Note from the field: The outdoor economy is everyone’s economy

You don’t have to be an “outdoorsy person” to benefit from New Hampshire’s great outdoors.

Our state’s natural assets are more than a source of recreation, they are a driving force for the economy, shaping industries from forestry to manufacturing.  And they are key to our quality of life and well-being.

New Hampshire’s outdoor economy ranks 8th nationally for its contribution to the state’s gross domestic product. The sector supports nearly 32,000 jobs and around 1,000 small businesses across diverse industries like hospitality, manufacturing, retail, tourism and professional services.

In 2023, the outdoor recreation industry generated nearly $4 billion in revenue, accounting for 4.5% of the state’s total employment, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. These figures mark the highest levels recorded since the agency began tracking the sector in 2012.

These numbers aren’t going unnoticed. This past spring, Gov. Ayotte proclaimed June 10 as New Hampshire’s first-ever Outdoor Industry Day, marked by an inaugural ceremony in Manchester that brought together state officials, UNH faculty and specialists, and businesses and organizations who are members of the Granite Outdoor Alliance.

Some of New Hampshire’s greatest outdoor strengths aren’t about owning boats, bikes, skis or ATVs — they are about the everyday connections people make with nature in their own neighborhoods. Across the state, local organizations are working to make outdoor spaces more welcoming and accessible.

In Northfield, Foothills Foundation is bringing together regional recreation groups to create projects that boost both the local economy and residents’ quality of life. With thoughtful planning and open communication, trail users —mountain bikers, snowmobilers, horseback riders and more — are finding ways not just to coexist, but to support one another’s goals.

These goals are backed by a growing body of research showing that time spent in nature boosts mental health and overall well-being.

At UNH’s College of Health and Human Services, researchers are uncovering links between natural area biodiversity and psychological health, as well as community-wide benefits of access to green space.

Meanwhile, UNH Extension specialists are partnering with local trail and recreation groups to expand awareness of accessible trails, enabling people with different levels of mobility to enjoy the outdoors.

The town of Barrington is honoring its heritage while looking to the future with a strong emphasis on the outdoors. Trails and outdoor spaces serve as vital connections, bringing together volunteers from both economic and conservation interests.

Barrington’s town administrator, Conner MacIver — whose town partners with UNH Extension’s Downtowns & Trails program — explains their approach: “As development increases, preserving and enhancing outdoor spaces is more than a conservation strategy, it’s an economic one. We’re exploring how Barrington’s outdoor assets can strengthen local businesses, build community connections and support a vibrant, inclusive Town Center. The outdoors isn’t just our backdrop; it’s part of our future.”

It’s easy to take New Hampshire’s natural resources for granted. But with population growth and rising interest in outdoor sports, our land, water, trails and parks require careful stewardship and long-term planning.

Fortunately, a range of organizations are stepping up to meet this challenge — working to ensure that future generations have both the knowledge and the tools to care for the Granite State’s natural environments while also growing resource-based economies.

The NH Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry Development, UNH, and the state’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) network are building pipelines for career exploration and training that reach students of all ages. Last year, more than 1,000 middle and high school students attended the North Country Outdoor Industry Career Expo in Lancaster, exploring opportunities in logging, recreation, fish and wildlife, and more.

At Winnisquam Regional High School in Tilton, the newly renovated Career Center is launching an Outdoor Resources & Recreation Program where students learn hands-on skills in ATV, snowmobile, bike, and boat maintenance, as well as forest management.  At the university level, UNH aims to build upon these students’ burgeoning interests through undergraduate degree options such as Forestry, Outdoor Leadership and Management, and Community and Environmental Planning.

In New Hampshire, the outdoors plays a powerful role in shaping who we are culturally, socially, and economically. By investing in access, stewardship, planning, industry development, and education, our great outdoors will continue to be a vital part of our economy and way of life.

Jada Lindblom, Ph.D., is a state economic development specialist for University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension and is affiliated faculty in UNH’s Recreation Management and Policy Department.

Shannon Rogers, Ph.D., is an extension professor and state specialist of nature-based economic development. She teaches Community Economics at the University of New Hampshire in the Natural Resources & Environment Department.