State agencies planning for the future of Pa.’s outdoor recreation economy
The outdoor recreation sector supports 152K jobs in Pennsylvania, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
By Cassie Miller – Capital-Star
HARRISBURG, PA – State officials from across several agencies are working together to bolster Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation economy.
State agencies, including the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the Department of Community and Economic Development, are joining forces to develop an Office of Outdoor Recreation, which “would be responsible for coordinating and synergizing among entities within and connected to state government to help align and support strategic initiatives, partnerships, policies, resources,” according to DCNR.
Outdoor recreation adds nearly $14 billion to Pennsylvania’s economy, according to DCNR, making it the sixth largest outdoor recreation economy in the nation.
Nationally, outdoor recreation generates $862 billion in economic output, accounting for approximately 3% of all jobs in America.
The outdoor recreation sector, which includes retail, manufacturing, and tourism, supports 152,000 jobs in Pennsylvania, according to 2021 data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
The Shapiro administration has previously said that workforce development across all sectors and industries is a top priority. In a statement issued last week, DCNR said workforce development would also be an area of focus for the Office of Outdoor Recreation.
“A skilled and competitive workforce is the backbone of Pennsylvania’s $14 billion outdoor industry,” Pennsylvania Director of Outdoor Recreation Nathan Reigner said in a statement.
