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The outdoor recreation industry contributed $1.2 trillion to the U.S. GDP in 2023.

This sector supports nearly a million jobs and generates $351 million daily.

Recreation is economically competitive with traditional industries like farming and mining.

SALT LAKE CITY — When Doug Burgum framed public lands as "America's balance sheet" at his confirmation to become the secretary of the Interior this past January, the suggestion was not well received by all.

"The reaction to that from the conservation community or the environmental community was 'Oh, well, you can't put a price tag on these places,' or ... 'That's not what we should be doing — it's about these beautiful vistas,'" said Jessica Turner, president of the Outdoor Recreation Round

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