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Pollock, Noah

Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources

2007

M.S.

Recreation and tourism are increasingly promoted as a means of diversifying economies in the Northern Forest, yet few studies have quantified how visitors' recreational activities affect local businesses. This research examines the economic impact of paddler recreation along the waterways of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT), a 740-mile route traversing New York, Vermont, Quebec, New Hampshire, and Maine. The Northern Forest Canoe Trail association has been working with communities to develop campsites, signage, and portage trails, as well as to promote the trail in the media. This project helps communities better understand the potential economic impacts of these endeavors. The objectives of this research are to assess the group and trip characteristics of paddlers recreating on Northern Forest Canoe Trail waterways, to quantify the economic impact of paddlers in regional communities, to identify potential social and environmental impacts, and to highlight current success stories and challenges for businesses and communities along the NFCT. Use levels were monitored in six regions utilizing registration kiosks at public boat launches and with staff assistance at campgrounds, checkpoints, and lodging establishments. Visitor demographics, trip characteristics, and expenditure data were collected at registration kiosks, and through in-person and mail surveys. 1,024 paddler surveys were completed. MGM2, an input-output model developed by the National Park Service, was used to model direct and indirect impacts. The spatial extent of impacts was mapped using ArcGIS software. Discussions with regional land managers and business owners helped identify potential social and environmental concerns, success stories, and challenges for communities seeking to attract new paddlers to the area.
Results indicate that approximately 90,000 visitors paddled the waterways in the six study regions. Their spending in local communities created $12 million in total economic impacts and supported about 280 jobs. The median paddler group spent $215 per trip, primarily at lodging establishments, restaurants, grocery stores, and service stations. Nonlocals spent an average of $414-498, or $46 per person per day. However, use levels, types of users, average expenditures, and resulting economic impacts vary significantly between regions. The analysis suggests trip lengths, lodging types, group size, travel distances, and use of outfitters drive economic impacts. Communities with developed tourism infrastructure situated close to well-traveled waterways appear most successful at capturing visitor dollars. While increases in paddler recreation raise several social and environmental concerns, land managers and business owners are supportive of the NFCT where proactive management and paddler educational efforts are in place. The results of this study suggest that the Northern Forest Canoe Trail has potential as a tool for diversifying local economies. As economic impacts are modest within the regional economies, rather than creating new markets, the trail will better benefit existing businesses by presenting them with an opportunity to provide additional food, lodging, and outfitting services to paddlers drawn to the area.