Outdoor recreation businesses in the Lehigh Valley area gathered recently with local, regional, and state leaders to work on a plan to grow that part of Pennsylvania’s economy. 
The state’s new Office of Outdoor Recreation hosted its second of 10 workshops around the commonwealth to promote and gather feedback on the state's new Elevate program, which was launched last fall at Easton Outdoor Co. The plan seeks to support businesses and individuals involved in outdoors activities.
On March 11, more than 50 stakeholders gathered at ArtsQuest at SteelStacks in Bethlehem to discuss key topics such workforce development, access to capital, and legislation that could benefit outdoor recreation, along with how to structure a state program to support the industry.
Outdoor recreation contributes to Lehigh Valley's high quality of life, which is essential for attracting and retaining the talent that employers need. Opportunities range from hiking and camping to skiing and whitewater rafting to hunting and fishing.
The region’s network of trails includes the Appalachian Trail, with breath-taking overlooks like Bake Oven Knob. There are more than 111,000 acres of woods and seven miles of waterways, including the Lehigh and the Delaware rivers.
All of that provides opportunities for resorts and other outdoor facilities, equipment and clothing providers, tour groups, photographers, dining, and other types of businesses.
The Elevate planning session at ArtsQuest was led by Nathan Reigner, Pennsylvania’s Director of Outdoor Recreation. Participating companies and organizations included Blue Mountain Resort, Bear Creek Mountain Resort, New Trail Brewing, and Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, along with municipal and county officials and Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC).
In 2023, the state’s outdoors industry generated an economic output of about $19 billion, an increase of 10% from the previous year. Continuing that growth is part of Pennsylvania’s 10-year Economic Development Strategy that was unveiled by Gov. Josh Shapiro last year in the Lehigh Valley, at OraSure Technologies in Bethlehem Township.
Those who would like to offer feedback on the plan to grow the state’s outdoor economy can do so through this survey.
(Photo courtesy of Discover Lehigh Valley®/Colin Coleman Photography)