On January 29, 2025, the University of Maine celebrated the launch of the Maine Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap in Millinocket, in partnership with the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation and Maine Outdoor Brands. This initiative aims to expand Maine's outdoor recreation economy, which was valued at $3.4 billion in 2023, accounting for 3.7% of the state's overall economy and supporting approximately 30,000 jobs [f5ca26d3].
The roadmap outlines key strategies for the next decade, focusing on workforce preparedness and providing support for outdoor businesses. Mikayla Reynolds, a MaineMBA student and 2023 Salutatorian, highlighted the significant career opportunities available in the outdoor recreation sector, emphasizing the importance of this initiative for future job growth [f5ca26d3].
This strategic plan was funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, designed to help address the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and to stimulate economic recovery in the outdoor recreation industry [f5ca26d3].
In a broader context, outdoor recreation has become a vital component of state economies across the U.S. For instance, Idaho's outdoor recreation economy has also shown remarkable growth, contributing nearly $4 billion to its economy in 2023, with significant job creation and compensation for workers [1a22a049]. As states like Maine and Idaho invest in their outdoor resources, the potential for job creation and economic development in this sector continues to expand, fostering collaboration between educational institutions, government agencies, and local businesses [f5ca26d3][1a22a049].