EPA Partners with Rural Communities to Strengthen Outdoor Recreation Economy, Make America Beautiful Again
WASHINGTON — Today, in support of the Trump Administration’s Make America Beautiful Commission goals, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, the Appalachian Regional Commission, the Denali Commission, and the Northern Border Regional Commission are announcing the selection of 25 small and rural communities from across the country that will receive assistance to grow their outdoor recreation economies through the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities program.
“Outdoor recreation is a unique opportunity to create jobs and grow economies in rural communities while Powering the Great American Comeback,” said EPA Office of Land and Emergency Management Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator Steven Cook. “This program is further proof that we can drive economic growth while protecting and honoring America’s beautiful natural resources.”
"Outdoor recreation is a powerful economic engine for gateway communities, one that starts on the trail but ends on Main Street," said acting Associate Chief of the Forest Service Chris French. "As members of the communities we serve, we see firsthand how important it is to put local leaders in the driver’s seat to connect natural assets with economic opportunity.”
“Outdoor recreation represents a tremendous economic opportunity for rural communities. By strengthening the ties between local businesses and recreational assets, this collaboration will elevate the economies of rural places across the NBRC region,” said Chris Saunders, Federal Co-Chair of the Northern Border Regional Commission.
The Recreation Economy for Rural Communities (RERC) program – jointly administered through an interagency partnership – helps rural communities leverage outdoor recreation to revitalize their main streets, leading to economic growth, improved environmental protection and public health outcomes. Communities are encouraged to pursue activities that foster development and revitalization and support conservation efforts.
The 25 small and rural communities are planning to undertake a variety of revitalization projects which include:
- Building new trail systems.
- Connecting main streets with nearby outdoor recreation amenities.
- Increasing access to outdoor activities for all residents and visitors.
- Strengthening outdoor recreation businesses.
- Building a resilient outdoor recreation economy to withstand disasters, ensuring stable economic vitality.
- Cleaning up and repurposing vacant properties and buildings.
- Creating new parks and recreation amenities.
A federal team will partner with each community to guide planning and strengthen local capacity. Participants will work together to develop strategies and specific actions to meet their goals.
“With our deep ties to the land, ocean, and traditional ways of life, revitalizing downtown and expanding outdoor recreation opportunities will improve the physical and mental health of our residents, support local businesses, and strengthen our connection to place,” said Mayor Derek Haviland-Lie of the City of Kotzebue, Alaska. “We are proud to work alongside our tribal, regional, and federal partners to create a more vibrant, resilient future for all who call Kotzebue home.”
“This project is more than just revitalization—it’s about creating a healthier, more vibrant Columbia where families, visitors, and future entrepreneurs can thrive,” said Shelbi Rollins, Owner of the Bird's Nest and President of Caldwell Chamber of Business in Columbia, Louisiana. “By linking Main Street to the riverfront and new trails, we’re not only encouraging outdoor activity and wellness, but we’re also investing in the future of our community.”
“We’re energized by the possibilities ahead and ready to leverage this opportunity to create a dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable experience for all,” said Kelly Jones of the Mitchell County Tourism Development Authority in Spruce Pine, North Carolina.
Communities were chosen following a comprehensive interagency review process from a pool of 200 applicants. Please visit the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities webpage to view the list of selected communities and projects.
Background
Outdoor activities are increasingly popular across the United States, and many communities are seeking to grow their outdoor recreation and tourism economy, while investing in their main streets and conserving forests and natural lands.
- According to the 2025 Outdoor Participation Trends Report, over 181 million Americans over the age of six participated in outdoor recreation in 2024. Sales figures across the industry continue to grow as Americans spent time on outdoor activities – such as hiking, fishing, bicycling, boating, swimming, and skiing, among many others. These activities can bring new investment and jobs to local economies, benefit health and wellness, raise awareness of the importance of conservation of forests and other natural resources, and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors.
In 2023, outdoor recreation activities generated 5 million paying jobs across a variety of industries, accounting for 3.1% of all employment in the United States. The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis calculated the economic output of outdoor recreation in 2023 to be $1.2 trillion.