courtesy photo.
“Vermont has unparalleled natural beauty that provides Vermonters and tourists year-round opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Outdoor recreation boosts the bottom lines of businesses across Vermont and is a key driver of our economy,” Rep. Peter Welch said. “Having reliable data that quantifies these benefits is essential so we can better support this vital sector of our economy.”
Welch introduced The Outdoor Recreation’s Economic Contributions (REC) Act (HR 4665) in March with Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA), Dave Reichert (R-WA), and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA).
In remarks at the National Geographic Society April 19, US Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell laid out a vision for actions the nation can take to build upon America’s rich conservation legacy and pass on healthy public lands and waters to the next generation.
The secretary delivered the remarks during National Park Week to help mark the 100th birthday of the National Park Service. During the speech, Jewell called for a “course correction” for conservation that includes inspiring all Americans from all backgrounds to connect with public lands; implementing smart, landscape-level planning to support healthy ecosystems and sustainable development; and greater investments in national parks and public lands to prepare for the next century of conservation.
During her remarks last week, Jewell also announced that the federal government will undertake a first-of-its-kind study to analyze the impact outdoor recreation has on the nation’s economy. The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Economic Analysis feasibility study will present detailed and defensible data on the importance of outdoor recreation as a distinct component of the economy that can help inform decision making and management of public lands and waters.
“By producing credible data on the tangible economic benefits of public lands, we can help the public and Members of Congress better understand the benefits of investing in them,” Jewell said. “Industry estimates show that consumer spending for outdoor recreation is greater than household utilities and pharmaceuticals combined – and yet the federal government has never fully recognized or quantified these benefits. This project is the start of a multi-year effort to count these contributions in a comprehensive and impartial way.”
- More on the outdoor recreation economic report.
- Watch Secretary Jewell's speech
- Watch Secretary Jewell's Q&A session.
Source: Congressman Welch. 4.25.2016