Outdoor recreation generates $887 billion in consumer spending annually and sustains 7.6 million U.S. jobs, according to a new report by the Outdoor Industry Association.

The "Outdoor Recreation Economy" report—released Tuesday—comes as the outdoor recreation industry seeks to flex its political muscles. OIA recently announced that its biannual trade show would be leaving Salt Lake City in protest of policies by Utah lawmakers seeking to privatize and develop public lands. The group also promotes environmentally friendly policies that sometimes put it at odds with conservative lawmakers.

The new report is meant to show the outdoor recreation industry is a large employer in the U.S.—employing more people than in food service, construction or computer technology.

"From the smallest rural towns to the most densely populated cities, outdoor recreation makes America stronger," OIA Executive Director Amy Roberts said. "This report makes clear that the outdoor recreation economy is not only thriving, but a powerful economic force that embodies the American spirit."

According to the report:

• Every year, American consumers spend more on outdoor recreation ($887 billion) than they do on education ($278 billion), gasoline and fuels ($304 billion), household utilities ($313 billion), motor vehicles and parts ($465 billion) or pharmaceuticals ($466 billion).

• Spending on outdoor recreation far outpaces spending on movie tickets or home entertainment.

• National parks, national wildlife refuges, national monuments and other public lands and waters account for $45 billion in economic output and about 396,000 jobs nationwide.

Survey Sampling International conducted the research for the Boulder, Colo.-based OIA. http://prn.to/2oIKyta

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