Make Boulder leader of outdoors industry

Across the nation, Americans are adopting healthier, more active lifestyles. A recent study by The Outdoor Foundation, the not-for-profit arm of the Outdoor Industry Association, found that outdoor participation is on the rise.

In 2006, OIA produced the industry’s first economic impact study, which showed that active outdoor recreation – through activities such as hiking, paddling, hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing – contributes $10 billion annually to Colorado’s economy, drives $7.6 billion in retail sales and supports 107,000 jobs. Even through the recession, Americans sought refuge in the outdoors, as reflected in positive participation and sales data.

If you look back…