Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office (OREC)

The Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office (OREC) provides a central point of contact, advocacy, and resources at the state level for the diverse constituents, businesses, and communities that rely on the continued health of the outdoor recreation economy. OREC’s mission is to champion industry, communities, and people to come to life through Colorado’s great outdoors. According to the 2023 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), the total economic output associated with outdoor recreation by Colorado residents amounts to $65.8 billion dollars, contributing $36.5 billion dollars to the Gross Domestic Product of the state. This economic activity supports over 404,000 jobs in the state, which represents 12% of the entire labor force in Colorado and produces $22.2 billion dollars in salaries and wages. In addition, this output contributes $11.2 billion dollars in local, state and federal tax revenue. Colorado’s outdoor economy contributes to a higher quality of life, making people and communities happier and healthier. We are privileged to live in a state that has no rival when it comes to our iconic natural landscapes. From our 22 million acres of public land, 105,344 miles of rivers, 690 peaks over 13,000 feet, and expansive vistas of prairies, mountain valleys, and desert canyons, these spaces are central to Colorado’s lifestyle, heritage, identity, and world-class recreation economy.