Tom O’Mara, New York State Senator
Along with numerous other designations, the month of June is recognized as National Great Outdoors Month.
It’s worth some attention here in the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes. At a time when we must pursue every glimmer of hope we can, this is a bright spot in an otherwise bleak and uncertain economic future.
The Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) puts it succinctly: “Outdoor recreation is an economic force.”
This is a well made point that government leaders at all levels and in all places should take to heart.
Prior to the outbreak of COVID-19 and the subsequent shutdowns of our economies and ways of life, America’s outdoor recreation industry was reported to have generated a “gross domestic product” of $734 billion while producing $887 billion in consumer spending and nearly $8 million supported jobs.
But even in the face of the unprecedented challenges and upheaval of the pandemic, the outdoor recreation remained strong, still accounting for almost $700 billion in gross domestic product in 2020 – and is likely to emerge from this crisis even stronger.
“During this pandemic, outdoor recreation has been a cornerstone of American life,” notes the OIA. “As we look to the future, it’s clear that nature will be an important part of America’s economic future.”
In other words, there is plenty of bicycling, hiking, hunting, camping, rock climbing, fishing, paddling, bird watching, and other outdoor recreation taking place locally, statewide, and throughout the United States.
We’ve been told that nearly half of American citizens engage in some outdoor recreation activity each year, and that Americans take more than 10 billion outdoor trips each year.
As a past Chair of the Senate Environmental Protection Committee and a lifelong athlete, I am grateful for opportunities to support the ongoing resurgence of outdoor recreation. Every year, legislators take action in favor of nature, not only for economic and conservation reasons, but also because these activities provide a quality means of exercise, a healthier lifestyle, and family fun and recreation.
Surveys by the US Fish & Wildlife Service have revealed striking facts about the nationwide economic impact — amounting to $122 billion in revenue and millions of jobs — of the 87.5 million Americans who fish, hunt or engage in other wildlife-related pursuits . Hunting, fishing and trapping are deeply rooted in New York (and our region) culture, experience and tradition.
So does our unrivaled network of parks, trails and historic sites in upstate New York.
The advocacy group Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) regularly highlights the economic impact of New York’s more than 200 state parks, dozens of historic sites, more than a thousand miles of hiking trails, and over 8,000 campgrounds (not to mention numerous boat launches, beaches). , swimming pools and nature centers). PTNY estimates that the state parks and trails system supports approximately 54,000 jobs and generates more than $5 billion in park and visitor spending — meaning that every dollar of state investment supports an estimated $9 return in consumer spending.
As we continue to work to turn New York State’s economy upside down through small business growth, a revitalizing and strengthening of manufacturing, high-tech research and development, a continued foundation for agriculture and tourism, and in many other ways, we are getting smart be to keep an eye on nature.
New York’s unique outdoor experiences and pastimes are sure to drive local businesses to spend more on goods and services. This spending supports jobs, generates sales and income taxes, and fuels tourism.
“This includes both day trips and overnight trips,” the PTNY has noted, “with visitors spending money on park entry and use fees, sports equipment, food and drink, transportation, lodging and other expenses.” Visitor spending not only creates jobs and revenue for the park system, but also has a multiplier effect as jobs and revenue are created in supportive industries throughout the local economy.”
In this time of great uncertainty, one thing is clear: more and more New Yorkers are wanting to get outside for fresh air and better views — and it’s adding up to an ever-stronger result.
New York State Senator Tom O’Mara represents the 58th District, which includes Yates, Steuben, Schuyler and Chemung counties and part of Tompkins County.
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