COVID-19 has created an economic downturn. Over 1,000 trail projects are waiting for funding to help put Americans back to work.
The purpose of the American Trails “Shovel-ready” Trail Project Survey, conducted between May 13th and 30th, 2020, was to document the contribution the trails community can make to the American economic response to and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Working with Penn State's Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management Department, the survey was conducted between May 13 and May 30, 2020. Survey respondents were recruited using a purposive snow-ball approach via the membership and email lists of American Trails, the Trails Move People Coalition, and the formal and informal networks of their members.
Explore the Map and State Breakdowns
Trails have been an established economic driver for some time, with the outdoor recreation industry contributing over 800 billion per year to the economy. Now there are more than 1,000 trail projects in the United States waiting on funding to help put Americans to work building, maintaining, and improving our nation’s trails, and this number reflects only a fraction of the estimated need that exists in our nation.
American Trails recently completed a study through Penn State which found data for 1,028 “shovel-ready” trail projects. This means that if funding were provided they would be ready to break ground by summer 2021. Combined, these projects will provide over 83,000 months of work. Not only would these trail projects improve our nation’s trail infrastructure, and provide an essential need for many communities, but they will also help spur our economic recovery after COVID-19.
Attached document published July 2020
2023 Economic Contribution of Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation in Colorado
posted Apr 24, 2024
Colorado offers unique opportunities for motorized recreation throughout much of the state. As such, the sport and industry of motorized recreation has increased in popularity in Colorado, both for residents and non-residents. Abt Global, LLC (Abt) evaluated the economic contribution of motorized recreation throughout Colorado for the 2022–2023 season (July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023). This study is an update based on a previously conducted study, completed in December 2016, that estimated the economic contribution for the 2014–2015 season, referred to as the “2016 study” in this report.
Wisconsin ATV - UTV 2023 Economic Impact Report
posted Apr 24, 2024
In 2023, ATV/UTV riders in Wisconsin were responsible for generating an estimated $4.2 billion in direct economic activity, supporting the creation of 25,845 jobs. This spending was distributed across a wide range of industries including motor vehicle dealers, lodging facilities, restaurants, gas stations, and retail stores. The study provides detailed insights into the scope and size of Wisconsin’s ATV/UTV industry, demonstrating its significant economic footprint.
Bridging the Urban-Rural Economic Divide
posted Oct 26, 2023
It’s time for the narrative to shift from urban vs. rural to a shared economic future. Bridging the economic divide between urban and rural areas will require states, regions and localities to understand and bolster the relationship between urban and rural areas in economically meaningful and strategic ways.
Great Allegheny Passage Economic Impact Report
posted Oct 19, 2023
This report was developed by Fourth Economy in partnership with the Great Allegheny Passage Conservancy (formerly the Allegheny Trail Alliance). Research was conducted between the fall of 2020 and the spring of 2021.
2,705 views • posted 07/15/2020
