Pennsylvania has a thriving outdoor recreation economy, generating $19 billion annually. The Northwest Commission is examining what that economy looks like in northwest Pennsylvania with the creation of an Outdoor Recreation Economy Study and Toolkit.
The study will explore many aspects of the region’s outdoor recreation economy. Topics include retention and expansion of existing businesses, addressing seasonal employment challenges, improving connectivity between communities and recreation assets, and differentiating the region from other outdoor recreation hubs.
“Our project partners are excited to put the northwest Pennsylvania outdoor recreation industry in the limelight,” said Jen Feehan, Economic Development Manager for the Northwest Commission. “This project will help us to diversify and grow the economy, while we work to steward our substantial recreational assets with a balanced approach.”
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is supporting the project as one of the steering committee members.
Also involved in the study is Melinda Meyer, Director of Programming and Grants at Impact Corry. “Outdoor recreation is an important industry for the Corry area,” Meyer said. “Residents value being able to fish, hunt, walk the Corry Junction Greenway Trail, visit playgrounds, and enjoy all four seasons. These activities also bring visitors to Corry, whose spending supports the local economy and keeps downtown thriving.”
The eight counties in the study (Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Forest, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango, and Warren), are well positioned to embrace the outdoor recreation economy. Between them, they have eight state parks, two state forest districts, the Lake Erie shoreline, and miles of trails and waterways.
