DENVER ~ As Colorado prepares to celebrate National Public Lands Day on September 28, Governor Jared Polis and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) have released new data highlighting the significant impact of outdoor recreation on the state's economy. The updated economic impact and outdoor recreation participation report, released by Governor Polis and CPW today, reveals that in 2023, outdoor recreationists in Colorado spent over $52.1 billion dollars on trips and equipment, contributing to a total economic output of $65.8 billion.

Governor Polis emphasized the importance of public lands in attracting visitors from all over the world and providing opportunities for everyone to explore the great outdoors. He also noted how outdoor recreation drives the state's economy, supports businesses, and creates jobs. "From our cities to our rural areas, Colorado economies benefit from outdoor recreation," said Governor Polis. He expressed his excitement for building upon the state's success in this sector.

The new research conducted by Colorado State University, along with a study by Southwick Associates on Colorado's recreation economy, has informed CPW's update of the Colorado Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), which will be released this fall.

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According to CPW Director Jeff Davis, outdoor recreation plays a significant role in Colorado's economy. Activities such as hiking, boating, hunting, trail running, biking, and skiing support businesses and jobs in both rural and urban communities. Davis also highlighted CPW's contribution to this sector through their 43 state parks, over 960 wildlife species, and State Trails Program that has distributed over $175 million since 2000 for trail grants and capital improvements.

The report reveals that Colorado's outdoor recreation sector is larger than construction, finance/insurance, and education/healthcare/social assistance industries combined. It contributes $36.5 billion dollars to the state's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and supports over 404,000 jobs, representing 12% of the entire labor force in Colorado. This sector also generates $22.2 billion dollars in salaries and wages.

Conor Hall, head of Colorado's Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, emphasized the significance of this research in reaffirming the importance of the outdoor recreation economy in Colorado. He also highlighted the potential for sustainable growth in this sector by preserving natural landscapes and providing access and opportunities for all. Hall believes that through innovation and partnerships, Colorado can continue to lead in outdoor recreation for generations to come.

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Every five years, CPW updates the Colorado SCORP by conducting research on outdoor recreation participation and economic contributions. This year's studies asked respondents to report on their outdoor recreation activities and spending habits. The study also divided Colorado into geographic regions and found that while consumer spending on the Front Range was the highest at $29.6 billion, the Western Slope region had the largest proportion of participants with 67% of Colorado adults taking part in outdoor recreation there.

Dan Gibbs, Executive Director of Colorado's Department of Natural Resources, expressed his pride in leading efforts to steward the state's land, water, and wildlife. He noted that this report highlights how properly managed and balanced outdoor recreation will continue to play a central role in benefiting individual Coloradans and local communities for generations to come.

The full 2023 Economic Contributions of Outdoor Recreation Report can be found on CPW's website. As National Public Lands Day approaches, it is clear that outdoor recreation is not only a beloved pastime for Coloradans but also a vital contributor to the state's economy.

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