Celebrations are in order for more than 800 groups representing state and regional tourism, local businesses, veterans, sports enthusiasts, engineering and planning firms, conservation organizations and the outdoor recreation industry. The Great American Outdoors Act, one of the biggest land conservation bills in a generation, became law this month after it was passed by huge bipartisan majorities.
"There's so much to celebrate here," exclaims Scott Schloegel, SVP of the MIC Government Relations Office. “Powersports enthusiasts will benefit from the improved trails, riding and driving areas across national forests, parks and other lands. This is a shot in the arm for the entire outdoor recreation industry that, prior to the pandemic, contributed $778 billion in economic output, accounted for 2.2 percent of U.S. gross domestic product, supported 5.2 million jobs, and was growing faster than the economy as a whole in every indicator."
More than 100,000 new jobs nationwide are forecast for an outdoor recreation economy that has struggled during the pandemic, just as Americans are seeking more opportunities to get outside and visit rural communities, parks, and wilderness. For off-highway vehicle enthusiasts, the GAOA goes a long way toward addressing the $20 billion deferred maintenance backlog confronting public lands and waters. It will build up infrastructure and improve many trails and areas enjoyed by motorcycle and ATV riders and side-by-side drivers.
