In a recent field hearing in Denver, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper underscored the significant challenges facing Colorado’s outdoor recreation industry due to the ongoing tariff issues stemming from the Trump administration.
The hearing, entitled “Beyond the Trailhead: Supporting Outdoor Recreation in an Uncertain Economy,” drew attention to the chaotic tariff landscape that is putting strain on small businesses and local economies, particularly affecting rural areas like Chaffee County.
Hickenlooper, who chairs the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, expressed deep concerns about the possible long-lasting impacts of these tariffs on workers and local enterprises.
“We’re sustaining losses here that are needless, and they’re going to be long-lasting, and they affect every aspect of our country,” he remarked.
The outdoor recreation industry, which contributes more than $1 trillion annually across the United States, holds particular significance in Colorado.
Notably, Colorado’s outdoor recreation sector accounted for $13.9 billion in value-added GDP and supported around 130,000 direct jobs as of 2022.
For many small businesses in the state, the outdoor industry is not just a staple; it’s a lifeline, especially in places heavily reliant on tourism and outdoor activities.
Hickenlooper’s remarks were echoed by several witnesses from Colorado outdoor recreation businesses who shared their experiences regarding the tariffs and their adverse effects on operations.
Among them was Travis Campbell, the owner and CEO of Eagle Creek, an adventure travel gear company.
He reflected on the toll the tariffs have taken, stating, “In our 50th year of operations, we could be possibly put out of business through these ill-conceived tariff plans.”
Campbell explained the drastic measures his company took to stay afloat, including freezing salary increases, halting new hires, and implementing widespread spending cuts.
Mike Mojica, founder of Outdoor Element, which specializes in adventure gear, shared a similar story of despair.
He noted, “We just came off our best year ever. And then, a couple months ago happened. Overnight, tariffs on our core products jumped to 145 percent.”
Mojica described the immediate impact, revealing that he had to pause production, instruct factories to hold their goods, and ultimately lay off team members while reducing hours for others.
Trent Bush, founder and co-CEO of ARTILECT Studio, also voiced his frustrations with the situation.
“I held on to producing in the U.S. as long as I possibly could. And I feel I’ve done everything I was asked to do since, including moving production out of China six years ago,” he stated.
Bush lamented that despite his efforts to comply with policy shifts, the high tariffs might still force his business to close.
“This just isn’t the American dream I’ve believed in, and I’ve tried so hard over all those years to achieve,” he added, reflecting a sentiment likely shared by many small business owners in the industry.
The concerns raised during the hearing reverberate here in Chaffee County, which boasts a vibrant outdoor recreation scene.
Local businesses such as Tailhead in Buena Vista, Bad Fish, Oveja Negra, and Salida Sports in Salida are all part of this ecosystem struggling against the backdrop of economic uncertainty.
As the summer outdoor season approaches, highlighted by events like Paddlefest in Buena Vista and the FIBArk competition, the local economy is anxiously watching how these ongoing tariff challenges unfold.
With these events typically drawing competitors and visitors from around the world, the uncertainty stemming from tariffs poses a potentially dire threat to participation and revenue.
In conclusion, the impact of tariffs is not just a national concern; it is felt deeply in local communities like Chaffee County, where the outdoor recreation industry holds enormous economic significance.
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