27-02-2025
REPORT: Outdoor recreation adds $7.3B to Arkansas economy
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Outdoor recreation contributed $7.3 billion to the state's GDP and supported 68,431 jobs, according to a report from Bentonville-based Heartland Forward.
The findings, released on Feb. 24, at the Arkansas Outdoor Economy Summit, look at the sector's role in the state's $9.9 billion tourism industry.
The outdoor recreation sector directly contributed $4.5 billion (2.5%) to Arkansas' GDP, reflecting a 33% growth from 2019 to 2023, according to the Arkansas Outdoor Recreation Impact Report.
In 2023 alone, outdoor recreation generated $926 million in federal, $729 million in state and $240 million in local tax revenue.
Arkansas ranks fourth nationwide for the share of its GDP attributed to outdoor product manufacturing.
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Other key takeaways include:
Outdoor amenity construction saw a 52.7% increase in GDP contribution over the past four years, largely due to bike trail expansion projects.
Regional employment data shows that 31.3% of Arkansas' outdoor recreation jobs are in Northwest Arkansas, with 27.2% in Central Arkansas.
The fishing sector experienced a 36.8% increase in GDP contribution between 2019 and 2023, and Arkansas ranks sixth in the nation for the economic impact of its boating industry.
The report also introduces a new dataset that uses artificial intelligence to analyze 90,000 companies and identify outdoor recreation-focused businesses in Arkansas.
Simultaneously, state officials released the 2025 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), a five-year strategy outlining key investment, accessibility and conservation priorities.
The plan is essential for securing federal funding through programs like the National Park Service's Land and Water Conservation Fund.
To sustain growth, the Office of Outdoor Recreation is investing in trail development, water access projects and workforce training through the 2025-2030 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP).
Major projects include enhancements at Petit Jean State Park, Delta Heritage Trail, Lake Conway, and Bayou Bartholomew. Workforce initiatives, such as NWACC's Trail Technician program, aim to prepare Arkansans for careers in outdoor recreation.
The plan outlines a five-year strategy to expand infrastructure, improve accessibility and secure federal funding and promote outdoor innovation.
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