Higher Ground: How The Outdoor Recreation Industry Can Save The World

by Luis Benítez

Our world is in crisis. Democracy is fraying in the United States and Europe as polarized populaces dig in for winner-take-all politics. People are suffering and an environmental crisis is looming over us. Every day, we face severe news reports of the state of climate change. All the while our current Supreme Court is rolling back clean air standards as the former administration did their best to dismantle our clean water laws, our endangered species laws, and weaken protections on our treasured public lands. Our public lands are our American birthright, the places we go for relief from modern society and to know ourselves better. They are also the economic basis for one of our nation's strongest economic pillars, the outdoor recreation industry. Outdoor recreation is becoming a recognized force in the United States. As an economic sector, outdoor recreation spans from New Hampshire ski resorts to Yellowstone's Old Faithful Inn, from the fishing guides plying the Florida Keys for tarpon to gear manufacturers like the North Face. The sector employs 4.5 million people and is measured by the Bureau of Economic Analysis at $646 billion in annual economic impact. That is almost larger than the auto industry ($340 billion) and the pharmaceutical industry ($331 billion) combined. Through this book, my story, you will come to understand why our industry is so much more than fun equipment and amazing experiences. You will see that it is possible for the one remaining bipartisan economy in the United States to save the world.

Genres: Nonfiction

300 pages, Hardcover

Published May 28, 2024

Reviews

[Anneliese · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like I am the target audience for this book. I work at the intersection of policy and conservation and care deeply about outdoor recreation. Luis is a friend and I enjoyed learning more about his journey. Next step, restarting the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation and ensuring all recreations contribute to the stewardship and expansion of public lands. It's past time to pass the backpack tax y'all. I'm in. Thank you Luis for your effort to help this industry grow up and make a positive impact for the planet and its people.

[Katelyn Singer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really interesting and I enjoyed it a lot. I did think the author spoke with a sense of ego, but overall if you can see past that, 5/5.

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

For me this book a labor to read, although extremely informative re creating the Colorado Office of Outdoor Recreation, then bringing the concept and creating similar offices in I think 19 other states. Also, that I live in the Vail Valley the section documenting Luis Benítez''s employment with Vail Resorts during the company's transition from a locally owned company to ownership by NY Investors who took it public and the transformation of the company to moving headquarters to acquiring multiple ski areas I plowed through. Luis's accomplishments are meaningful and significant.

[Matt Nunez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luis does a tremendous job of interweaving his (unbelievable) professional journey and the importance of the outdoor recreation in America. I’m proud to continue the work he started and will be recommending this to many of my colleagues!