This Web-based document was archived by the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library.
Minnesota Milestones 2010: Outdoor Recreation
 
 
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Indicator 60: Outdoor Recreation

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Rationale: Preserving the state's natural heritage is important not only for preserving plant and animal life and sustaining the state's economy, but also for recreation and enjoyment.
About this indicator: Per capita participation in outdoor recreation has declined. Minnesotans are less likely to obtain hunting and fishing licenses than in the past. They are also less likely to go boating. After a long period of gradual decline, attendance rates at state parks increased in 2009, possibly because state parks offer an affordable recreation opportunity for people affected by the economic downturn.
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Per capita park attendance
YearData
Angler rate per 16+ population, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Edit trend | Edit data
Hunter rate per 16+ population, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Edit trend | Edit data
Per capita park attendance, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Edit trend | Edit data
Angler rate per 16+ population Hunter rate per 16+ population Per capita park attendance
200031.1% 14.1% 1.7%
200130.6% 13.8% 1.6%
200229.9% 13.1% 1.6%
200329.6% 13.2% 1.6%
200429.4% 13% 1.6%
200529.2% 12.9% 1.6%
200629.2% 12.9% 1.6%
200729.1% 12.9% 1.6%
200828.8% 12.8% 1.6%
200929.3% 12.6% 1.7%
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Things to think about: Population shifts and generational changes appear to be responsible for much of the decline out outdoor recreation. Minnesota’s population is aging and becoming more urban, and older people and city dwellers participate less in traditional outdoor activities. The rapidly growing nonwhite and Latino populations also have lower participation rates.

In addition, younger generations appear to be participating less in outdoor activities than previous generations did at the same age.

Sources:
Local data:

Milestones is a product of the Minnesota State Demographic Center, a division of the Department of Administration