By PAULA TRACY, InDepthNH.org

WASHINGTON – New Hampshire’s lakes, mountains and seashores are not just pretty, they are places to hike, ski, boat, swim and big money makers for the state, according to a new national analysis.

An annual report by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis https://www.bea.gov/data/special-topics/outdoor-recreation shows outdoor recreation added $3.9 billion to New Hampshire’s 2023 economy and the Granite State is among the top 10 whose recreational value adds greatly to the state Gross Domestic Product.

Hawaii has the highest percentage, followed by Vermont in second, with Alaska and Montana tying for third, Wyoming fourth, Florida, fifth, Maine, sixth, New Hampshire and Utah tied for seventh and Nevada, eighth. 

The outdoor recreation economy grew 3.6 percent nationally, outpacing growth in the U.S. economy overall. In New Hampshire, outdoor recreation accounts for 3.4% of gross domestic product (GDP) and employs 32,000 people, which is a 2.9% increase in jobs. 

Prior to 2017, the federal government did not measure the economic impact of outdoor recreation, despite independent estimates, including the Outdoor Industry Association’s report.

Janel Lawton, outdoor industry director within the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs, said, “The latest data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) highlights outdoor recreation as a vital contributor to New Hampshire’s economy. This growth underscores the strength and resilience of our outdoor economy, with noted increases in jobs and participation in sectors such as snow sports, hunting, boating, fishing, and cycling. New Hampshire’s diverse landscapes and outdoor offerings support economic growth while strengthening communities and enhancing the quality of life. By continuing to preserve and invest in these resources, we can ensure New Hampshire remains a vibrant, thriving destination for generations to come.”

U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-NH, chair of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee, who helped ensure that such data is now collected, said the information is vital to show the importance of the outdoor recreation industry.

Members of the tourism industry are concerned about the potential for the state to cut money for tourism by as much as 30 percent during the next biennial budget.

A 2022 study shows that for every $1 the state invests in tourism promotion they get $12.08 in taxes.

“From hiking and skiing in the White Mountains to boating on Lake Winnipesaukee to enjoying the beaches on the Seacoast and everywhere in between, outdoor recreation and its small businesses are a big part of what makes New Hampshire so special. They’re a powerful economic driver, and today’s report from the Bureau of Economic Analysis further underscores the benefits of outdoor recreation for communities across the nation,” said Shaheen.

She is also chair of the U.S. Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee.

Shaheen’s Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act required the federal government to measure the sector’s impact on the economy to help inform policy makers and business leaders about the number of jobs created and consumer spending driven by outdoor recreation industries. The law also requires that the Commerce Department submits a comprehensive analysis to Congress capturing the outdoor recreation sector’s contribution to the economy.