New Hampshire is a year-round paradise for those who love to go on outdoor adventures, a report said. This is because of trails, mountains, and rivers that provide tourists and locals with many outdoor recreation opportunities such as skiing, fishing, hiking, boating, and more.
These activities provide substantial economic benefits at the state and national levels, as evidenced in the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis‘ report on the outdoor rec economy.
The analysis reveals that outdoor recreation is gaining momentum as a significant economic driver for the U.S. economy, generating an economic output of $689 billion and creating 4.3 million jobs, or 3% of the American workforce in 2020.
Within New Hampshire, traditional outdoor activities like fishing and boating account for 2.6% of the state’s economy, providing more than 26,000 jobs and $1.1 billion in wages.
In an article penned by New Hampshire Marine Trades Association (NHMTA) President Peter MacCallum and Lakes Region Tourism Association Executive Director Amy Landers, both said that the business activity that is generated by the outdoor activities throughout New Hampshire is a testament to the state’s capacity to profit from the natural resources that many people utilize for entertainment and sports. This is due to private businesses working together with state agencies to ensure that everyone who enjoys outdoor recreation is safe and has a memorable adventure in the Granite State.
These partnerships continue to be in place, including the New Hampshire Office of Outdoor Industry Development (ORID). These continued partnerships aid the state’s multifaceted outdoor industry and link its top outdoor assets with broad economic development strategies.
Scott Crowder is the state’s first director. Under his direction, ORID has strengthened its position and partnered with the newly-created Granite Outdoor Alliance and other stakeholders in the outdoor industry to help improve the quality of outdoor recreation towards an environmentally responsible and sustainable future through paying attention to land conservation, economic development, education, as well as health and wellness.
In accordance with ORID, the NHMTA and the Lakes Region Tourism Association believe that all have a responsibility to protect waters and public land, which have become essential to the well-being of outdoor recreation businesses, the officials mentioned in the article.
They also said that people need to continue to work with state, federal, and local policymakers to make the most of current programs and funding sources.
As the New Hampshire General Court opens the 2022 session, both MacCallum and Landers said that lawmakers must continue to adopt an approach that is balanced in protecting natural resources and managing increasingly popular outdoor recreation options.
The outdoor recreation industry is expected to continue growing as long as policymakers focus on partnerships and education that can and will substitute for the necessity for burdensome regulations.
Let’s uncover the hidden gems of New Hampshire’s outdoor scene! Dive into fresh ways to support sustainability and nature preservation. Get involved in boosting the economy while building a close-knit community. Let’s make a difference through outdoor adventures in the Granite State!
Can you wrap your head around the fact that New Hampshire’s outdoor recreation industry pulls in a whopping $8.7 billion in consumer spending each year and supports 79,000 jobs? It’s incredible how the state’s commitment to preserving nature and promoting sustainable outdoor activities shines through, making it a real standout in the outdoor recreation scene!