Outdoor recreation rising factor in Maine's economy, national study says
Photo / Maureen Milliken
Fishing and boating are the top economic drivers in the state's outdoor recreation industry, mirroring national figures. Shown here is the Belgrade Marina.
Maine's outdoor recreation industry — including outdoor goods manufacturing — is a growing factor in the state's economy, and its importance is sharply increasing, according to a national report on the role outdoor recreation plays in each state.
The U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Economic Analysis this week released initial statistics that show Maine's outdoor recreation industry makes up a larger percentage of the state's economy than in almost any other state — ranked third behind Hawaii and Montana.
The data was compiled from existing statistics on the state and national economy, and includes the economic impact of conventional outdoor activities — hiking, skiing, snowboarding, ATV riding, hunting, fishing, boating. It also covers other parts of the economy like amusement parks, gardening, golfing and tennis, and outdoor festivals, as well as construction, shopping and lodging that support the above activities.
Some of the findings are:
- Outdoor recreation goods manufacturing contributed $328 million to the state's economy in 2017, the last year for which statistics were used. That number is an increase of 47% in the five years.
- Outdoor recreation makes up 4.8% of Maine’s economy, more than double the national average.
- Outdoor activities, including "conventional" ones, like boating, fishing, camping, hiking, snow sports, and other activities, including amusement parks, outdoor events and festivals, contribute $209 billion value-added to the state's economy.
- Boating and fishing are the state's largest conventional outdoor contributors to the economy, at $248 million, mirroring the national economy, where it's also the biggest activity.
- Outdoor recreation supports more than 40,000 jobs in Maine, accounting for 6.4% of employment and providing more than $100 million in compensation, accounting for 3.8% of the state's wages.
- In outdoor industry dollars, private industry generates $2.8 billion.
- The biggest industry contributor is accommodation and food, generating $986 million; followed by retail, at $620 million. Manufacturing generates $328 million, but shows the biggest increase, according to the report.
- Other categories are finance and real estate, including rentals and leasing, $401 million; arts, entertainment and recreation, $228 million; other nonspecified industries, $372 million; and government $89 million.
- 70% percent of Maine residents participate in outdoor recreation activities each year, which is a higher rate than both national and regional averages.
Joining other states
Maine recently became the 12th state to establish an Office of Outdoor Recreation. Maine Outdoor Brands, an affiliation of businesses involved in the industry, worked with Maine’s Department of Economic & Community Development to encourage creation of the office to advance Maine’s outdoor recreation economy, according to a news release.
The Office of Outdoor Recreation became permanent on July 1. Maine will be one of the next states to join the Confluence of States, a bipartisan organization developing a national platform to grow the outdoor recreation industry, protect wild places and transform conservation into a driver for economic prosperity. It is currently made up of 10 states.
“Outdoor recreation is vital to Maine’s economy — from outdoor guides, to retail, to the manufacturing of outdoor products and apparel,” Jenny Kordick, executive director of Maine Outdoor Brands said in a news release. “With the right support, promotion and investment, outdoor recreation has the opportunity to play an even bigger role in attracting businesses and creating jobs across the state.”
Jobs in the outdoor sector can also attract active and healthy workers to help address Maine’s aging workforce, those in the industry said.
Mike St. Pierre, CEO of Hyperlite Mountain Gear, a member of Maine Outdoor Brands, said, “As part of the Pepperell Mill revitalization in Biddeford, we have seen firsthand the direct and indirect benefits the outdoor industry delivers to our state. In Biddeford, we are creating manufacturing jobs and providing on-the-job training for a new generation of skilled textile workers.
"Outdoor recreation not only delivers real, direct economic value to our state, but the success of companies like Hyperlite Mountain Gear also fuels the growth of vibrant economic hubs and creative centers across Maine.”
Ryan Lilly, brand manager for Old Town Canoes, which employs 150, said the state also carries a special brand.
“Old Town was founded over 120 years ago here in Maine and that’s by no mistake," he said in the release. "Maine features some of the most storied waterways and has attracted paddlers and sportsman alike for decades. We are proud to manufacture our watercrafts in Maine, and we’re doubly proud to call Maine home.”
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