The Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation, led by Director Nathan Reigner, recently requested additional financial support from lawmakers as part of Governor Josh Shapiro’s state-wide tourism campaign. In a presentation to two House committees, Reigner emphasized the significant contribution of the outdoor recreation industry to the state’s GDP, which totaled $17 billion in 2022 and accounted for 2% of the total GDP.
Positioned within the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the office aims to serve as a central hub for government agencies involved in outdoor-based economic development, although it does not handle direct funding. Reigner highlighted the need for better connectivity between state agencies, rural communities, and entrepreneurs to facilitate growth in the outdoor economy.
Challenges such as inadequate staffing and the complexity of grant applications are hindering growth and connection in rural areas. For example, the Pennsylvania Wilds struggled to meet the job creation requirements of a major federal grant, showcasing a mismatch between federal policies and Pennsylvania’s needs. Reigner advocated for increased support to local economic development groups to maximize existing opportunities and strengthen the state’s outdoor recreation sector.