Pennsylvania’s Outdoor Recreation Industry: A Call for Financial Support and Improved Connectivity

The Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation, led by Director Nathan Reigner, has recently made a request for additional financial support from lawmakers as part of Governor Josh Shapiro’s state-wide tourism campaign. During a presentation to two House committees, Reigner emphasized the significant impact that the outdoor recreation industry has on the state’s economy, which totaled $17 billion in 2022 and accounted for 2% of the total GDP.

Despite being positioned within the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the office does not handle direct funding. However, its aim is to serve as a central hub for government agencies involved in outdoor-based economic development. Reigner highlighted the need for better connectivity between state agencies, rural communities, and entrepreneurs in order to facilitate growth in the outdoor economy.

One of the main challenges facing this industry is inadequate staffing and complex grant applications. 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. To overcome these obstacles, Reigner advocated for increased support to local economic development groups in order to maximize existing opportunities and strengthen the state’s outdoor recreation sector.