Overview: The 2022-2023 fiscal year report by Abt Global, LLC, commissioned by the Colorado Off Highway Vehicle Coalition, highlights the significant economic impact of off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation in Colorado. The study reveals that motorized recreation, including OHVs, four-wheel drive vehicles (4WDs), and snowmobiles, is a major economic driver in the state.
Key Findings:
- Participation: Over 290,000 OHV registrations and permits were issued, with approximately 253,000 resident households and 41,000 non-resident households participating in motorized recreation.
- Expenditures: Motorized recreation enthusiasts spent an estimated $2.4 billion on trips and an additional $1 billion on maintenance and related items. New vehicle sales contributed $203 million, totaling $1.4 billion in direct sales.
- Economic Impact: The total economic contribution, including direct, indirect, and induced effects, amounted to $2.9 billion. This activity supported nearly 18,700 jobs and generated $1 billion in labor income.
- Regional Impact: The southwest and central regions of Colorado saw the highest economic contributions, with $462 million and $461 million in total sales, respectively.
Hypothetical OHV State Park Case Study: A survey conducted by the Colorado Off Highway Vehicle Coalition explored the potential economic benefits of a hypothetical OHV state park in Weld County. The survey indicated strong interest, with respondents willing to pay additional fees for park access. The estimated economic impact of the park ranges from $22.4 million to $44.8 million in total sales, supporting 207 to 413 jobs.
Conclusion: Motorized recreation is a vital economic contributor to Colorado, supporting jobs, generating significant sales, and providing substantial tax revenues. The potential establishment of an OHV-focused state park could further enhance these benefits, offering new recreational opportunities and economic growth for local communities.
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