OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma lawmakers are trying to emphasize the importance public lands play in the state’s economy with state residents and out-of-state guests taking advantage of recreational activities.
The state House and Senate adopted resolutions last week that express key roles public lands have with Oklahoma’s economy, heritage and quality of life. State and federally owned public land comprises more than 6% of the land in the state.
State Sen. Jessica Garvin (R-Duncan) said she recently heard a speech from Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell who centered his remarks about the importance of Oklahoma tourism.
“We need to promote how incredible we are as a state not only for Oklahomans but also to people from other states,” she said. “We don’t want our tourism to die because of COVID. We want to impress on people to spend their money in Oklahoma.”
Garvin specifically mentioned the Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum in her hometown, the historical museums at Fort Sill and other important tourism destinations in Oklahoma.
“This is an opportunity to press forward with our state parks,” the lawmaker said. “It’s a great time in Oklahoma. We’re coming out of the pandemic with light at the end of the tunnel. We tell people to shop local all the time and that includes traveling around the state.”
State Rep. John Talley, R-Stillwater, authored the resolution with Sen. Brenda Stanley carrying the resolution on the Senate side.
Usage of public lands increased more than 100% in 2020, according to a prepared statement from Talley.
“Oklahoma’s public lands have long been a valuable part of the lives of Oklahomans,” Talley said. “Our public lands not only provide an avenue for recreational activities, but also make up a good chunk of our economy. It’s important that we preserve these lands for future generations to enjoy.”
Public lands provide habitats for Oklahoma’s diverse wildlife, including threatened and endangered species. The lands also provide opportunities for hunting, fishing, kayaking, riding all-terrain vehicles, wildlife viewing, photography, backpacking, cycling, sightseeing and numerous other outdoor recreational activities for Oklahomans of every economic class.
According to a study conducted by the Outdoor Industry Association, outdoor recreation is a major economic driver in Oklahoma, generating an estimated $10.6 billion in consumer spending and supporting more than 97,000 jobs in the state.
Aside from public lands, some of the top tourist attractions in Oklahoma are U.S. Highway 66, which stretches from Chicago to the West Coast, the Philbrook Museum of Art, Oklahoma City Zoo, Museum of the Great Plains in Lawton, Oklahoma City National Memorial, Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks, Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve, Cherokee Heritage Center, Myriad Botanical Gardens and the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.