We are introducing a new presentation format for a previous feature on Arkansas Outside to share national outdoor stories. Although our main focus is on outdoor recreation news in Arkansas, we recognize that national news may also impact outdoor recreation in our state. Therefore, we have established a new news category called “National Outdoor News.” This is the first article created under this new format. Today we are including two different stories.
Outdoor Participation Hits Record Levels
The Outdoor Foundation (OF) and the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), leaders in outdoor recreation research, unveiled findings from their 2024 Outdoor Participation Trends Report. This report offers exclusive data and insights on participation trends to inform business strategies within the outdoor industry.
The report revealed a significant rise in outdoor recreation participation. In 2023, the number of participants reached a record 175.8 million, representing a 4.1% increase from 2022. This growth spanned demographics and activities, with new participants gravitating towards hiking, biking, camping, running, and fishing.
Here are some key takeaways from the 2024 Outdoor Participation Trends Report:
- Since 2019, outdoor recreation participation has grown by a substantial 22.2 million Americans aged six and over.
- A historic milestone was reached in 2023, with over half of American women participating in outdoor recreation.
- LGBTQ+ adults continue to boast the highest participation rate among adult cohorts.
- While the participant base saw a slight increase in racial and ethnic diversity, 69.7% of participants still identify as White. Representation remains imbalanced, with Black, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, and other ethnicities comprising 10.3%, 13.4%, 5.3%, and 1.4% respectively.
- The average number of outings per participant dipped by 11.4% in 2023, going from 70.5 outings in 2022 to 62.5 outings in 2023.
- An estimated 7.7 million Americans embarked on outdoor recreation activities for the first time in 2023.
“Understanding the evolving outdoor recreation consumer and their preferences is crucial for success in today’s competitive market,” emphasized Kent Ebersole, President of OIA. “The invaluable insights within this report empower our members to strategically grow their businesses and cater to a broader audience, ultimately making outdoor recreation more accessible.”
For over 15 years, the Outdoor Participation Trends Report has been a trusted source of data on outdoor recreation trends. Funded by the Outdoor Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the OIA, this annual report is a collaborative effort between the two organizations.
“The report highlights intriguing trends in outdoor recreation demographics,” said Lesford Duncan, Executive Director of Outdoor Foundation. “While we celebrate the rise in participation diversity, there’s room for improvement to reflect the evolving U.S. population. This report underscores the need for collaboration across the outdoor industry and public sector to prioritize inclusivity in design, marketing, outreach, and advocacy efforts, ultimately increasing participation.”
The 2024 report is based on data collected throughout 2023. The public can access the executive summary, while the full report remains exclusive to OIA members and Outdoor Foundation partners.
Other articles on Outdoor Participation:
- Outdoor Recreation Economy Continues to Grow (September 2018)
- Outdoor Participation Grows to Record Levels (September 2022)
Bill Allowing Bike Access to Federal Wilderness Areas Submitted
Utah Senator Mike Lee has reintroduced legislation aimed at reinstating bicycle access to federal Wilderness areas, marking the fourth attempt to advocate for such access, excluding e-bikes. The last effort was made in May 2021 but stalled in the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Senator Lee, a Republican, unveiled the renewed legislation, S.4561, on Tuesday. This bill seeks to overturn blanket bans on bicycling imposed by federal agencies within Wilderness areas and reinstate a previous U.S. Forest Service regulation. Under this regulation, local officials could manage bicycle access similarly to how they oversee activities such as horseback riding, hiking, camping, and hunting, based on specific conditions.
Similar legislative efforts were previously made in 2016, 2018, and 2019 but did not advance through Congress. Advocates, including the Sustainable Trails Coalition, argue that both the U.S. Forest Service and the Interior Department support this reform, viewing it as a necessary adjustment to the Wilderness Act of 1964. They anticipate that Lee’s legislation would provide federal agencies with greater flexibility in managing Wilderness areas while addressing the concerns of various outdoor enthusiasts.