On November 9, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) released updated statistics for the economic impact of outdoor recreation; the new information provides statistics for 2021 as well as updates for 2017-2020. The outdoor recreation economy accounted for 1.9% or $454 billion of gross domestic product (GDP) for the nation in 2021. Overall, the outdoor recreation economy increased 18.9% in 2021 compared with a 5.9% increase for overall GDP. The BEA categorizes outdoor recreation activities into conventional activities (such as bicycling, boating, hiking, and hunting), other activities (such as gardening and outdoor concerts), and supporting activities (such as construction, travel and tourism, local trips, and government expenditures). Highlights from the report on conventional outdoor activities notes:

• Boating/fishing was the largest conventional activity for the nation at $27.3 billion in current-dollar value added and was the largest conventional activity in 27 states and the District of Columbia. The largest contributors were Florida ($4.0 billion), California ($2.3 billion), and Texas ($2.0 billion) (state table 2).
• RVing was the second-largest conventional activity for the nation at $25.1 billion in current-dollar value added and was the largest conventional activity in 15 states. The largest contributors were Indiana ($5.4 billion), Texas ($2.2 billion), and California ($2.0 billion).
• Hunting/shooting/trapping was the third-largest conventional activity for the nation at $10.8 billion in current-dollar value added and was the largest conventional activity in two states. The largest contributors were Texas ($1.2 billion), California ($763.8 million), and Georgia ($555.2 million).
• Snow activities for the nation was $5.2 billion in current-dollar value added and was the largest conventional activity in four states. The largest contributors were Colorado ($1.3 billion), Utah ($519.4 million), and California ($505.7 million).

“With roughly 50 million anglers across the United States, recreational fishing is an important aspect of outdoor recreation, and we are proud to be part of an industry that is both growing in popularity and value,” said Glenn Hughes, President of the American Sportfishing Association in a release. “The BEA data reflects how important it is for Americans to continue to have access to clean waters and abundant fisheries, and we are honored to play an important role in growing our nation’s economy. ASA looks forward to increasing participation rates alongside the rest of the outdoor recreation industry and getting more Americans outside or on the water.”