Outdoor recreation is at the heart of Texas culture and a driving force in our state’s economy. From the sprawling Hill Country to the piney woods of East Texas, outdoor activities attract millions of visitors annually, supporting businesses and creating unforgettable memories. But as demand grows, so do the challenges that threaten the future of outdoor recreation in our great state.

Infrastructure, policy hurdles, land access, and natural disasters all play a role in shaping the opportunities—and obstacles—for the industry. For outdoor recreation businesses in Texas, understanding and addressing these issues is critical to ensuring that our trails, parks, and waterways remain open and thriving for generations to come.

Let’s take a deeper look at these challenges and explore ways the Texas outdoor community can lead the way in solutions.

1. Aging Infrastructure: A Call for Investment

Texas boasts some of the most iconic outdoor spaces in the country. From Big Bend National Park to local hiking trails in Austin, these destinations are the backbone of the outdoor recreation economy. However, many facilities across the state—trailheads, campsites, and restrooms—are outdated and struggling to keep up with demand.

Outdated infrastructure impacts visitor experiences and discourages repeat visits, directly affecting businesses reliant on tourism. When visitors are faced with deteriorating roads, overcrowded facilities, or a lack of maintenance, they’re less likely to return or recommend these destinations.

The Fix:

- Advocate for state and federal funding to modernize facilities.

- Support initiatives like the “Great American Outdoors Act,” which allocates resources for maintenance projects.

- Partner with local governments to ensure sustainable upgrades that serve both businesses and visitors.

Investing in infrastructure isn’t just about fixing what’s broken; it’s about building a better foundation for the future.

2. Policy and Bureaucracy: Clearing the Path

Texas businesses often encounter bureaucratic red tape when it comes to land and water management. Antiquated policies can delay permits for events, restrict access to public lands, or impose unnecessary barriers on small businesses.

For outdoor recreation professionals, time is money—and delays mean missed opportunities. Policies that make it harder to operate within Texas’s natural landscapes hinder innovation and limit growth across the industry.

The Fix:

- Join efforts to advocate for streamlined permitting processes.

- Support policy changes that balance conservation with business access, such as the Explore Act.

- Build relationships with local lawmakers to ensure outdoor recreation remains a priority.

When businesses, policymakers, and advocacy groups work together, we can create a regulatory environment that supports growth without compromising the natural beauty that defines Texas.

3. Land Access: Keeping Texas Open

Urban expansion and private development pose unique challenges in Texas, where land ownership is predominantly private. Access to trails, rivers, and hunting grounds can quickly disappear as land is sold or developed, leaving fewer opportunities for recreation businesses to thrive.

Moreover, disputes over land use and public access rights can pit outdoor enthusiasts against landowners, creating tension in a state that prides itself on rugged independence and land stewardship.

The Fix:

- Collaborate with private landowners to create mutually beneficial access agreements.

- Explore conservation easements that protect land while allowing for recreational use.

- Support efforts to expand state parks and public lands, ensuring there’s space for everyone.

Keeping Texas open for adventure requires creative solutions and a commitment to collaboration between businesses, communities, and private landowners.

4. Natural Disasters: Preparing for the Unexpected

Wildfires, hurricanes, and droughts are a fact of life in Texas. These natural disasters take a heavy toll on the outdoor recreation industry, damaging facilities, deterring visitors, and disrupting local economies.

Recovery is often slow and expensive, leaving businesses to shoulder the burden. Without preparation, even a single storm season can set back years of progress.

The Fix:

- Invest in disaster-resilient infrastructure, such as fireproofing trails and storm-resistant shelters.

- Develop emergency preparedness plans tailored to specific locations.

- Build partnerships with local governments and organizations to coordinate disaster response and recovery efforts.

By planning ahead, Texas businesses can reduce the impact of natural disasters and bounce back faster when challenges arise.

Why This Matters

Outdoor recreation isn’t just about fun—it’s a vital part of Texas’s economy, contributing $55.8 billion annually and supporting countless jobs. Whether you run a kayaking outfitter on the Guadalupe River or manage a hiking trail in Palo Duro Canyon, the challenges facing our industry affect us all.

But there’s good news: Texas has a proud tradition of tackling tough problems with grit and innovation. By working together, businesses, policymakers, and local communities can turn these challenges into opportunities.

Here are three steps you can take today to make a difference:

1. Advocate for policies that support outdoor recreation.

2. Invest in infrastructure improvements at the local level.

3. Share your insights and solutions with the TxORA community to help others learn from your experiences.

Together, we can ensure that Texas remains the ultimate destination for outdoor adventure.

Let’s Lead the Way

The Texas Outdoor Recreation Association (TxORA) is here to support businesses navigating these challenges. By joining forces, we can protect the landscapes we love and the livelihoods they support.

What challenges are you seeing in your corner of the industry? Let us know in the comments, or reach out to TxORA to share your story.

Together, we’ll keep Texas wild, open, and thriving.

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