Blue Trails provide real opportunities for economic renewal and growth. Increased property values, tourism, and recreation-related spending on items such as equipment, boats, and bicycles are just a few of the ways that Blue Trails and protected riverside land positively impact economies. Three out of every four Americans participate in active outdoor recreation each year and paddlesports are among the fastest growing segments of the industry.
Enjoyment and protection of the great outdoors is simply downright valuable. The Outdoor Industry Association’s outdoor recreation economy report concludes that outdoor recreation accounts for 6.1 million direct American jobs, $646 billion in direct consumer spending each year, $39.9 billion in federal tax revenue, and $39.7 in state and local tax revenue.
Outdoor recreation participants spend $86 billion annually on watersports (kayaking, stand-up paddling, rafting, canoeing, and motorized boating), the second highest revenue stream, with camping in the lead at $142 billion.
Watersports directly support more than 800,000 jobs annually. More people (30 million) go fishing each year than go to Disney World (16 million).
Blue Trails Enhance Local Economies
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Blue Trails boost local economies
We’re seeing communities working to improve river recreation and protect their rivers through the creation of Blue Trails. And we’re seeing this giving a boost to local economies…
From Our Blog
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Blue Trails Boost Local Economies
Rivers are an important part of my life. Rivers underpin a successful career, a deep-seated passion, and even helped introduce me to my wife.
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Colorado’s River Economy
Rivers are key economic drivers here in the United States. River related recreation – whether it is paddling and fishing, or camping and wildlife watching along the banks – is a way of life for communities across the country.
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Report: River Recreation Boosts Economy and Creates Jobs
The Outdoor Industry Association recently released a groundbreaking report, “The Outdoor Recreation Economy: Take it Outside for American Jobs and a Strong Economy,” detailing the economic impact of outdoor recreation in the U.S.
