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Outdoor Recreation

Conservation leaders have a role in building equitable communities

November 2023

How we manage population centers is intertwined with our conservation of wild areas. The more we create equitable population centers in places people want to live, the more we can create durable, landscape-scale conservation outcomes outside of towns.

The Outdoor Recreation Economy by State

November 2023

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

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

August 2023

Photo of the Bridger Mountain range in Montana. Taken from the top of the ridge, showing the spiny ridge of the range snaking south.

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

Building the outdoor recreation economy in natural resource-dependent communities

July 2023

Lessons from communities dependent on natural resource extraction that have successfully diversified their economies with outdoor recreation.

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

May 2023

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

The economic potential of the Great American Rail-Trail

May 2022

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.

Measuring trail use in Montana’s Bridger mountains

December 2021

The Bridger Mountains with an agricultural field in the foreground, in Gallatin County, Montana.

Detailed estimates of summer trail use help show the impacts of growing recreational use and highlight infrastructure needs in southwest Montana.

The Future of the Outdoor Recreation Economy

June 2021

A young girl and man paddle in a red canoe.

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

Innovative New Ways to Count Outdoor Recreation

March 2021

Hikers pass a trail marker on the Skyline Trail.

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

Outdoor Recreation: A top driver of Wisconsin’s economy

October 2020

Kids pedal bicycles near a tent at Wyalusing State Park, Wisconsin

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.

Outdoor Economy Conference: How to Build an Outdoor Community (slides)

October 2020

Slide show: Ray Rasker’s keynote to the 2020 Outdoor Economy Conference highlights ways to build an outdoor community.

Community benefits of the Merced River Trail

July 2020

Trailhead sign of the Merced River Trail

The Merced River Trail in Mariposa County, California will create benefits for the economy and businesses, quality of life, and public health.

Housing in recreation-dependent counties is less affordable

May 2020

Mountain home being constructed in Autumn

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

The health and fiscal vulnerability of rural recreation counties

April 2020

Hikers visit Arches National Park in Utah.

Where rural recreation counties rely on public funding for health care, fiscal solutions should diversify the ways local governments can save and spend.

Outdoor Recreation and New Mexico’s Economy

February 2020

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.

The Value of Montana’s Outdoors

September 2019

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.

Funding Needs for Montana’s Outdoor Heritage

July 2019

Funding for Montana’s working lands, wildlife, and outdoor recreation is not keeping pace as population, visitation, and development pressures expand.

Trails Research and Searchable Benefits Library

April 2019

Panoramic image of the Triple Tree Trail in Bozeman, MT

Updated: Headwaters Economics compiled 144 trails research studies on the impacts of trails in a single library, searchable by type of benefit, use, year, and region.

How Outdoor Recreation Supports Rural Economic Development

February 2019

Family riding bikes on trail

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

Recreation Counties Attract New Residents and Higher Incomes

January 2019

recreation counties, outdoor recreation

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

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