How Monuments and Public Lands Strengthen Arizona’s Economy

Business coalition, Get Outdoors Arizona (GO AZ), held a roundtable discussion this past Thursday, August 3rd at Grand Canyon Brewery to talk about the proposed — and now designated as of August 8th by President Biden — Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni — Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument, Arizona's public lands, and how they both can strengthen our local economies. Attendees included Patrice Horstman, Coconino County Supervisor; Amber Reimondo, Energy Director of the Grand Canyon Trust; Dr. Larry Stevens, River Guide and Director of the Springs Stewardship Institute; Jason Costello, owner of Canyon Coolers; Greg Reiff, River Guide in the Canyoneers; Shawn Frate, owner of Parks Feed and Mercantile.

“The Grand Canyon region is one of the largest drivers in Arizona’s $9.8 Billion outdoor recreation industry” said Michael Cravens, Advocacy and Conservation Director for the Arizona Wildlife Federation. “From rafting companies, to outdoor gear retailers, to gas stations and breweries, Arizona businesses of all types depend on this iconic landscape for their livelihoods.” 

Grand Canyon National Park alone pours $710 million into Arizona’s economy and draws in nearly 4.5 million annual visitors. But what about the public lands surrounding the Grand Canyon? They support our state’s outdoor recreation economy by adding well-paying jobs, strengthening communities, and keeping more money in Arizona. That’s why Arizona business owners have joined the call and are taking action.

The creation of the group, known as Get Outdoors Arizona (GOAZ), was spearheaded by the Arizona Wildlife Federation, which recognized the need for Arizona outdoor business leaders to come together to collectively ask lawmakers to support policies and actions that promote the state’s outdoor assets while protecting some of the state’s most important public landscapes.

For more information and a list of members, visit https://getoutdoorsaz.org/home.