Outdoor Recreation

Nationwide, the sector accounted for some 2.3% of GDP, or the value of final sales of goods and services. That figure is even higher for every Mountain West state, and about twice that in Montana and Wyoming.

A new report commissioned by the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable looks at current levels of federal support for the recreation economy. It identifies several challenges, like the dependence on fossil fuel taxation and expected declines in that stream, and ways to adequately support the outdoor recreation economy.

Recreation groups said the agency lacked accurate information about trails and roads.

When it comes to winter activities tubing is often a favorite. Sadly, one of Idaho's most popular tubing spots is closed. Idaho Matters takes a look at the closure and when we might expect it to open again.

There are thousands of popular hiking trails in the Mountain West, but until recently it’s been difficult to measure just how many people use them. Now, the nonprofit Headwaters Economics is combining infrared counters with fitness tracking apps to accurately measure trail use so that land managers can gain a better sense of how to spend.

Popular recreation areas across the Mountain West are proposing price hikes for campsites, backcountry permits, parking spots and other amenities. Public land agencies say they’re responding to increased wear and tear on trails and facilities.

A record number of people are participating in recreation activities like hiking, biking and climbing. A new report shows that this surge in interest is changing people’s experiences on public lands, sometimes for the worse.

How Idaho's public lands, parks and resources be shared among the increasing number of recreationists in the Gem State

The case came about because of an angler who was fishing on a part of the Arkansas River that ran through private property. The court dismissed the angler's claim, but the battle to define whether the state owns a riverbed could pit landowners against recreation enthusiasts in the future.

A legislative package introduced in the U.S. Senate, called America's Outdoor Recreation Act, would invest in recreational areas across the country. It would also updates policies related to outfitter permitting and camping fees, among other things.