Photo: TownLift // Kevin Cody

The bipartisan bill, backed by Utah's outdoor recreation organizations, aims to expand access and protect public lands nationwide. Deadline to reach out to congress in support is this week.

PARK CITY, Utah —In November, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) reported that the outdoor recreation economy contributed $639.5 billion to the U.S. economy in 2023, accounting for 2.3% of GDP. Snow activities generated $7.7 billion nationally, with Utah contributing $643.4 million, underscoring the state’s significant role in the sector.

Nicole Brown, the Outdoor Alliance’s communications and public engagement manager, said Utah remains a key contributor to the national outdoor economy.

“Utah ranks as one of the leading contributors to the outdoor recreation economy,” Brown said. “I’ve visited Park City both during the winter and summer—it’s built for outdoor recreation and a dream for people who have been able to experience it.”
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The EXPLORE Act

Outdoor Alliance, a coalition of national nonprofits including Winter Wildlands Alliance, Access Fund, and the International Mountain Bicycling Association, is advocating for the EXPLORE Act, a bipartisan bill that would:

Expand and improve access to outdoor recreation.
Fund infrastructure projects like bike trails, parks, and green spaces.
Protect public lands as visitation increases.

Brown said public lands nationwide face challenges due to increased participation, a trend especially evident in Utah.

“Visitation numbers on public lands have been increasing since before COVID, but we’ve seen a huge uptick since,” Brown said. “Park City’s infrastructure connects the community to outdoor spaces and provides access for visitors from urban areas like Salt Lake City. The EXPLORE Act would fund projects like these.”

Utah’s Outdoor Recreation Impact

The BEA report highlights Utah’s strong ties to outdoor recreation:

Outdoor recreation jobs make up 4% of statewide employment, nearly double the national average.
Snow activities grew 23% year-over-year, reflecting the state’s reliance on winter tourism.
Bicycling grew 26%, which Brown attributed to improved infrastructure.

“Outdoor recreation jobs support people being able to get outside safely and sustainably,” Brown said. “It’s great to see that Utah leads the way in creating those opportunities.”

Public Support and Next Steps

Brown emphasized the urgency of public support, as Congress is expected to decide on the EXPLORE Act this week.

“We’re literally in the 11th hour to get this passed,” Brown said. “Lawmakers need to hear that the outdoor recreation community values policies that improve access and protect these special places.”

Park City residents can support the bill by:

Contacting their congressional representatives.
Using Outdoor Alliance’s online tools to send personalized letters.

The Bigger Picture

The outdoor recreation economy continues to outpace national economic growth, with real GDP rising 3.6% in 2023 compared to 2.9% for the overall U.S. economy.

If passed, the EXPLORE Act aims to help communities like Park City sustain infrastructure, manage increasing visitation, and protect public lands critical to the region’s economy and identity.

The deadline for public input is the end of this week.