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Outdoor Recreation as a Sustainable Export Industry: A Case Study of the Boundary Waters Wilderness
In the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), conservation management and high visitation leads to a substantial regional economic impact. Region visitors were estimated to have spent more than $56 million in the three counties surrounding the BWCAW counties in 2016. The total economic output was $78 million and 1,100 full- and part-time jobs.
Citation
Hjerpe, E.E. 2018. Outdoor recreation as a sustainable export industry: A case study of the Boundary Waters Wilderness. Ecological Economics 146(2018): 60-68.
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The Economic Impact of the Huron River
In southeastern Michigan, the Huron River Trail benefits the community through spending at local businesses, higher property values along the river, and recreational enjoyment. The authors also measure benefits from biological diversity, wetland flood reduction, and aesthetic values but these are connected to the river, not just the trail.
Citation
Isley, P., C. Glupker, E. Nordman, J. Cowie, H. LaMay. 2017. The Economic Impact of the Huron River. Allendale, MI: Seidman Research Office, Grand Valley State University.
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Using data derived from cellular phone locations to estimate visitation to natural areas: An application to water recreation in New England, USA
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.
Citation
Merrill, N.H., Atkinson, S.F., Mulvaney, K.K., Mazzotta, M.J. and Bousquin, J. 2020. Using data derived from cellular phone locations to estimate visitation to natural areas: An application to water recreation in New England, USA. PLoS ONE 15(4): e0231863.
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Economic Impact of the Proposed Run of River Whitewater Park in Skowhegan Maine
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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…
Citation
O’Hara, F., Young, K. and Cannon, K. 2016. Economic Impact of the Proposed Run of River Whitewater Park in Skowhegan, Maine. Skowhegan, ME: The Town of Skowhegan.
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2012 Pennsylvania Recreational Water Trails Economic Impact Study A Four-Trail Case Study
Water trails in Pennsylvania are popular with resident anglers and paddlers, as are shoreline activities like picnicking and wildlife viewing. A sample of four of the state’s 21 water trails were associated with 14,000 visitor days over a six-week period in late summer, and $537,000 in spending.
Citation
ICF Macro, Inc. 2012 Pennsylvania Recreational Water Trails Economic Impact Study A Four-Trail Case Study. Harrisburg, PA: Pennsylvania Legislative Budget and Finance Committee, 2012
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Spearhead Trails Implementation Plan, Vol. II Economic Impact Assessment
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This study assesses the potential impact of a region-wide trail destination for multiple user groups on private, primarily corporate-owned land in southwest Virginia. It found that developing a destination-quality trail system requires region-wide coordination, both in trail construction and linking, as well as in providing supporting infrastructure for tourists and marketing to potential visitors outside…
Citation
Sustainable Development Consulting International. 2012. Spearhead Trails Implementation Plan, Vol. II: Economic Impact Assessment. Southwest Virginia Regional Recreation Authority.
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The Economic Impact of the Proposed Chattahoochee Valley Blueway Project
This study estimated the economic impacts of the proposed Chattahoochee Valley Blueway paddling trail that flows through parts of Georgia and Alabama. Using an online survey, the author estimated expenditures and potential visitors over four years, assuming marketing will increase the customer base to include counties within a two-hour drive after two years, counties within…
Citation
Blair, B.F. 2012. The economic impact of the proposed Chattahoochee Valley Blueway project. Columbus, GA: Butler Center for Business and Economic Research, Columbus State University.
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Evaluating the Economic Benefits and Future Opportunities of the Maine Island Trail Association
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…
Citation
Glassman, J. and V. Rao. 2011. “Evaluating the Economic Benefits and Future Opportunities of the Maine Island Trail Association.” Discussion Paper 2011-28. Cambridge, MA: Harvard Environmental Economics Program.
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What is the best dose of nature and green exercise for improving mental health? A multi-study analysis.
Combining data from 10 U.K. studies, researchers demonstrated statistically significant improvements in self-esteem and mood after participants exercised outside in a natural setting. Although all cohorts and types of settings experienced improvements, the greatest gains are visible after short duration, light exercise, and among the mentally ill.
Citation
Barton, J., and J. Pretty. 2010. “What is the best dose of nature and green exercise for improving mental health? A multi-study analysis.” Environmental Science and Technology 44(10): 3947-3955.
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The Northern Forest Canoe Trail: Economic Impacts and Implications for Sustainable Community Development
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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.
Citation
Pollock, N., L. Chase, C. Ginger, and J. Kolodinsky. 2007. The Northern Forest Canoe Trail: Economic Impacts and Implications for Sustainable Community Development. Burlington, VT: University of Vermont Tourism Data Center.
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The Waterway at New River State Park: An Assessment of User Demographics, Preferences, and Economics
This study found that the water trail along the New River Trail in western Virginia is used frequently by locals and non-locals, and is a relatively large source of revenue for local businesses. The trail and communities near the trail currently provide the amenities that trail users find most important, although there may be unmet…
Citation
Bowker, J., J. Bergstrom, and J. Gill. 2004. The Waterway at New River State Park: An Assessment of User Demographics, Preferences, and Economics. Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.
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Case Studies of Water Trail Impacts on Rural Communities
This study found that across three communities in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Carolina, water trails have created a destination for non-local paddlers interested in multi-day trips. Communities are able to capture this economic opportunity only if businesses are immediately on the water or easily accessed via trail or shuttle, and if there are businesses that…
Citation
Johnson, L. 2002. Case Studies of Water Trail Impacts on Rural Communities (Unpublished Master’s Thesis). University of Oregon.
Library of Trails Benefits
This Trails Benefits Library is a collection of studies on the positive impacts of trails on businesses, public health, and quality of life. Use this form to search by type of benefit, use, year, and region.