Pennsylvania State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn, Department of Community and Economic Development Acting Secretary Neil Weaver, and Fish and Boat Commission Executive Director Tim Schaeffer on Monday visited TCO Fly Shop in Boiling Springs, Cumberland County, to emphasize the importance of outdoor recreation to the economy and health of Pennsylvanians.
“There’s no doubt that being active and gathering outdoors got many people through the pandemic, and those experiences have reminded us about what we already knew – that outdoor recreation plays a big role in our health and well-being,” Dunn said.
“There is also no doubt that outdoor recreation plays a big role in Pennsylvania’s economy. We are fortunate to have a wealth of public lands, waters, and energetic entrepreneurs that, combined with Pennsylvanians’ love for the outdoors, have created a great environment for outdoor recreation businesses.”
DCNR has appointed Pennsylvania’s first Director of Outdoor Recreation Nathan Reigner, to ensure that the outdoor recreation industry is supported, flourishing, and accessible to everyone through equitable access, investments, conservation, and collaboration, in addition to business development.
Reigner will collaborate with those responsible for conserving and managing the waters, lands, and facilities that support these activities. He will also work with organizations, institutions, services, and businesses that support and make outdoor recreation possible.
The appointment of Nathan Reigner is a huge step forward for outdoor recreation in Pennsylvania. His leadership will be invaluable to growing the outdoor recreation economy in the state, as well as supporting rural economies and increasing access for all residents and visitors,” said Outdoor Recreation Roundtable President Jessica Turner.
Pennsylvania is the sixth-largest outdoor recreation economy in the United States.
“From mountains to lakes and everything in between, Pennsylvania has an outdoor activity for everyone,” Weaver said. “Each region and season provides many activities for residents and visitors alike, and many towns see an economic benefit from tourism each year. With so many great outdoor recreational activities available and our prime northeast location, it’s no wonder many businesses choose to plant their roots in Pennsylvania.”
“Communities that embrace fishing and boating and invest in greater public access to the water enjoy incredible social and economic benefits in return,” said Schaeffer. “Each year, recreational fishing generates an estimated $721-million-dollar economic impact statewide, while watersports including powered boating and paddling contribute an estimated $6 billion annually to Pennsylvania’s economy.”
Learn more about the Director of Outdoor Recreation on the DCNR website. Explore tips for traveling at visitpa.com; or find out more about fishing fundamentals on the Fish and Boat Commission website.
This story originally appeared on The Progress.
