Here’s a re-cap of some of the noteworthy Recreation Economy stories from the past month. Enjoy and then head outside for some winter fun. 

US Senate Votes to Count Outdoor Recreation Economy as Part of U.S. GDP

“This groundbreaking, bipartisan legislation that will count outdoor recreation jobs as part of the Gross Domestic Product has cleared Congress, and now heads to the President’s desk for signature.”

Quantifying Outdoor Adventure: Tourism Spending, Jobs, and Population Health.

“More than 142 million Americans, or 48.4 percent of the US population, participated in an outdoor activity at least once in 2015. These outdoor participants went on a total of 11.7 billion outdoor outings.”

Public lands aren’t just majestic; they add billions to the economy

“We mean business, but don’t let our fancy shoes and suits fool you. Because we’re really just playing around. We’re playing as we climb our mountains, paddle our rivers and hike our trails. And while we’re having all this fun, we are also building a sustainable, prosperous economy.”

For Oregon’s Recreation Economy, A Watershed Moment

“Oregon’s Outdoor Recreation Industry is flourishing in every corner of our state, forging an economic expansion from which good stewardship and smart enterprise flow outward, annually generating $12.8 billion in spending on gear, services and travel and providing a vital shot of revenue to rural communities.”

County approves trail plan for new 8,844-acre Lake Whatcom parkland

“The County Council has approved a recreational trail plan for 8,844 acres of forest land around Lake Whatcom. The land includes Stewart Mountain, foreground, on the east side of Lake Whatcom.”

KEEN’s Supply Chain Detox

“For KEEN Footwear, sustainability means protecting the areas that we live and play in, through both conservation advocacy efforts and responsible supply chain management.”

prAna Becomes a Polybag Hero

“Here’s a look at how prAna assessed its supply chain efforts and became more sustainable while saving money.”

REI Cuts Down on Fabric

“Here’s a look at how REI assessed its supply chain efforts and became more sustainable while saving money.”