Governor Josh Shapiro announced a series of new initiatives aimed at strengthening Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation industry, an economic sector that generates $19 billion annually and supports more than 168,000 jobs across the state.
Joined by Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Dunn, Director of Outdoor Recreation Nathan Reigner, REI President and CEO Mary Beth Laughton, and Aliner President and CEO Brett Randall at REI’s Mechanicsburg store, the governor outlined plans to expand business support, workforce development, and access to capital for outdoor companies.
“Pennsylvania is a national leader in outdoor recreation — and my administration is competitive as hell to make sure we’re at the very top,” Shapiro said in a press release.
“When we invest in outdoor recreation, we create good-paying jobs, support thriving main streets, and build stronger rural and urban economies,” Shapiro added.
Since Shapiro took office, Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation economy has grown by 10%, adding $2 billion to the state’s GDP and creating nearly 4,000 jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
The sector now accounts for 2% of the state’s economy and provides $9 billion in wages and salaries.
The governor highlighted the role of public lands in driving tourism and business opportunities.
“Our state parks and forests are not only places to connect with nature – they are the foundation of Pennsylvania’s thriving outdoor recreation industry,” said DCNR Secretary Dunn.
Central to the administration’s new efforts is the Outdoor Business Alliance of Pennsylvania (OBA PA), launched in March 2024 with $50,000 in state funding and $200,000 in private seed support from the Richard King Mellon Foundation.
Shapiro and Reigner announced that OBA PA will concentrate on four priorities: supporting small business growth, developing the workforce, increasing access to capital, and fostering industry collaboration. The work includes launching the Elevate Outdoor Business Grant Program and planning the first Pennsylvania Outdoor Industry Expo.
“We heard directly from businesses across Pennsylvania that outdoor recreation is a driver of growth – and they need help to scale and hire,” Reigner said.
“The Alliance is a direct response to what we heard – it’s about connecting businesses to resources, growing the workforce, and making sure outdoor recreation companies have what they need to thrive,” Reigner added.
Manufacturers such as Aliner, a Mt. Pleasant-based RV producer employing about 95 people and sourcing from 25 local suppliers, also played a role in shaping OBA PA.
The state has also committed significant funding to expand outdoor infrastructure. Recent investments include $122 million for state park and forest improvements, $15 million for tourism marketing, and $1.3 million to expand ATV access and trail infrastructure.
In 2023, tourism generated $47.9 billion in visitor spending, supported more than 507,000 jobs, and contributed $4.8 billion in state and local tax revenue.
Looking ahead, Shapiro’s proposed 2025–26 budget includes $5 million to expand public lands, $65 million for America’s 250th anniversary preparations, and the creation of Pennsylvania’s 125th state park at Laurel Caverns.
