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outdoor recreation

  • Three trends showcase the strength of the outdoor recreation economy

    Three trends showcase the strength of the outdoor recreation economy

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    Ten years of data show the outdoor recreation economy has grown in nearly all states and is helping drive economic diversification and workforce development. Read more

  • The Outdoor Recreation Economy by State

    The Outdoor Recreation Economy by State

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    The outdoor recreation economy is large, growing faster than the overall economy, and consists of jobs in many industries. Explore data by state. Read more

  • New ways to measure trail use could transform how outdoor recreation is developed and managed

    New ways to measure trail use could transform how outdoor recreation is developed and managed

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    Better data is needed to measure recreational use on public lands. New, accurate methods are being pioneered in Montana’s Bridger Mountains. Read more

  • The Amenity Trap: How high-amenity communities can avoid being loved to death

    The Amenity Trap: How high-amenity communities can avoid being loved to death

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    Amenity communities face unique challenges from waves of tourists and new residents. Proactive planning can help avoid being loved to death. Read more

  • The economic potential of the Great American Rail-Trail

    The economic potential of the Great American Rail-Trail

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    Through 12 states and the District of Columbia, the Great American Rail-Trail® will attract 25.6 million trips and generate more than $229.4 million in spending. Read more

  • The Future of the Outdoor Recreation Economy

    The Future of the Outdoor Recreation Economy

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    The outdoor recreation economy is strong, diverse, and growing, helping communities thrive. Read more

  • Innovative New Ways to Count Outdoor Recreation

    Innovative New Ways to Count Outdoor Recreation

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    New data sources can change the way we count outdoor recreation, allowing trail managers to better advocate for improvements and plan for growing demand. Read more

  • Outdoor Recreation: A top driver of Wisconsin’s economy

    Outdoor Recreation: A top driver of Wisconsin’s economy

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    The outdoor recreation economy contributes $7.8 billion, or 2.4% to Wisconsin’s GDP and generates more than 93,000 jobs across diverse sectors. Read more

  • Housing in recreation-dependent counties is less affordable

    Housing in recreation-dependent counties is less affordable

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    Recreation dependence, population growth from new residents, and income inequality are strongly associated with less affordable housing in non-metro counties. Read more

  • Outdoor Recreation and New Mexico’s Economy

    Outdoor Recreation and New Mexico’s Economy

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    Outdoor recreation is a way of life and economic powerhouse for New Mexico. New Mexico residents enjoy outdoor recreation on more than 35 million acres of public lands and the outdoor recreation economy directly supports $1.2 billion in income and 33,500 jobs. Read more

  • Newsletter: November 2019

    Headwaters Economics

    Our latest newsletter contains research on state trust lands in transition, state outdoor recreation economies, wildfire-resistant homes, and more. Subscribe to our newsletter. Read more

  • Newsletter: September 2019

    Headwaters Economics

    Our latest newsletter contains research on transit equity analysis for Denver, CO, funding needs for Montana’s outdoors, a custom socioeconomic tool for the US Fish &amp Wildlife Service, and more. Subscribe to our newsletter. Read more

  • The Value of Montana’s Outdoors

    The Value of Montana’s Outdoors

    Ray Rasker, Ph.D.

    Montana’s outdoors attracts people and talent, creating jobs and a high quality of life. The outdoors is essential to the state’s future economic growth. Read more

  • How Outdoor Recreation Supports Rural Economic Development

    How Outdoor Recreation Supports Rural Economic Development

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    Investing in outdoor recreation is one of several strategies that can help rural communities thrive in a changing economy. Read more

  • Recreation Counties Attract New Residents and Higher Incomes

    Recreation Counties Attract New Residents and Higher Incomes

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    Recreation counties, especially in non-metro places, draw new residents and have higher incomes and faster earnings growth than places without recreation. Read more

  • Montana’s Outdoor Recreation Economy

    Montana’s Outdoor Recreation Economy

    Ray Rasker, Ph.D.

    A new report highlights the role of Montana’s outdoor recreation economy in spending, jobs, and economic diversification. Read more

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