While outdoor recreation sites provide physical and mental health benefits to Pennsylvanians, the businesses related to the industry are making significant contributions to the health of the state’s economy, according to recent federal data.

Industries related to outdoor recreation in manufacturing, retail, and tourism -employed over 150,000 people and added $14 billion to the gross domestic product in 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.

The state’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources recently announced Bureau statistics showing the sector was responsible for 1.6% of the state’s total economic productivity and 2.5% of its share of workers in 2021.

The Center Square. Wednesday, March 8, 2023.