On June 3–5, Cal Poly Humboldt will host California’s inaugural Outdoor Economy Summit, a new statewide event exploring how outdoor recreation drives economic growth, job creation, and long-term community resilience.
The three-day summit, located at the Adorni Center in Eureka, is a partnership between Cal Poly Humboldt, Redwood Region RISE, and Humboldt County’s Economic Development Division.
The event reflects a growing recognition that outdoor recreation—which encompasses activities ranging from camping, RVing, and fishing to amusement parks and festivals—is more than a lifestyle or amenity; it’s an economic force. In 2024, outdoor recreation generated more than $1.3 trillion in economic output nationwide. That’s about 2.4% of U.S. GDP, which supports more than 5 million jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
In California alone, outdoor recreation contributes more than $80 billion annually to the state’s economy, supporting more than 589,000 jobs.
“As California leads the nation in outdoor recreation—activity that supports thousands of jobs and helps drive our economy forward—it’s encouraging to see this gathering of regional leaders dedicated to expanding its economic benefits in Humboldt County,” says U.S. Sen. Adam B. Schiff. “As I continue the fight for more rural economic development, I am grateful for local leaders coming together to ensure we are protecting and strengthening our natural landscapes to support outdoor recreation.”
“California’s $81 billion outdoor recreational economy leads the nation,” says State Sen. Mike McGuire. “The Golden State’s incredible beauty sets us apart from the rest with the tallest trees on earth, our famous coastline, mountains, and deserts—it’s one of the most special places on Earth. And with every segment of the Great Redwood Trail completed, we’re offering unparalleled access to Northern California, and tapping the benefits of outdoor rec economy straight into our rural communities.”
“The outdoor economy is a major economic driver in California, but there’s an opportunity to grow it in a way that’s sustainable and supportive of our communities, including our Tribal communities,” says Genevieve Marchand, summit coordinator and Recreation Administration professor at Cal Poly Humboldt. “This summit creates a collaborative space so we can better understand how we can invest in and sustain it.”
The summit comes at a pivotal moment, as Assembly Bills 2578 and 2494—focused on strengthening outdoor recreation planning and investment across California—signal growing statewide attention to the sector’s economic and environmental impact.
“With growing attention at the state level, this is the right moment to bring partners together,” says Calder Johnson, summit coordinator and sector investment coordinator of arts, culture, and tourism at Redwood Region RISE. “The summit helps connect policy, investment, and on-the-ground work in a meaningful way.”
Speakers and participants include representatives from Hip Camp, California Natural Resources Agency, Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation, Founded Outdoors, California Council of Land Trusts, California Jobs First, the Great Redwood Trail Agency, and youth leaders involved in outdoor access initiatives. They’ll examine topics such as:
- Ecotourism and agritourism
- Representation in the outdoor economy
- Workforce needs
- Business development and investments
- Tribal lands and projects
- Land stewardship
- Long-term community and economic resilience
The California Outdoor Economy Summit is intentionally place-based. By convening leaders in Humboldt County, a region deeply connected to its forests, waterways, coastline, and Tribal lands, organizers hope what’s learned here can be applied across the state.
“This summit is designed to meet the moment,” Marchand said. “Through collaboration, stewardship, and shared commitment, we can move closer to an outdoor economy that works for communities while protecting the lands and waters that sustain them.”