States Continue to Invest in Outdoor Recreation
As the outdoor recreation industry awaits the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) 2025 release—which is expected to confirm that outdoor recreation contributes over $1 trillion to the U.S. economy—federal and state officials are increasingly recognizing the sector’s vital economic footprint.
During a recent U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee hearing, Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) underscored the critical role of public lands. “Every day, the public lands recreation economy contributes over $350 million to our nation’s economic health,” Heinrich said. “It’s a testament to how crucial our public lands are to job growth, small businesses, and rural communities.”
Across the country, states are aggressively leveraging their natural resources to improve quality of life, attract innovative businesses, and grow a skilled workforce:
- Alabama: The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is leading an Outdoor Recreation Expansion Program that has invested more than $406 million in improvements, including state park retrofits, boating access, and a comprehensive Statewide Trails Plan.
- Arkansas: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the Office of Outdoor Recreation announced enhanced trails at Queen Wilhelmina State Park, expanding opportunities for mountain biking and exploration in the Ouachitas.
- Colorado: Since 2022, the state has dedicated $10.5 million to outdoor equity grants. In the 2025 cycle, 24 organizations will receive $2 million through the Parks and Outdoor Recreation and Wildlife Cash Funds.
- Maine: Gov. Janet Mills authorized $7.5 million in grants for multi-use trails. Crucially, these funds support a wide spectrum of users, including motorized recreation (ATV and snowmobile), hiking, and adaptive-access projects.
- Michigan: The DNR is utilizing $1.6 million from the Land and Water Conservation Fund to modernize infrastructure, replacing dilapidated play structures and restrooms with modern facilities and multi-use courts.
- New Mexico: The Outdoor Recreation Division announced $3.2 million in “Trails+” grants to 18 projects across 13 counties and three tribal communities, focusing on infrastructure accessibility and user experience.
- Pennsylvania: The Shapiro administration has committed $30 million toward campground improvements at Lackawanna, Ricketts Glen, and Gifford Pinchot State Parks, alongside a new $14 million Delaware State Forest Resource Management Center.
- Utah: Gov. Spencer Cox’s administration awarded $21 million to 38 outdoor recreation projects statewide, marking a significant leap in enhancing the state’s outdoor access.
EXPLORE Act Webinar
On January 27 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. EST, the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable will host a webinar marking one year since the enactment of the EXPLORE Act. Senior leaders from the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Bureau of Land Management will provide updates on implementation progress, while policymakers and outdoor recreation leaders examine what’s working and what must come next to ensure the law delivers on its promise to expand outdoor access for all Americans.
Click here to register.
Update on Coyote Creek
On January 5, 2026, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) announced it will not move forward with purchasing power from the Coyote Creek solar project. SMUD cited several critical uncertainties, including supply chain constraints, rising tariffs, and—notably—the three separate lawsuits filed by OHV organizations, conservation groups, and a federally recognized Indian Tribe.
While SMUD’s withdrawal is a significant win for those challenging the siting of this project next to a popular state OHV park and wildlife area, opponents emphasize that the battle is not over. It remains essential to let the current legal filings play out to ensure permanent protection for the area. Stay tuned for further updates.