Finding money in the great outdoors, 4.2 Billion for New Hamshire

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

$4.2 BILLION. That's the annual amount of direct consumer spending in New Hampshire that's generated by outdoor recreation, according to the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), a national trade association. That's a lot of backpacks. And fishing rods, and hiking boots, and other gear used by those who hike, climb, fish, cycle, camp, paddle, and pursue other outdoor pastimes.The number also factors in dollars spent on outdoor-recreation-related travel, and those figures are more than four times higher than the amount spent on gear and recreational vehicles. The group also reports that outdoor recreation is directly responsible for 49,000 jobs and $1.2 billion in wages and salaries in the Granite State. According to the group, 76 percent of New Hampshire residents participate in outdoor recreation. On a national scale, OIA reports that “more than 140 million Americans make outdoor recreation a priority in their daily lives,” and they spend $646 billion per year on outdoor recreation. The group attributes 6.1 million jobs in America to outdoor recreation. The study emphasized that access to public lands and other places valued for outdoor experiences is critical, noting, “Preserving access to outdoor recreation opportunities protects the economy, the businesses, the communities and the people who depend on the ability to play outside. ”

The group highlighted the popularity of such “treasured destinations” as New Hampshire's White Mountain National Forest and Lake Winnipesaukee.The figures are the result of research conducted for OIA in 2011 and 2012. Harris Interactive performed a consumer survey and Southwick Associates provided the economic analysis. The OIA study, “The Outdoor Recreation Economy,” and related information can be found online at outdoorindustry.org.The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) is part of New Hampshire's outdoor recreation economy, and this past fall, the organization released an economic study showing that spending by out-of-state overnight guests to AMC huts and lodges in the White Mountains supported 191 jobs and $17.9 million in economic activity throughout the state. The study, titled, “Economic Impact of the Appalachian Mountain Club's Huts and Lodges in New Hampshire,” was conducted from June 2014 to May 2015, and was prepared by Daniel S. Lee of Plymouth State University's Center for Rural Partnerships. It accounted for direct, indirect, and induced economic effects of spending by nonresident overnight guests. Impacts of spending by New Hampshire residents or day visitors were not considered. The study can be found at outdoors.org/AMCeconomicimpact.AMC manages eight hikers' huts for use by the public along a 56-mile-long stretch of the Appalachian Trail, as well as two roadside lodges in the White Mountains. AMC's huts and lodges provide meals, lodging, and educational programs.AMC also supports the state's outdoor recreation economy in other ways, such as collaborating with White Mountains Community College on the creation of an outdoor recreation management certificate program, and helping young people develop skills in building and maintaining local trails through its involvement in the Jobs for America's Graduates program.
Source: Rob Burbank is director of media and public affairs for the Appalachian Mountain Club (outdoors.org) in Pinkham Notch. His column appears monthly in the New Hampshire Sunday News.