RBC | Department of Commerce research commissioned by Secretary of Interior Sally Jewel to determine the value of outdoor recreation as part of the Gross Domestic Product was released today. The research identified that outdoor recreation accounted for 2 percent of the GDP or more than $371 billion in spending annually and that this value was steadily increasing from 2012 to 2016. This research further concluded that motorized spending was the dominant portion of spending for recreational activity, and almost exceeded all other spending sources combined.
“COHVCO/TPA representatives were always aware of the strong relationship motorized recreation played in outdoor recreation but even we were surprised at the values established in the Department of Commerce Research. This is welcome information and will be very helpful in undertaking land management decisions on public lands moving forward and confirmed what many in the industry had believed for many years” said Don Riggle, TPA president. “Additionally, this information will be very helpful for communities that are targeting recreational activity to replace tax revenue that has been lost when other industries have moved out of the communities”
“COHVCO/TPA believes this is valuable information for the OHV community, members, and industry and expands on the conclusions of the 2014 COHVCO OHV Economic Contribution study for Colorado. A formal study conducted by the Department of Commerce solidifies the economic significance of motorized recreation and the importance of keeping public and private lands open for access.” Said COHVCO Executive Director Gerald Abboud.
A complete version of the Department of Commerce research is available here: https://bea.gov/newsreleases/industry/orsa/2018/pdf/orsa0218.pdf
