The Outdoor Industry Association's state-by-state analysis of the economic impact of outdoor recreation calls Iowa's great outdoors an $8.7 billion business that supports 83,000 jobs. Fun in the great outdoors contributes $649 million in taxes, too.
The analysis found that 65 percent of Iowa's 3.14 million residents participate in outdoor recreation each year.
"The outdoor recreation economy is a powerful economic engine across our country," said Amy Roberts, OIA's executive director.
The association called on Iowa's state government to:
- Adequately fund state and local parks and trails.
- Raise awareness of the importance of the outdoor recreation economy.
- Develop and plan urban areas so residents can get outside for recreation within 30 minutes of their home.
- Support policies that encourage outdoor innovators to start businesses in Iowa.
Nationally, outdoor recreation attracts $887 billion in consumer spending annually and supports 7.6 million jobs.