Center for the Outdoor Recreation Economy
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Resources

Resources

Understanding the Outdoor Economy

The Outdoor Recreation Industry is already a major force in the American economy, and it’s just getting bigger. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) and the USDA Office of Rural Development, the outdoor recreation economy represents 2.2% of America’s GDP, generating more than 6.1 million jobs and over $646 billion in annual revenue, and it’s growing faster than the economy as a whole.

Want to know more about this industry’s real potential? These resources are a great place to start.


An Industry at a Crossroads

The outdoor recreation industry is about much more than economic growth. Because when people feel welcome and comfortable outdoors, they live healthier and happier lives. Communities get stronger. And we all deepen our connections to this beautiful world, our home.

This is a pivotal moment for this essential industry. Here are a few resources that offer context for what's happening, and what's at stake.

 

Research Findings: Impact of COVID-19 on the Outdoor Industry

The Center has partnered with the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable to track the outdoor industry's path to recovery.

 

Economic Development Resources for Rural Communities

USDA’s Forest Service (FS), Rural Development (RD), and the National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA) have developed this resource guide for rural communities to identify resources that develop the recreation economy.

The Blue Sky Funders Forum Research

The Forum partnered with Stanford University to summarize the best available research on the ways that access to the outdoors effects youth development; health and wellness; education outcomes; and conservation efforts. 

 

 

Outdoor Recreation Economy Insights

This 2017 report by the Outdoor Industry Association captures the scope and scale of the pre-COVID outdoor industry.

 

Professional Degree Programs

In addition to the courses and programs offered through the Outdoor Recreation Economy Initiative, Oregon State offers a number of for-credit courses and degree programs designed to equip you for a satisfying career in the outdoor industry.

 

Oregon State’s Tourism, Adventure Leadership and Recreation Degree:
As a part of Oregon State’s College of Forestry, this degree program equip students to educate others about the natural world, lead life-changing adventure opportunities, create brand new businesses based on the idea of sharing the outdoors with others.
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OSU Cascades Outdoor Products Degree:
The outdoor products degree at OSU-Cascades is one of the few of its kind in the country. It was developed with input from more than 30 outdoor organizations including Black Diamond, Columbia, Keen, Nau, The Conservation Alliance, Nike, REI, and Patagonia to understand challenges facing the industry and skills
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Help Wanted

Looking to get started in the outdoor economy? Here are a few useful job boards to get you on your way.