Stakeholders meet to discuss outdoor recreation growth

JOHNSTOWN, Pa (WTAJ)--Pennsylvania's Director of Outdoor Recreation, Nathan Reigner, stopped in Johnstown Wednesday to meet with local stakeholders on the benefits of Outdoor Recreation.

The Outdoor Recreation Industry contributes $14,000,000,000 to the state's economy, supporting 152,000 jobs. This industry surpassed mining, farming, and chemical product manufacturing.

Reigner has traveled across the state through the month to discuss the role of the outdoor economy and how the state can capitalize on that. The stakeholders he spoke with Wednesday, April 26 came from Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Huntingdon, and Somerset counties.

"There's a lot of people who see a brighter future through outdoor recreation," Reigner said. "It tells me we all recognize we have a stake in outdoor recreation. A stake in the benefits it delivers us; the economic, health, and environmental benefits, and a stake in helping to make that happen."

The discussion emphasized how improving and growing the industry is a team effort. The event involved county commissioners, conservation districts, business leaders, and more.

The recreation quality is widespread across these co...