FOOTPATHS

The Economic Value of Trail Networks

By Jim Kean

Here in the Pacific Northwest, ready access to spectacular natural settings relates to the quality of life. This is one of several drivers that encourage people to move to the region. Specifically, the presence of a well-developed trail system is an amenity that has attracted both residents and visitors. Trail systems aid human traffic into nature and mitigate the potential damage too much activity might cause.

Recent surveys show that one in three people from the West Coast identify themselves as a mountain biker, hiker, backpacker, trail runner, and/or climber and regularly engage in these activities. From an economic development standpoint, people engaged in these activities are generally well educated and have an above average income. As a constituency, they are motivated to support intelligent environmental policies that promote low impact access as well as long-term management and renewal of key natural areas.

Surveys also consistently find that hiking is one of the most popular forms of outdoor recreation as it combines several pursuits — an interest in scenery, wildlife, solitude, and discovery — all in a low-impact form of healthy recreation that is highly accessible. A 2006 study done by the Outdoor Industry Association highlighted the following findings:

• In 2005, one in three Americans went hiking, making the activity one of their top three favorite forms of outdoor pursuits.
• Hiking and backpacking remain the second most popular form of activity on outdoor-centered vacations.
• For the majority of participants, hiking is a repeat yearly activity; the average Western hiker went out 11 times during the year.

Over the last 30 years, the Western states have transitioned economically from the dependence on resources like timber, harvesting, and mining to a place where common natural resources have a higher value when used for low impact recreational activities like hiking. To support and encourage this very positive form of economic activity, it’s important that state and local governments invest in outdoor recreational infrastructure such as multi-use trails, as well as encourage the development of the hospitality infrastructure like outdoor-oriented resorts that support this type of activity.

People who participate in outdoor activities are more likely to be strong supporters of our Forest Service and various federal lands, advocating for effective environmental management and policies. Likewise, many policymakers have been trying to determine the value of investing in trails and trail systems, as well as providing ongoing maintenance, for their communities. Indicators of positive economic activity arising from well constructed and maintained trail networks are often not readily apparent or attributable to the actual investment in a trail network. This makes asking for appropriations from taxpayers difficult, as it appears as a qualitative versus quantitative argument for investment. Given the complexities, some policymakers may prefer to preserve a region without the added expense of maintaining public access.

Advocates for low impact recreational use and public access to public lands must be armed with a repertoire of facts supporting recreation’s benefit to local economies. With that in mind, here are the facts:

• Nationally, low-impact outdoor recreation, which includes bicycling, camping, fishing, hunting, paddling, skiing, snowshoeing, climbing, hiking, backpacking, and wildlife viewing, contributed $730 billion in 2005 to the U.S. economy.
• The industry also supported 6.5 million jobs, generated $88 billion in annual state and national tax revenue, sold $289 billion worth of gear and services, and made up one in 12 dollars circulating in the economy. This put it second only to the telecom industry as far as economic impact.
• Regionally, outdoor enthusiasts on the Pacific coast contributed more than any other region — nearly $81.7 billion.
• In addition, outdoor enthusiasts supported 762,247 jobs, spent $46 million in trip expenditures, and contributed more than $9 billion in taxes. Trail-related activities generated 716,000 jobs and $11.2 billion in tax revenue.
• In Oregon, trail related activities from both residents and visitors generated approximately $3.1 billion in total economic activity, $1.78 billion in wages and business earnings, and 41,000 jobs.

These figures point out the significance of the outdoor industry as well as what should be the highest and best use for our spectacular natural resources.

Jim Kean has been in real estate finance and development since 2002, and is currently co-manager of Metolian, a proposed eco-friendly destination resort on the Metolius River Basin in Central Oregon (www.Metolian.com). Kean is an avid outdoorsman and in 1991 hiked the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada.