New Report Shows Conservation Is a High-Return Investment for Communities, Jobs and Growth
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — Investments to conserve, restore and manage fish and wildlife pump billions into the economy, fueling jobs, powering the $1.1 trillion outdoor recreation industry and rivaling major U.S. sectors.
A new report titled, “Conservation Economy in America: A Snapshot of Total Fish and Wildlife-Associated Direct Investments and Economic Contributions,” reveals that fish and wildlife conservation generates substantial economic benefits. Federal, state, local, and nonprofit contributions combined contributed $115.8 billion in total economic activity and supported 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.
"For the many Americans who have experienced the life-changing power of the outdoors, the conservation of our country's wildlife and wild places is self-evidently one of the greatest aspects of our nation," said Jason Burckhalter, National Wild Turkey Federation co-CEO. "This report emphasizes how conservation efforts bolster our beloved traditions and enrich our experiences outside, and it illustrates how our conservation efforts create a powerful engine for our nation’s economy. It is imperative that our elected officials see both the importance of investing in conservation, from our vital natural resources to our nation’s economy. We are excited to collaboratively share the insights from the new report with our conservation partners and make meaningful impacts for future generations.”
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.
“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 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.
“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.”
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.
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 24 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.