According to the Outdoor Industry Association, outdoor recreation in Tennessee generated $11.9 Billion in total outdoor recreation value added with 3,604,707 participating in some form of outdoor recreation in 2022. In 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis found that outdoor recreation accounted for $1.1 trillion in gross economic output, 2.2% of gross domestic product (GDP), surpassing industries such as mining, utilities, farming and ranching, and chemical products manufacturing.
Outdoor recreation, and the places it occurs, is important to the people of Tennessee. UT Extension aims to help private and public land managers provide sustainable and high quality outdoor recreation experiences. Additionally, we will provide resources and information about how to benefit from the growing outdoor recreation economy in Tennessee. This page will be updated often with news, training opportunities, and research to assist with enhancing outdoor recreation for all Tennesseans.
Outdoor Recreation Contacts
Ryan Sharp
Outdoor Recreation Extension Specialist/Associate Professor
School of Natural Resources
716-289-6107
rsharp19@utk.edu
Ronnie Cowan
Outdoor Recreation Extension Specialist (Hunting, Fishing, and Recreational Shooting)
School of Natural Resources
865-974-0636
rcowan2@utk.edu
Resources
Information on the latest outdoor recreation research – Outdoor Recreation and Conservation Lab (O.R.C.)
Information about the power of the Outdoor Recreation Economy – Outdoor Industry Association
In the News
$63 million to create four new Tennessee State Parks, with the goal of funding a total of eight new state parks by the time Gov. Lee leaves office, tying a Tennessee record for the most state parks created by one administration
$16 million to expand blueway trail access, which will drive tourism and economic activity across our rural communities
$20 million to improve water quality at rivers, lakes and streams across the state, making them safe for future generations to enjoy and the Bill Dance Signature Lakes Fishing Trail
