Appalachian State University Professor of Economics Dr. Ash Morgan was recently featured in a WFAE-FM show, Charlotte Talks With Mike Collins, about the economic impact of North Carolina’s outdoor recreation industry. Morgan and Collins, along with Greg Batts, district biologist at NC Wildlife Resources Commission, and Dr. Keith Cradle, Ph.D., founder of Camping With Cradle, discussed how North Carolina's outdoor recreation economy is "heating up."
As summer approaches, we explore the surging impact of North Carolina’s outdoor recreation industry. In 2012, the industry created $9.1 billion in value added for the state. Now, the latest data shows outdoor recreation contributes $17.8 billion to the state's economy, bouncing back from pre-pandemic levels and continuing to see record growth.
App State’s Center for Economics Research and Policy Analysis (CERPA)
Morgan directs App State's Center for Economic Research & Policy Analysis (CERPA), housed in the Walker College of Business. CERPA works to improve policy and decision-making by sharing research on current economic and policy issues. The center maintains research programs in the specific areas of economic development, environment and energy, and experimental economics.
Listen to the Conversation
Listen to the interview on wfae.org: NC’s outdoor recreation economy heats up, plus tips on exploring outside and staying safe this summer.
About Research in the Walker College of Business
Faculty in App State's Walker College of Business produce and disseminate extensive research through both academic and professional communities. From 2021-25, faculty published 458 peer-reviewed academic journal articles, 63 conference proceedings, and made 475 conference and professional presentations. In total, faculty have produced 1,078 intellectual contributions in the last five years. Approximately 502 intellectual contributions were made in basic or discovery research, 453 in applied or integrative research, and 123 contributions in teaching and learning research. The college encourages research collaboration across departments, campus and other institutions, and promotes student involvement in faculty-led research. Learn more at https://business.appstate.edu/research.
A group of kayakers travel on the South Fork River.
WFAE