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Oregon

  • Applying Novel Visitation Models using Diverse Social Media to Understand Recreation Change after Wildfire and Site Closure

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    This study analyzes how visitation in the Columbia River Gorge of Oregon and Washington changed as a result of the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire. A visitation model is constructed by incorporating data from social media to measure visitation patterns and used to look for a substitution effect on nearby recreation sites after the fire. Read more

  • Oregon Snowmobiler Participation and Priorities

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    Across Oregon, snowmobilers account for approximately 353,000 user days per year and $15 million in spending associated with snowmobile trips. Respondents are most concerned about the availability of backcountry, off-trail riding opportunities and sustaining access to existing riding areas. Read more

  • Outdoor Recreation Scarcity and Abundance in Western Oregon: A Spatial Analysis

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    Across western Oregon, there is substantial variation in how well the supply of hiking, mountain biking, and off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails meets demand for these trails by local users. Although some communities have many miles of trails, such as the 146 miles of mountain biking trails within 60 minutes of Portland, the supply of trails… Read more

  • Oregon Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Participation and Priorities

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    Across Oregon, off-highway vehicle (OHV) riders account for approximately 3.1 million days of riding per year and nearly $100 million in spending. Sixty percent of respondents support increasing the OHV registration fee from $10 to $15, and more than half identify the maintenance of existing trails as the most important funding priority. Read more

  • Adapting To the New Economy: The Impacts of Mountain Bike Tourism in Oakridge, Oregon

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    Mountain biking in Oakridge, Oregon contributes substantial economic activity to a small, isolated community deeply affected by the loss of timber jobs. Although the recent rapid growth in the area’s popularity has some residents concerned about cultural change, user conflicts, and environmental concerns, the author is confident these challenges can be overcome. Read more

  • Oregon Non-Motorized Trail Participation and Priorities

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    Non-motorized trail users in Oregon account for 162.3 million user days per year, and the vast majority of these days are spent walking or hiking. While these recreation days are associated with substantial expenditures, the amount spent per person per day and the total economic impact vary greatly within the state. Read more

  • Project Brief: The Economic Impact of Mountain Bicycle Events in Oregon

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    This study found that mountain biking events in Oregon are popular, with a large proportion of overnight visitors who stay for several nights. While these events can generate a large spending infusion for local businesses, particularly in small communities, it is typically short-lived unless the event adds to visitation throughout the season. Read more

  • Columbia River Gorge Bicycle Recreation: Economic Impact Forecast for the Communities along the Historic Columbia River Highway

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    This study found that road cycling and mountain biking are valuable sources of income for communities close to the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail. According to survey results, a proposed trail improvement that would increase the uninterrupted length of the trail and improve rider safety could significantly increase economic impact by increasing the trail’s… Read more

  • The Economic Significance of Bicycle-Related Travel in Oregon: Detailed State and Travel Region Estimates, 2012

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    This study found that bicycle-related tourism in Oregon attracts many visitors, both from within and outside the state, to participate in a range of activities. While the impacts of visitor spending are relatively small relative to the state’s economy, it likely has a large effect in smaller towns, especially when associated with large events. Read more

  • Estimating the Benefits and Costs to Mountain Bikers of Changes in Trail Characteristics, Access Fees, and Site Closures: Choice Experiments and Benefits Transfer

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    This study found that all mountain bikers, from casual to the most avid, are most likely to ride on trails without hikers or equestrians, and are willing to pay a fee to ride on these trails. While mountain bikers are more likely to use singletrack trails, only the most avid are willing to pay a… Read more

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