Rural Capacity Map
A new Rural Capacity Index was created to measure the capacity of local governments — staffing, resources, expertise — for implementing additional investment projects. According to the data gathered, 75% of Midwest communities have low capacity, the most of any U.S. region.
Organization
Headwaters Economics
Location
National or Global
Topic
Health
Infrastructure
Rural Communities
Sustainability
Workforce
Activity
Bicycling
Birding/Wildlife viewing
Camping
Climbing
Equestrian
Fishing
Hiking/Running
Hunting
Motorized sports (boat, snowmobile, ATV, etc.)
Paddling
Winter sports (downhill, Nordic, tube, snowshoe, snowmobile)
Related Resources
2024 National Park Service
National Park Service Visitor Spending Effects
This interactive tool displays results from the Visitor Spending Effects report series. Economic contributions of National Park Service visitor spending are displayed at the national, state, and local levels.
2022 Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation
Wisconsin Outdoor Industry's 2022 Economic Impact
A 2022 economic impact infographic in Wisconsin's Outdoor Industry. Data from the Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account of the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis found that the outdoor industry contributed $9.8 billion to the state's GDP.
2026 Wisconsin Climbers Association
The Economic Impact of Rock Climbing at Devil's Lake State Park
A 2026 economic impact analysis of rock climbing at Devil's Lake State Park.
Explore the Trends Shaping Outdoor Recreation
Outdoor Industry Association: 2025 Outdoor Participation Trends Report
Bureau of Economic Analysis: 2024 Economic Statistics for Wisconsin
Adventure Travel Trade Association: Travel Market Sizing and the New Adventure Traveler
KOA: 2025 Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report
American Sportfishing Association: Economic Contributions of Recreational Fishing
Measure What Matters
