CNN - Outdoor activities a multi-billion dollar industry

Almost 40 percent of American adults spent more than $100 billion on outdoor wildlife activities in 1996

Great outdoors

Americans' nature activities a multi-billion dollar industry

December 12, 1997
Web posted at: 12:09 p.m. EST (1709 GMT)

MARIN COUNTY, California (CNN) -- A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service study confirms there's real value to getting out of doors -- not just for the body and the soul, but for the economy too.

According to the study, 77 million Americans -- almost 40 percent of adults -- spent more than $100 billion on outdoor wildlife activities in 1996. The survey showed that while the numbers of Americans heading outdoors remained fairly steady since the survey was last taken in 1991, they are spending more and taking more time to do it.

Hunters spent $6 billion more (using figures adjusted for inflation and other factors) on everything from guns to gas, and took an additional 21 million days afield, while fishermen spent $10 billion more (using adjusted figures) and added 115 million days to their fishing trips. And those who came just to look and take pictures shelled out $4.5 billion more than in 1991.

An always popular draw for visitors to San Francisco is the tour bus out of town, across the Golden Gate Bridge to a grove of ancient redwoods. Among recent visitors to Muir Woods was Lori Fletcher of Indiana, who said her family spends a quarter of its income traveling and pursuing outdoor activities.

"It's what we enjoy," she said.

Comparisons to 1991 Survey Results
ACTIVITY	1991	1996	DIFFERENCE
Angling
Anglers	35.6 million	35.2 million	*
Angling days	511 million	626 million	22%
Expenditures	$27.6 billion	$37.7 billion	37%
Hunting
Hunters	14.1 million	14 million	*
Hunting days	236 million	257 million	*
Expenditures	$14.2 billion	$20.3 billion	43%
Wildlife-Watching
Participants	76.1 million	62.9 million	-17%
Expenditures	$21.2 billion	$25.7 billion	21%
* No change at the 95-percent level of significance. Important Note: To make these estimates comparable, the 1991 and 1996 expenditure figures are adjusted here for inflation and inconsistencies in expenditure categories. (Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)

California has more wildlife watchers than any other state, according to the survey. At the San Francisco Bay Wildlife Refuge alone, 300,000 people a year come to watch the birds.

Americans may spend more time on the couch watching TV, but the study shows four of every 10 do pursue outdoor activities

"They're spending tons to do this," said refuge spokesman John Steiner. "And I guess they're spending money to travel, to get here. They're spending money for the equipment they use, everything from the GORE-TEX jackets that they wear, and hiking boots, and binoculars and all that stuff."

Americans may spend more time on the Internet or on the couch watching TV, but the study shows four of every 10 Americans do pursue activities outdoors.

It's an eye-opener, perhaps, for those who stand in places like the San Francisco refuge and can imagine only shopping centers and real estate with million-dollar views. The study, conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau for the Fish and Wildlife Service, suggests an alternative to rampant development: leave things just as they are and support a $101 billion industry.

CNN Correspondent Don Knapp contributed to this report.

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Great outdoors

Americans' nature activities a multi-billion dollar industry

Comparisons to 1991 Survey Results

Angling

Hunting

Wildlife-Watching

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