The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable released its 2022 Annual Report outlining what it said was an “incredible year for the record-breaking $862 billion outdoor recreation industry.”

The association facilitated a cross-sector collaboration that allowed for what it described as “huge industry wins” while continuing to “boost and provide support for local economies and working to ensure that all Americans can access the great outdoors.”

ORR said the report outlines how the organization and its members provided” breakthrough innovation, secured increased funding and helped make critical infrastructure reform at a time when more and more Americans are seeking out the myriad benefits that come from spending time outside.”

Highlights from the year found in the report include:

  • Supporting the Biden Administration’s revival of the Federal Interagency Council on Outdoor Recreation (FICOR) so that federal land and water management agencies can work together to address recreation issues for funding, overcrowding and climate resiliency;
  • Partnering with Congressional leaders to create a package of outdoor recreation legislation that received bipartisan and unanimous support in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee;
  • Securing millions in funding for rural communities through grants from the Economic Development Administration;
  • Coordinating the release of new outdoor recreation economic data from the Department of Commerce that shows the outdoor recreation category had its best year in 2021;
  • Introduced new resources for organizations working for inclusivity in the outdoors;
  • Hosted an industry summit on electrification and next-gen technology in outdoor recreation; and
  • Launched Workforce Career modules to support employers/employees, welcomed new members and state offices.

ORR President Jessica Turner said, “The ORR team is enthusiastic about building out the next important growth phase of the organization with an emphasis on industry thought leadership and convenings, ensuring recognition of the recreation economy and policy developments at all levels that support a healthy business environment and recreation economy for the benefit of all Americans. This next year will be critically important for both our organization and the recreation economy at large and we are excited to dig into another year of dedication to our amazing members and the lands and waters that serve as the backbone of our strong sector.”

To read the report, go here.