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SACRAMENTO, Calif. - A new report by the Outdoor Industry Association says the state of California generates more then $85 billion and 732,000 jobs in the outdoor recreation industry.
The Outdoor Industry Association says the industry, which includes things like hiking, biking, fishing and skiing, contribute more to consumer spending than both household utilities and gasoline sectors combined each year.
The report says that Big Sur right here on the Central Coast, along with Yosemite National Park and Redwood national and state parks make California the biggest contributor to the nation's outdoor recreation.
It all comes as the state struggles to improve its economy and its image after the 2008 financial crisis.
Nation-wide, the industry created $646 billion while giving about $40 billion to frederal, state and local tax revenues. That's more than Americans spend on household utilites, gasoline, pharmaceuticals and motor vehicles.
After California, the state with the most outdoor recreation revenue is Florida, making $38.3 billion each year.
New York is third, with $33.8 billion and Texas is fourth, raking in $28.7 billion.
