|
April is a great time to take a pause and recognize the treasured lands surrounding us here in Central PA.
From the expansive Pennsylvania Wilds in northcentral PA to the sprawling Susquehanna River Basin, residents and visitors alike have access to outdoor recreation lands and waters that are both internationally renowned and locally loved.
These lands and waters are an incredible asset to the region and the Commonwealth. They not only offer scenic beauty and diverse, exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities, they also serve as a significant economic driver.
Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation sector ranks nationally as the second largest cycling economy, sixth for outdoor recreation jobs, and is the eighth largest outdoor recreation economy in the U.S. This sector adds $20.4 billion to Pennsylvania’s economy, and it is growing. PA's outdoor recreation manufacturing sector grew 30% between 2022 and 2024.
These are incredible statistics that we can all get excited about, especially because outdoor recreation delivers direct economic benefits to rural communities.
Recently, at the announcement of the Commonwealth's 125th state park, Governor Shapiro stated that “outdoor recreation is a serious economic engine for Pennsylvania, one that creates jobs, drives billions in activity, supports rural communities, and improves residents’ quality of life—all while conserving natural resources for future generations.”
With a wide variety of outdoor assets across the Commonwealth, PA attracts visitors year‑round and offers rural communities more ways to diversify tourism. It provides jobs that connect passion and profession, and it merges quality of life with long-term sustainable returns. Most of all, being outside and engaging in outdoor recreation has a myriad of health and social benefits. It helps people heal, slow down, and experience calm.
I hope you will take some time to explore some of Pennsylvania’s amazing outdoor spaces this year.
Happy Spring and Happy Earth Month everyone!
Kim
| 
