Loss of Interest In Outdoor Recreation Brings Economic Loss As Well

Mar 14, 2008 by Eric Ray

(KCPW News) Outdoor recreational activities - like camping, hunting and fishing - bring an economic impact of nearly $2 million per day to Utah, according to John Kirk, organizer of the International Sportsmen's Expo. National interest in these activities has declined rapidly over the last 20 years, and Kirk fears the impact of that decline could be more than just an economic one.

"If people aren't introduced to the outdoors at a fairly early age, they become less interested in the outdoors as they grow up," says Kirk. "As adults, when our environment is increasingly challenged from all sorts of fronts, people who haven't been exposed to the environment as youth are going to care less about it and will be less motivated to contribute."

According to the latest Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation report, the outdoor sector is responsible for 13,000 jobs in Utah and one in every five state residents participates in hunting or fishing. Survival and outdoors safety expert Greg Davenport says it's important to take baby steps in order to get kids interested in the camping.

"When we introduce kids to the outdoors, we should start in our backyard. We should be using the same gear we're going to use as we adventure further," says Davenport. "Then the next trip would be to an established campground, one with showers and running water. And do activities in short spurts so they aren't overwhelming."

Davenport will speak several times at the International Sportsmen's Expo at the South Towne Expo center this weekend. To listen to a longer conversation about the economic impact of the outdoor sector, as well as tips for surviving in the outdoors, visit the Midday Metro page.

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