Our New Economic Champion

The first Europeans that arrived in Montana were not interested in mountain biking or sight seeing. They came to make money, fast. The determination to make money as quickly as possible without considering long-term consequences triggered a series of boom and bust cycles. Except for agriculture, boom and bust cycles characterized the Montana economy from about 1850 to 1950. We had a gold boom and bust, a silver boom and bust and the one we are reminded of most frequently today, the copper boom and bust. The Berkeley Pit remains a reminder of how important long-term planning is when dealing with natural resources.

A new economic opportunity has been emerging without much fanfare over the last decade. Our new economic opportunity is different from boom and bust opportunities of the past. It's the same opportunity that inspired the creation of Seeley Lake Regional Outdoor Center for Kinetic Sports (ROCKS) some seven years ago. It is an opportunity that employs our public lands without devastating them. It's an opportunity our region is perfectly positioned to take advantage of. Please welcome and acknowledge our new economic giant, outdoor recreation.

The Outdoor Industry Association (see outdoorindustry.org to learn more) reports Montana's outdoor recreation industry now accounts for $7.1 billion in consumer spending and provides 71,000 direct jobs. In August, Headwaters Economics released a report (link below) that describes how public lands generate recreation, quality of life, commodity production, wildlife, scenery and clean water.

Senator Tester introduced the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act (BCSA) this past February. Along with supporting timber and conservation, the BCSA provides recreation areas for mountain biking, snowmobiling, hiking and more. Montana recently announced the creation of the Montana Office of Outdoor Recreation. These developments will facilitate and support our newest economic champion, outdoor recreation.

The BCSA will establish two new recreation areas, one for snowmobiling and one for mountain biking. All forms of outdoor recreation help restore and energize people; it just feels good to get outside. For many, the pinnacle of outdoor recreation is being in a designated Wilderness area. There's nothing more stimulating, and soothing, as being in a place where nature rules while humans are only short-term visitors. Six states – Colorado, Washington, Arizona, Idaho, California and Alaska – have more Wilderness than Montana. But in my proudly biased opinion, I don't think you can beat "The Bob."

Research from Headwaters Economics and the Outdoor Industry Association confirm we have a tremendous economic opportunity. Public lands, the BCSA and Montana's office of Outdoor Recreation are our new teammates that can help us ensure our future remains unique and highly desirable. They can help us realize the mission ROCKS identified seven years ago: "Develop healthy children, strong families and vibrant communities through healthy outdoor recreation."

Fifty years from now Seeley Lake can be distinguished as the most desirable destination in Montana for outdoor recreation. Or, we can be just another place to stop on the way to somewhere else. The choice is ours.

I say lets work with Montana's Office of Outdoor Recreation. Let's support the BCSA and please continue your kind support of Seeley Lake ROCKS.

Together we can ensure Seeley Lake remains a charming and compelling place to live and visit 50 years from now. Outdoor recreation will provide a solid economic foundation on which Seeley Lake can rest for decades to come.

Enjoy your public lands!

Boman lives in Seeley Lake, Montana. He is a former JCPenney executive and a founding member of Seeley Lake ROCKS.

Link to Headwaters Economic report mentioned above https://headwaterseconomics.org/economic-development/trends-performance/montanas-economy-and-protected-lands/)