The Value of Hiking

From Seattle Post-Intelligencer:

We all know hiking is good for our health and our mental sanity. Turns out its good for our economy as well.

This week, Washington Trails Association (WTA) released a report called The Value of Hiking: Economic Benefits of Hiking and Non-Motorized Recreation.

Written by WTA intern Jeannie Frantz for her degree in Political Science at the University of Washington, the report surveys the latest data and economic literature on the contribution of hiking and active outdoor recreation to the economy of Washington state and the nation. Here are some of the report's findings:

One in three Washington residents identify themselves as hikers, backpackers, trail runners or climbers.

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