Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack released a report showing the economic importance of America's National Forests and Grasslands to rural communities across the country. The updated National Visitor Use Monitoring Report reveals that recreation activities on national forests and grasslands have helped to sustain hundreds of thousands of jobs in rural areas and contributed approximately $14.5 billion annually to the U.S. economy.
“Outdoor recreation is a crucial part of USDA's effort to help generate wealth and economic opportunities in rural America,” said Vilsack. “This report demonstrates clearly how recreation activities not only help Americans enjoy a healthier lifestyle and instill an appreciation for the great outdoors, but also sustain thousands of jobs and generate billions of dollars in economic activity in rural communities across the country.”
According to the report recreation activities on National Forests and Grasslands sustain 223,000 jobs in the rural communities where visitors purchase goods and services for their recreational activity. These include services of outfitters and guides for whitewater rafting, alpine and Nordic ski areas, and lodging as well as supplies from local businesses such as groceries, fishing tackle, and bicycle rentals.
Visitors spend $13 billion in those communities. Those dollars spent generate $14.5 billion in economic activity.
