Arizona’s waterways, enjoyed by over 1.5 million residents each year, contribute $13.5 billion to the state’s economy and support 114,000 jobs, according to a report released by Audubon Arizona. The study was completed with guidance from business, civic, governmental, outdoor recreation, conservation and tourism representatives and conducted by economics research firm Southwick Associates.

Water-based outdoor recreation as an industry ranks above mining and golf in terms of total economic output to the state. The industry contributes $7.1 billion to Arizona’s GDP, provides $4.5 billion in household income and generates $1.8 billion in tax revenues.

The rivers, lakes and streams of Arizona are an economic powerhouse—these results prove that. The fate of birds and people are deeply connected. Our waterways need to be protected, not only for the vital bird, fish and wildlife habitat they provide, but also to sustain Arizona’s economy today and into the future.

In order to conserve and protect the waterways we care about, we’re making the economic case for why their demise—due to drought, diversions, and a changing climate—would be so devastating for Arizona.

Click here to learn more, view the executive summary, and see the data by county, or dive into the report with this recorded webinar from Audubon Arizona Policy Manager, Haley Paul.

Check out the links below for local media about the report

• Study: Arizona Water Recreation Creates $13.5 Billion Boost. Arizona Highways. April, 2019.
• Water-based recreation boosts Arizona economy more than mining, golf, study says. Brandon Brown, Phoenix Business Journal. April, 2019.
• Apache County waterways a $442 million industry. White Mountain Independent. April, 2019.
• Outdoor Recreation Along Arizona’s Waterways is a $13.5 Billion Industry, Ranked Higher than Golf and Mining, New Report Says. Joey Kahn, National Audubon Society. April, 2019.
• Report: Water-related outdoor recreation adds $3 billion in Yavapai, Coconino counties. Friends of the Verde River, Camp Verde Bugle. April, 2019.
• Study underscores the importance of outdoor recreation in Arizona. Brandon Messick, Today's News-Herald. April, 2019.
• Study says water-related recreation has big impact. Nogales International. April, 2019.
• Yuma waterways draw 92K each year, support 3K jobs. Yuma Sun. April, 2019.
• Economic impact of outdoor recreation. Interview: Haley Paul, Arizona Horizon. April, 2019.
• Outdoor recreation along Arizona’s waterways a $13.5 billion industry, new report says. Apache Junction Independent. April, 2019.
• Report: Arizona's Rivers, Lakes And Streams Worth $13.5 Billion To Economy. Mark Brodie, 91.5 KJZZ. April, 2019.
• Audubon study affirms importance of rivers to economy. Shar Porier, Herald/Review Media. April, 2019.
• Lakes and streams gush money in Gila County. Peter Aleshire, Payson Roundup. April, 2019.
• Agriculture, cattle, outdoor recreation prepare for water cutbacks. Holly Bernstein, Arizona Capitol Times. April, 2019.