Outdoor recreation continues to drive jobs, economic development, tourism, and quality of life across Pennsylvania, thanks to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s ongoing commitment to expand the industry and create economic opportunities.

New data shows Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation economy grew $1.5 billion in 2024 — reaching $20.4 billion and outpacing the national growth rate.

The outdoor recreation industry also added 9,000 jobs — now supporting more than 177,000 workers and $9.5 billion in wages across the Commonwealth.

All the good news comes from new data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA).

Outdoor recreation added 9,000 jobs in 2024 and $800 million in wages and salaries, bringing total outdoor recreation wages to $9.5 billion across the Commonwealth. The sector accounts for 2% of Pennsylvania’s gross domestic product, and the state’s outdoor recreation economy outpaced the national growth rate, expanding by 2.7%.

These results reflect strategic investments by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) in parks, trails, and outdoor recreation infrastructure, as well as the Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation (OOR) ‘s work to support businesses and communities across the Commonwealth.

“Investing in Pennsylvania’s parks, trails, and outdoor recreation infrastructure is more than protecting our natural resources — it’s about creating good-paying jobs and supporting local communities,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “From state parks to small businesses across the Commonwealth, these strategic investments are making a real difference for communities and families across Pennsylvania.”

Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation economy has grown by 21% — adding 12,000 jobs and raising wages in the outdoor workforce by nearly 25%.

Key outdoor recreation sectors driving this growth include:

• Outdoor recreation manufacturing has grown 30% since the start of the Shapiro Administration, contributing $3 billion to Pennsylvania’s economy.

• Outdoor recreation retail grew 10% in 2024, including growth in boating and fishing (11%) and hunting, shooting, and trapping (20%).

• Outdoor recreation tourism grew 15%, driven in part by increased interest in Pennsylvania’s parks, trails, and outdoor destinations.

• Health and wellness-related outdoor businesses grew 40% in 2024, the fastest-growing segment of the industry.

Pa. calls out enrollment opportunity

The Shapiro Administration has announced a special enrollment period for Pennsylvanians impacted by a Medicare Advantage contract dispute between Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) and UnitedHealthcare (UHC) after advocating directly to the federal government to reopen enrollment and ensure Pennsylvanians are adequately covered.

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) and the Department of Aging worked with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to approve a special enrollment period that will run through April 30, allowing older Pennsylvanians to have more options to keep access to their trusted doctors.

“Impacted UHC Medicare Advantage policyholders that see LVHN providers should shop their coverage during this Special Enrollment Period,” said Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys. “Consumers should talk to a licensed insurance agent or broker or a PA MEDI counselor to evaluate whether staying in a Medicare Advantage plan or moving to an Original Medicare plan with Medigap coverage is in their best interest. It’s frustrating that insurers and provider groups can’t agree on reimbursement levels and leave Pennsylvanians just trying to maintain medical services or provider relationships holding the bag. We want all impacted UHC policyholders to know that resources are available to help them in this time of confusion.”

As of Jan. 26, the Medicare Advantage contract between UHC and LVHN ended, and over 5,400 UHC Medicare Advantage members in Pennsylvania lost in-network access to LVHN providers. The Special Enrollment Period is different from the current Medicare Advantage annual open enrollment period, which runs through March 31.

During this special enrollment period, older adults impacted by the contract dispute can get help through Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight (PA MEDI) — the Commonwealth’s Medicare counseling program. It is available through the 52 Area Agencies on Aging to help with Medicare questions. Older Pennsylvanians can receive unbiased, no-cost Medicare assistance from trained PA MEDI counselors.

“It can be challenging choosing the right health care coverage, especially when older adults have maintained the same benefits for years,” said Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich. “Our PA MEDI counselors are knowledgeable in all aspects of Medicare, with some of them being older adults and Medicare recipients themselves. Counselors can walk through the options to assist beneficiaries in making informed health insurance decisions that will best fit their needs.”

PID encourages UHC Medicare Advantage policyholders to take advantage of the Special Enrollment Period because they will have more choices, including the option to move to a traditional Medicare product and buy a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy without medical underwriting, which means they cannot be denied coverage because of pre-existing conditions.

Before April 30, affected Pennsylvanians should:

• Check if their doctors are still in their plan’s network.

• Compare other Medicare Advantage plans available in their area.

• Consider whether Original Medicare with a Medigap plan may better meet their needs.

Pennsylvanians with questions about their insurance or who wish to file a complaint can visit — pa.gov/consumer — or call 1-866-PA-COMPLAINT (1-866-722-6675).

Deaf & Hard of Hearing celebrates 40 years

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) this week celebrated the 40th anniversary of its Office for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing (ODHH) at its annual Hearing Loss Expo at the Penn Harris Hotel in Cumberland County.

The event brings together advocates, service providers, and community members, and highlights the Shapiro Administration’s continued commitment to expanding opportunity and access for Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and DeafBlind Pennsylvanians.

Supported by L&I’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), ODHH helps Pennsylvanians with hearing loss through advocacy, information, and referrals. Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2026-27 budget plan increases state funding for OVR by $1 million to expand access to services and assistive technology for individuals who are blind and to expand support services for the DeafBlind community.

“For 40 years, the Office for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing has helped Pennsylvanians access services, navigate challenges, and find support in systems that have not always been built with accessibility in mind,” said L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker. “Under Gov. Shapiro’s leadership, we are continuing to invest in the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation because access to opportunity matters. Every Pennsylvanian deserves the support to pursue independence, participate fully in their community, and build a future defined by possibility.”

Secretary Walker attended the expo on Tuesday and met with attendees, exhibitors, and ODHH staff. The two-day event featured assistive technology demonstrations, educational programming, and resource-sharing opportunities designed to support communication access, self-advocacy, independence, and community connection.

In addition to the proposed $1 million increase for OVR, Gov. Shapiro’s 2026-27 budget plan calls for:

• $18 million for vo-tech, CTE, and apprenticeship programs;

• $7 million for Schools-to-Work pathways; and

• $6.3 million for Industry Partnership grants.

Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on X @TLBillOBoyle.