Hey there, folks! Governor Tony Evers here.
Outdoor recreation is a powerhouse of our economic development and prosperity in our state, especially during the winter months when skiing, skating, and snowmobiling are king.
Across our state, outdoor recreation drives our local economies while helping boost the mental and physical health of Wisconsinites.
That’s why I created the Office of Outdoor Recreation in 2019, and I am thrilled that our last budget made this office permanent, so we can continue to work with partners to uplift this critical industry.
To capture the economic value of our local destinations, the Office of Outdoor Recreation just released the second annual Do-It-Yourself Economic Impact Report.
These reports detail more than $49 million in economic activity generated by visitation to individual outdoor destinations in six Wisconsin counties.
This underscores the magnitude and reach of the outdoor recreation economy because every visit means more restaurant visits, local small business purchases, and full hotels in our local communities.
All told, according to the last statewide data we received from the federal government, in 2023, outdoor recreation was more than a $11 billion industry in our state.
Unfortunately, our statewide 2024 data continues to be delayed due to President Trump and Republicans’ federal government shutdown and cuts to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Without this data, this vital industry in Wisconsin is left to plan and make decisions with an inadequate view of the business and economic landscape, limiting opportunities for future success.
So, I’m urging the Trump Administration to release this data without delay.
Together, we’re going to keep working to make sure Wisconsin’s outdoor recreation economy continues to thrive for years to come.
Thank you.
