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An economic powerhouse

Why it matters for Pennsylvania

Outdoor recreation is driving growth, creating jobs, and strengthening communities across the state

  • Boosts rural and industrial communities beyond traditional economic development strategies
  • Attracts and retains residents in small and medium-sized communities
  • Enhances natural capital while creating healthier communities
  • Creates balanced economic growth across multiple sectors
Economic Impact
  • $19B: Annual contribution to Pennsylvania's GDP
  • 8th largest outdoor recreation economy in the U.S.
Job Creation
  • 168,000:  Jobs subpported across Pennyslvania
  • Outperforms mining, quarrying, and oil/gas extraction combined
Industry Growth
  • 9.6%:  economic growth in outdoor recreation in Pennsylvania (as compared to 9% nationally)
  • 4%:  growth in outdoor recreation employment in Pennsylvania (as compared to 3% nationally)
Key talking points for PORA members
1.

"Pennsylvania has the 8th largest outdoor recreation economy in the nation, contributing $17 billion to our state's GDP."

2.

"Our industry creates more jobs than mining, quarrying, and oil/gas extraction combined, with 164,000 jobs across the state."

3.

"34% of visitor expenditures in outdoor recreation benefit other local businesses, showing how we lift entire communities."

4.

"We're not just creating jobs - we're building healthier communities and protecting Pennsylvania's natural capital for future generations."

When you join PORA, you're supporting an industry that's vital to Pennsylvania's future. We're not just about recreation - we're about economic growth, job creation, and building stronger communities across our state.

Join us in advocating for Pennsylvania's outdoor recreation economy - where conservation meets economic growth and community development.