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.
“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 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.
“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.”
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.
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.
Read the full report HERE.
What They’re Saying
“This report is a crystal-clear illustration that conservation investments stimulate the economy, from Wall Street to Main Street,” explained Marilyn Vetter, President & CEO of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. “These numbers tell the story of the conservation industry’s exponential effectiveness at turning each dollar into an economic ripple large enough to amplify our nation’s GDP. Just as important are the on-the-ground dividends of these investments, the habitat, wildlife, and water that benefit us all—hunters, anglers, families, and communities.”
“Theodore Roosevelt once proclaimed, ‘There can be no greater issue than that of conservation in this country,” said Gray N. Thornton, president and CEO of the Wild Sheep Foundation. “This captures the essence of Roosevelt’s commitment to conservation, emphasizing both the environmental challenges of his time and the timeless relevance of his vision. He recognized that human activities threatened natural resources, and he advocated for their responsible management to ensure that future generations could enjoy the benefits of nature. Today, as the report highlights, conservation not only serves ecological purposes but also holds significant economic value. The sustainable use of natural resources can support economies while preserving the environment, reflecting Roosevelt’s original intent to protect wild lands and wildlife for the enjoyment of all. This dual focus on ecological integrity and economic prosperity underlines the importance of effective conservation efforts in contemporary society.”
“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.”
“When we save wildlife, we save ourselves. This important report affirms how wildlife conservation not only helps people thrive, but also grows local economies and creates jobs in communities across the country,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “This report is a clarion call for Congress and the White House that investing dedicated funding for state, Tribal, and territorial wildlife conservation will yield immense returns for taxpayers and future generations alike.”
“America’s strong conservation economy is a testament to the contributions from hunters, anglers, and outdoorsmen and women across the country,” said Ducks Unlimited CEO Adam Putnam. “This report highlights what we’ve known for years – supporting the conservation of wildlife habitat is an incredible return on investment for our communities. With every Duck Stamp sold, every hunting or fishing license purchased, and every outfitter patronized, sportsmen and women are doing their part to support America’s natural places and rural economies, and we hope lawmakers see the immense value in strengthening these investments at all levels of government.”
“The recreation economy remains a foundational driver of caring for the health and productivity of our family forests,” said Rita Hite, president & CEO of the American Forest Foundation. “This report highlights both the importance and meaningful impact of public and private funding in our woodlands. When we invest in family lands through recreation, we are investing in clean air and water, more biodiversity, improved wildlife habitat, and bolstering rural economies.”
“Conservation is a core American value,” said Desiree Sorenson-Groves, President and CEO of the National Wildlife Refuge Association. “As a nation, we value our public lands and shared wildlife heritage as a tenant of who we are as a people and this report shows that our shared investment in conservation isn’t just a nice thing to do, it is an essential economic driver for Americans. Conservation paves the way for the activation of the natural resource economy in all parts of our nation from rural communities to urban cities and this report highlights how investments pay dividends now and into the future.”
“Fish and wildlife are among our nation’s most valuable resources, along with clean air, water, healthy forests and lands that support all of us,” said Paul Johansen, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and President of the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies. “State agencies have a primary responsibility for conserving our treasured natural resources. This report clearly illustrates that states, in collaboration with their federal, tribal, and conservation partners, deliver fish and wildlife conservation to our citizens with an impressive return on investment that generates positive impacts felt throughout the larger economy.”
“When we discuss funding for conservation programs, it’s important that we think of these programs as investments for the future – the future of clean water, clean air, outdoor recreation, and abundant fish and wildlife. However, this report confirms that these conservation programs are also literal financial investments that help everyone’s bottom line, beyond the outdoor recreation industry and everyone it employs, directly or indirectly,” said Jeff Kopaska, Executive Director of the American Fisheries Society. “We saw this with the establishment of the Sport Fish Restoration Program 75 years ago. A small percentage of spending on fishing gear and boating fuel is directed towards fisheries restoration, research, and conservation, creating a self-sustaining cycle that builds up the sport fishing industry, along with providing more recreational opportunities and of course, benefitting our fish populations.”
