A new report produced by Southwick Associates for the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, titled “Conservation Economy in America: A Snapshot of Total Fish and Wildlife-Associated Direct Investments and Economic Contributions,” shows that fish and wildlife conservation generates substantial economic benefits.
According to the report, federal, state, local and nonprofit contributions combine annually to contribute approximately $115.8 billion in total economic activity and support over 575,000 jobs nationwide. Leading conservation organizations across the country applauded the findings, underscoring the report’s importance for America’s economy, communities and natural resources.
“Conservation is an investment in America’s future and the bedrock of economic growth in communities nationwide,” said Joel Pedersen, president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “This report makes clear that the principles of stewardship and collaboration that built our nation’s conservation legacy continue to drive prosperity today. By supporting proven programs that restore habitat, enhance resilience and expand access, Congress and the Administration can deliver lasting returns for people, wildlife and local economies alike.”
The report finds that $55.3 billion in direct spending on conservation – including habitat restoration, fish and wildlife management and expanded public access – forms the foundation of the nation’s $1.1 trillion outdoor recreation economy. These conservation investments generate powerful economic returns, adding $76.6 billion to the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and $16.3 billion in tax revenues for state, local and federal governments. Simply put, the outdoor recreation economy doesn’t happen without conservation – its contributions are the bedrock upon which all outdoor recreation depends.
“Hunting and fishing alone contribute nearly $400 billion annually to the United States economy, and sound financial investments into conservation are the backbone of our uniquely American sporting traditions and this important sector of the economy,” said Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation President and CEO Jeff Crane. “Investments into conservation not only bolster fish, wildlife and their habitats, but they also strengthen hunting and fishing opportunities for sportsmen and women across the nation, a win-win for our economy and our natural resources.”
The federal government was the leading source of conservation investments, accounting for approximately 48% of all spending. Its share, however, has been declining, even as state and local governments now provide 45% of spending – reflecting a shrinking portion of federal contributions to total conservation funding.
Together, these investments generated tax revenues on par with the video game industry – underscoring conservation’s powerful return for communities and the economy alike, while simultaneously preserving biodiversity and strengthening long-term growth.
“America’s strong conservation economy is a testament to the contributions from hunters, anglers and outdoorsmen and women across the country,” said Ducks Unlimited CEO Adam Putnam. “This report highlights what we’ve known for years – supporting the conservation of wildlife habitat is an incredible return on investment for our communities. With every Duck Stamp sold, every hunting or fishing license purchased, and every outfitter patronized, sportsmen and women are doing their part to support America’s natural places and rural economies, and we hope lawmakers see the immense value in strengthening these investments at all levels of government.”
Read the full report here.
