Trending...
- San Antonio Board of REALTORS® Among First to Use Passkey Login with Solid Earth's SSO Dashboard - 384
- Psychologist-Turned-Hermeticist Releases Modern Guide to the Seven Hermetic Principles
- Inked & Maxim Model Teisha Mechetti Turns Heads—And Builds Community Impact
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.
More on Colorado Desk
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.
More on Colorado Desk
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.
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.
More on Colorado Desk
- Real Estate Experts Highlight Jersey Shore as a Smart Buy in 2025
- Colorado: Governor Polis: Congressional Republicans Causing Devastating, Negative Impact From Passing One Big Budget-Busting Bureaucracy-Building Act
- Colorado: Governor Polis Celebrates 4th of July, Marking 249 Years of Independence From Monarchy and Tyranny
- $18 Price Target Issued in New Research Report After $34 Million Revenue Forecast from Acquisition; $101.5 Million Net Revenue in 2025; NAS DAQ: IQST
- West Dentistry Welcomes New Oral Surgeon to Enhance Patient Care
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.
More on Colorado Desk
- The AML Shop Launches New Financial Investigations Unit, Appoints Director to Lead the Initiative
- Raidium révolutionne le diagnostic de la Sclérose en Plaques en partenariat avec l'Hôpital Fondation Adolphe de Rothschild
- New Podcast "Spreading the Good BUZZ" Hosted by Josh and Heidi Case Launches July 7th with Explosive Global Reach and a Mission to Transform Lives
- The Herbal Care, Led by Markel Bababekov, Becomes a Top Dispensary in NYC's Upper East Side
- Trump Administration Freezes $71 Million in Education Grants for Colorado, Hurting Students, Teachers, and the Economy
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.
0 Comments
Latest on Colorado Desk
- Retired Hobbyist Launches Bold Weekly Album Project Using AI Songwriting Tools
- DimHum Launches Revolutionary CrowdShipping Service
- Eolian Signs New Information Exchange Agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense for Technology Innovation
- Oil & Gas Cleantech Challenge Announces 2025 Call for Applications
- Infinite Health Introduces Cutting-Edge Regenerative Medicine for Wound Care with Trip Goolsby, MD
- Top Dentist Concord CA, Smile Makers Dental Care, Celebrates 500 5-Star Reviews
- Colorado Springs: City to offer free activities for National Park and Recreation Month
- Colorado Springs: City to observe Independence Day
- Bio-Inspired Technology-Dynamic and Adaptable for unknown real-world environments
- How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in Colorado Springs
- Michael Reafsnyder opens solo exhibition at Scott Richards Contemporary Art in San Francisco
- Colorado: Gov. Polis Urges House to End the Madness and Do Right by Coloradans by Starting Over on Federal Bill
- Valley Sleep Therapy Expands to Prescott with New Location at Crossings Road
- $17.4 Million Total Revenue for First Half of 2025 (up 31.8% YOY) for Global Wet Trades Services Provider with High Value Bitcoin Investments
- $12.8 Million Net Revenue for 2024 for Cloud-Based Crowdsourcing Recruitment and SaaS-Enabled HR Solutions Provider: Baiya International Group Inc
- New Housing and Public Safety Laws Take Effect to Save Coloradans Money on Housing and Make Colorado Safer
- Morris Animal Foundation Names Ike Nicoll as Chief Executive Officer
- 20/20 Institute Announces Expansion with New State-of-the-Art LASIK Center in Colorado Springs
- Hire Virtue Announces Executive Sponsorship Opportunity for Houston Hiring Blitz & Job Fair on August 6, 2025
- Inked & Maxim Model Teisha Mechetti Turns Heads—And Builds Community Impact