AZ’s Outdoor Rec News From 2021
Though it has been a long year, thanks to our members there is a lot to reflect on and celebrate from this year. Take a look at the wins, news, and peeks into the future for Arizona’s outdoor recreation industry!
WINS
Arizona outdoor recreation projects received a sizable cut of the Great American Outdoors Act funds, which our members helped advocate for in 2020! (Tucson Weekly)
Governor Doug Ducey put $101 million from the federal American Rescue Plan funding toward increasing tourism in Arizona, including outdoor recreation tourism (Business Facilities)
Spending on outdoor recreation helped trim Arizona’s jobless rate (Arizona Daily Star)
A new report proved that Arizona’s State Parks are an economic powerhouse for nearby towns:
Meanwhile, Arizona State Parks continue to see an increase in popularity, so their economic benefits outlined in the report above should increase annually as well (Big AZ Media)
Tourism to the Petrified Forest National Park created $68.6 million dollars in economic impact (White Mountain Independent)
Deb Haaland became the first Indigenous Presidential cabinet member when President Joe Biden made her the Secretary of the Department of the Interior! (Outside Magazine)
Congressman O’Halleran secured funding for rural Arizona infrastructure in INVEST in America Act (Press Release)
The Arizona Lottery and Heritage Fund continue to contribute to Arizona’s economy while protecting our unique communities and wildlife (Arizona Capitol Times)
AZ NEWS
Senator Mark Kelly joined a GO AZ for an online webinar about how investments in restoring our lands and waterways directly impacts job creation:
AZ businesses join together to support businesses in Alaska asking for protection for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (Arizona Daily Sun)
Letter to the Editor: GOAZ a boost for outdoor recreation in Arizona (Arizona Daily Sun)
Arizona had to temporarily close its National Forests this summer due the extreme fire danger (The Guardian)
Member Kahtoola gave $28,000 to nonprofits and projects dedicated to Indigienous cultures (Outside Magazine)
In September, Arizona’s economy reached 95% recovery of pandemic-related job losses (KStar News)
Updated Bureau of Economic Analysis figures show that COVID-19 and the supply chain issues it caused had significant impact on outdoor industry, but improvements are appearing already (Outdoor Industry Association)
LOOKING FORWARD
Bill to protect Grand Canyon area from uranium mining is gaining support (PEW Trusts)
OIA report shows renewed enthusiasm for winter sports market (Outdoor Business Journal)
Drought in the West carries crippling economic impacts, that includes Arizona (National Parks Traveler). Meanwhile, extreme heat is predicted to add $500B in new economic costs by 2050, with those in the Southwest hit especially hard (Daily Sabah). Is it time for Arizona to do more to combat climate change while also creating a climate resiliency plan?
New Mexico saw increased investments in outdoor recreation helping to grow rural communities & create thriving economies - should Arizona do the same? (The Paper)
The outdoor industry is booming and it doesn’t look like it’s slowing down anytime soon (Outside Magazine)
