Last July, the Outdoor Industry Association published a significant report that revealed that outdoor recreation in Washington State generates 26.2 billion dollars in annual spending. “These numbers show that when we invest in public land, the payoff comes not only in the form of a better environment and quality of life, but in great jobs,” says Governor Jay Inslee. “Love of the outdoors is something that unites the state of Washington.” In a nutshell, 72% of Washington residents participate in outdoor recreation each year. At 7.6 billion in wages and salaries, outdoor recreation easily surpasses computer technology and construction at 6.7 billion and 6.4 billion respectively. It’s now one of the most powerful economic sectors in the economy. Download the full report at Outdoorindustry.org/state/Washington. //
