Conclusion | 16 In Conclusion A balanced, healthy economy is not an either/or choice. Outdoor recreation is a larger and more critical sector of the American economy than most people realize. As a multi-dimensional sector, the $646 billion spent each year flows throughout the American economy and fuels traditional sectors like manufacturing, finance, retail trade, tourism and travel. Furthermore, 6.1 million American lives directly depend on outdoor recreation. As the globally recognized leader in outdoor recreation, America is poised to drive an industry that offers a diversity of rewarding and highly skilled career opportunities for people today and into the future. Supporting the outdoor recreation economy are our nation’s public recreation lands and waters. Not only is access to quality places to play outside critical to our businesses, it is fundamental to recruiting employers and at the heart of healthy and productive communities. Open spaces and recreation areas are magnets that draw after-work activity and tourists alike. Most importantly, the outdoor recreation economy can continue to be a growing generator of jobs and an economic powerhouse if we manage and invest in America’s parks, waters and trails as a national outdoor recreation system designed to reap economic dividends for America. The continued growth and success of this great American industry hinges on outdoor recreation opportunities for everyone.
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