In a recent presentation to two House committees, Nathan Reigner, Director of the Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation, emphasized the significant contribution of the outdoor recreation industry to the state’s GDP. The industry totaled $17 billion in 2022 and accounted for 2% of the total GDP.
Positioned within the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the office serves as a central hub for government agencies involved in outdoor-based economic development. However, it does not handle direct funding. Reigner highlighted the need for better connectivity between state agencies, rural communities, and entrepreneurs to facilitate growth in the outdoor economy.
The office faces challenges such as inadequate staffing and complex grant applications that hinder growth and connection in rural areas. For example, the Pennsylvania Wilds struggled to meet the job creation requirements of a major federal grant due to a mismatch between federal policies and Pennsylvania’s needs. Reigner advocated for increased support to local economic development groups to maximize existing opportunities and strengthen the state’s outdoor recreation sector.
