Theo Wells-Spackman: A Report for America Corps Member
VTDigger's reporter, Theo Wells-Spackman, delves into Vermont's outdoor economy, its challenges, and its potential for growth.
Vermont's Outdoor Economy: A Tapestry of Resilience and Change
Vermont’s outdoor economy has been an essential part of the state's financial landscape, contributing approximately $2.2 billion in 2024. However, recent federal policies have brought significant shifts and uncertainties, affecting businesses from ski resorts to bike shops and inns.
Vermont's commerce, once powered by its forest industries, is now undergoing a metamorphosis, driven by a new wave of outdoor recreation. Sarah Waring, Northern Border Regional Commission, emphasizes the need for a “new and different forest economy”.
Tariffs and Their Impact
The summer of 2024 saw a significant blow to Vermont's forestry industry when a New York papermill ceased accepting Vermont pulpwood. Moreover, fluctuating federal tariff policies have wreaked havoc on established industries like Orvis, a 170-year-old Vermont outfitter.
“The economic impact was huge... but what was also really, really hard was the uncertainty,” said Orvis President, Simon Perkins.
A Shifting Landscape
Vermont's tourism economy experienced a 2% dip in 2025, largely attributed to tensions with Canada. However, Perkins expresses optimism about the state's outdoor economy potential.
“Now that we’re starting to measure (the outdoor economy), I think maybe it will open our eyes up to what we actually have that we can tap into,” Perkins noted.
Investing in the Future
Heather Pelham, Vermont's Commissioner of Tourism and Marketing, agrees that growth is feasible. She suggests that increased tourism could bring much-needed tax revenue to rural communities.
Vermont already offers grant programs to support outdoor recreation businesses through initiatives like the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative. With the right investments and policies, the outdoor economy could become a cornerstone of Vermont's prosperity.