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New England

  • Using data derived from cellular phone locations to estimate visitation to natural areas: An application to water recreation in New England, USA

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    This study compares cell phone location data to onsite observations at 577 water access areas in New England and Massachusetts. A statistical model was built to estimate daily visitation with cell data for the summer months of 2017. The model accurately predicted visitation to the 577 water-access areas. Read more

  • Economic Impact of the Proposed Run of River Whitewater Park in Skowhegan Maine

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    The study estimates the impact of the proposed Run of River Whitewater Park in Skowhegan, Maine. The park would include infrastructure to support water sports and additional trails to encourage hiking, walking, and cross-country skiing. Run of River was estimated to generate a direct economic impact of nearly $6 million in spending in its first… Read more

  • Estimating Tourism Expenditures for the Burlington Waterfront Path and the Island Line Trail

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    In Burlington, Vermont, a lakefront trail is visited mostly by locals, who use it for both recreation and transportation. Closest to downtown Burlington, non-locals use the trail as much as locals and non-local day trips account for the greatest spending in the community. Read more

  • The Northern Forest Canoe Trail: Economic Impacts and Implications for Sustainable Community Development

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    Across New York, Vermont, Quebec, New Hampshire, and Maine, the 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT) draws 90,000 users annually. Although most users visit areas with other attractions and established tourist infrastructure like hotels and restaurants, the smaller number of visitors to remote parts of the trail bring valuable outside spending. Read more

  • Evaluating the Economic Benefits and Future Opportunities of the Maine Island Trail Association

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    Along the coast, the Maine Island Trail connects 183 islands along 375 miles of coastline, attracting 11,385 users per year who bring $553,000 in new spending to the area. This is an excellent example of an economic impact study that carefully identifies new spending that would not have occurred without the trail, as opposed to… Read more

  • Economic Impact of Bicycling and Walking in Vermont

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    This study found that cycling and pedestrian activities in Vermont generate substantial state-wide economic impact through the construction and maintenance of trails, businesses serving cyclists and pedestrians, and events. Although not quantified in this study, trails also provide benefits to residents through avoided transportation costs for consumers (e.g., gasoline and vehicle maintenance), avoided transportation costs… Read more

  • Bicycle Tourism in Maine: Economic Impacts and Marketing Recommendations

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    This study found that bicycling tourism in Maine is associated with modest spending, largely because nearly all bicycle tourists in the state are day users. Developing long-distance rail-trails and multi-day self-guided tour routes could help increase the number of cycling tourists and increase the economic impact from cycling, particularly in rural communities. Read more

  • The Economic Impact of Spending by Snowmobilers on New Hampshire’s Economy

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    This study found that snowmobilers in New Hampshire spend $203 million per year in the state, and spend more per day than other travelers. However, winter sports like alpine and Nordic skiing have a greater proportion of spending from out-of-state residents, generating greater economic impact state-wide. Read more

  • An Economic Evaluation of Snowmobiling in Maine

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    This study found that snowmobilers in Maine generate large annual expenditures, and increased expenditures observed over a two-year period are due largely to a dramatic increase in non-resident snowmobilers. This growth is attributed to more active state- and local-level promotion as well as a good snow year in Maine relative to other regions. Read more

  • Potential Economic Impact of Outdoor Recreation in the Barre Town Forest, Vermont

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    This study found that expanding an existing trail system with broad regional draw in Barre, Vermont could significantly increase visitor use and spending. Using a range of projected growth rates, the authors predict that the local economy could see relatively small but meaningful gains in new spending and employment. Read more

  • Quequechan River Rail Trail Health Impact Assessment

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    This study found that extending a rail-trail from the outskirts of Fall River, Massachusetts into the city center is likely to generate a range of benefits for the community, including increased physical activity, fewer pedestrian and cyclist crashes with motor vehicles, increased business activity and improved working environment, and less air pollution. This study is… Read more

  • Correlates of Recreational and Transportation Physical Activity Among Adults in a New England Community

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    This study found that residents who live closer to rail-trails in Arlington, Massachusetts got an hour more exercise for transportation purposes each week. Proximity to the trails had no effect on the amount of exercise for recreation, suggesting the neighborhood trails in this community are mainly used for transportation purposes. Read more

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