The Outdoor Data Game: what will happen if our biggest data friend ghosts us?
What would happen if the outdoor industry’s most widely used, most widely cited, and most frequently reposted data point for the protection of public lands just, well, disappeared?
Beginning in 2017, the outdoor industry’s girth (as well as all of its various sub-parts) began being measured by the federal Bureau of Economic Analysis in something known as the Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account. From the get-go, this annual data dump was hailed as a victory by outdoor industry businesses and organizations of all kinds, mainly because it normalized our sector as a legitimate player in the American economy.
Released each November with notable consistency, the ORSA numbers quickly worked their way into the outdoor world’s press releases and talking points. Chances are, you’ve seen this data and maybe event said it out loud yourself. This is the report that calculated the size of the national outdoor recreation economy at $1.1 trillion, and officially ranked it as propping up more than 2% of the country’s GDP. It also included ever-so-helpful state breakdowns, showing (for example) that both tiny states like Vermont as well as mega-states like Colorado rely heavily on outdoor recreation dollars.
But this most recent November … for the first time in eight years … the BEA did not release their outdoor report on schedule. According to their website, the release is merely “delayed.” Yet, seen within the context of other discontinued or delayed BEA reports, it kinda sounds like the future of the ORSA has been partially redacted.
One way to take this (insert calming deep breaths here) is that it’s totally normal and by no means a reason to freak out. It is fully plausible that the delay is just business as usual, perhaps a natural hangover of the fall government shutdown.
The other way to take it (insert head banging on drywall here) is that our lovely outdoor recreation data party might be on hold for the foreseeable future.
In truth, only the nerdiest of outdoor data nerds went deep into the ORSA spreadsheets over the years. But at the same time, literally thousands (and thousands) of people have incorporated those top line ORSA numbers into their day-to-day work. Both easy to write and easy to understand, the outdoor recreation economy’s trillion dollar valuation has been molded, remolded and re-remolded to support a wide variety of asks and arguments. Most importantly and most recently, that data point has seen a lot of action as the first line of defense in standing up for endangered public lands. Because having a respected and impartial tool that ties substantial economic vitality to the presence of quality outdoor environments is, well, priceless. Unless of course you’re an administration with its own public lands plans, who’s surely wondering why your minions are producing data that directly opposes your agenda.
The backburnering of BEA numbers isn’t a tragedy yet, but it certainly contributes to the malaise many are feeling about the erosion of federal capabilities and commitments.
While losing this important tool would certainly be a blow to outdoor recreation advocates everywhere, I'm weirdly optimistic. 2026 is feeling like a fresh canvas. You can feel the tangible and rising sense of urgency. You can see the emerging leaders who are clearly leading. And you can feel collaboration coming to the outdoor recreation sector. That’s not really a prediction, nor is it a hunch. It’s a reality.
It’s been energizing to see Paul Hendricks from The Conservation Alliance on the show circuit this fall, embracing every opportunity to talk about the essential role that businesses play in the protection of public lands. I’ve been heartened to have front row seats to the resurgence of Outdoor Industry Association as a convener of outdoor ineterests; I’m regularly inspired by how Outdoor Alliance continues to do remarkable work in relating the inner workings of policy to the daily passions of outdoor people; and I can’t convey with enough enthusiasm how happy I am to see how state-level outdoor business alliances are laying the foundation for a fifty state strategy. Nor how regularly impressed I am by the tireless work that Kate Williams and the 1% for the Planet Team continue to do.
I loved the storytelling of this November study by Outdoor Recreation Roundtable that calculates how $351 million is added to the U.S. economy every day from recreation on federal lands and waters is “the equivalent to hosting eight Super Bowls every month in economic impact.” And I’ve happily helped spread the word about the numerous impactful research done by Trust for Public Land about the role that even the smallest neighborhood park can play in improving lives and communities as well as the essential role the Land and Water Conservation Fund plays in the integrity of our National Parks.
I’m heartened by the rise of Re:Public, an independent journalism source for news on public lands that is growing daily in scope and support. And if you haven’t been following the work that OnX is doing around public lands access, including their recent film, “Inacessible,” then you’re clearly off the back.
I’m also encouraged by the growing chatter around gatherings of the outdoor industry. The more people think, talk and debate their various merits, the better off we’ll all be. And while my personal and professional endorsement is strongly behind Switchback — because it is leading the way in critical mass of outdoor industry members, data partnerships and key collaborations — I wholly respect anyone making the best choice for themselves and their businesses. It’s better to get out there and engage rather than stay home waiting for the world to change itself.
Of course, there are many more tips of the hat that should be given to the many more people who are doing the hard work with minimal credit. Outdoor advocacy has long been a team sport.
And so … for all of us who’ve enjoyed trotting out that $1 trillion data point in the past … the question isn’t really what to do now. It’s who to do it with. In business, they say that the only way to make money is by bundling or unbundling. And in advocacy, it’s much the same. You can either go it alone, striving for a little extra personal spotlight in hopes of turning a little more attention your way – or you can collaborate with others, gaining credibility, strength and momentum toward shared goals supporting shared values. Yeah, that’s right, together.