PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • March 11, 2026
Maine’s outdoor recreation economy generated $3.9 billion in 2024 and is growing faster than industry leaders anticipated. Federal data released this month shows the sector added 4% to the state’s gross domestic product that year, ranking Maine sixth in the nation. Jenny Kordick, executive director of Maine Outdoor Brands, said Tuesday. “We’re facing some headwinds. We have inflation, there’s been tariffs, there’s a lot of consumer uncertainty right now. To see just continued growth in the sector is really encouraging.” The most lucrative activities in Maine in 2024 were boating and fishing, RVing and snow activities, according to the federal data. The largest growth occurred in hunting, shooting and trapping, which generated $64 million that year — a 37% increase from the previous year. Guided tours and outfitted travel were also up 17% and contributed $114 million.