When we hear about economic benefits of trails, the focus is usually on the impact that visitor spending brings. But trails are first and foremost local resources, often constructed and maintained with no small amount of local commitment and effort. So how can we talk about the value of trails in a way that focuses on local community benefits? In this webinar, Michele Archie, principal of The Harbinger Consultancy, reviews what studies tell us about how trails benefit communities and outlines some simple, practical ways you can demonstrate this for your own trails.Presentation is followed by discussion and Q&A.
Michele Archie is principal of The Harbinger Consultancy, nationally known for its integrated approach to rural community and economic development. For 30 years, Michele has helped conservation, heritage and economic development organizations collaborate with small towns and rural communities, and helped these communities work together regionally, often using economic analysis to fuel new approaches to sustainable growth. She co-chairs the National Geotourism Council, an organization dedicated to place-sustaining tourism.
Helpful Links:
Full Presentation PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1h4hzwvLIdngfDvQ5UeYhKUeiYVsgngQc/view?usp=sharing
The Harbinger Consultancy: https://www.harbingerconsult.com/
Recreation Counties Attract New Residents and Higher Incomes Headwaters Economics 2019: https://headwaterseconomics.org/economic-development/trends-performance/recreation-counties-attract/
Montana Movers Study 2021 Report. Tara Mastel et al, Montana State University: https://www.msuextension.org/communitydevelopment/montanamovers.html
Measuring Trail Benefits: Quality of Life, Headwaters Economics, 2016: http://headwaterseconomics.org/wp-content/uploads/trails-library-quality-of-life-overview.pdf
University of Kansas Community Tool Box: https://ctb.ku.edu/en
Oregon State University Extension Services: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/
Use of a Community Trail Among New and Habitual Exercisers, Paul Gordon, et al, 2004: https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2004/oct/04_0058.htm
A Healthy Advantage: Expected Economic Benefits from Implementing the Lower Rio Grande Valley Active Transportation and Tourism Plan: https://www.npca.org/resources/3215-a-healthy-advantage
Great Allegheny Passage Economic Impact Report. Fourth Economy, 2021: https://gaptrail.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/2021-Great-Allegheny-Passage-Economic-Impact-Report-Spreads.pdf
The Economic Impact of Outdoor Recreation and the Whitefish Trail in Whitefish, Montana. Headwaters Economics, 2018: https://headwaterseconomics.org/trail/144-mt-whitefish-trail-use-impact/
University of Wisconsin Extension DIY tool: https://economicdevelopment.extension.wisc.edu/programs/downtown-market-analysis/?ss_redir=1
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