Studies

  Back to Documents and Media


published Feb 2006

Assessing and Understanding Trail Degradation

by National Park Service

This report describes results from a comprehensive assessment of resource conditions on a large (24%) sample of the trail system within Big South Fork National River and Recreational Area (BSF).


published May 2011

Informal and Formal Trail Monitoring Protocols and Baseline Conditions

by U.S. Geological Survey

This research developed and applied state-of-the-art trail condition assessment and monitoring procedures and applied them to the park’s formal and informal (visitor-created) trails.


published Nov 2018

Outdoor-Industry Jobs

This study was intended to assess current—and projected—employment levels across these sectors with a particular focus on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) oriented occupations that require “mid-level” education and skills. This education includes post-high school training but stops short of a bachelor’s degree,3 opening the door to a greater number of students who are not focused exclusively on four-year degrees. The study was also designed to identify employer demand for occupations within these four sectors.


published Feb 2022

2021 Recreational Trails Program Annual Report

by Federal Highway Administration

A report on the use and benefits of Federal Recreational Trails Program funds across the United States.


published May 2018

Economic Impact of Parks

by National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)

An Examination of the Economic Impacts of Operations and Capital Spending by Local Park and Recreation Agencies on the U.S. Economy


published Dec 2020

Sustaining Wildlife With Recreation on Public Lands

by USDA Forest Service

A Synthesis of Research Findings, Management Practices, and Research Needs


published Dec 2020

2020 Recreational Trails Program Annual Report

by Federal Highway Administration

A report on the use and benefits of Federal Recreational Trails Program funds across the United States.


published Jun 2008

Are horses responsible for introducing non-native plants along forest trails in the eastern United States?

Horses have been suggested to be an important source for the introduction of non-native plant species along trails, but the conclusions were based on anecdotal evidence.


published Aug 2004

Conflicts On Multiple-Use Trails

by Roger Moore with North Carolina State University

This synthesis is intended to establish a baseline of the current state of knowledge and practice and to serve as a guide for trail managers and researchers.


published Jun 1997

The Economic Benefits of Mountain Biking at One of Its Meccas: An Application of the Travel Cost Method to Mountain Biking in Moab, Utah

This 1997 paper estimates the value of a relatively new form of recreation: mountain biking. Its popularity has resulted in many documented conflicts, and its value must be estimated so an informed decision regarding trail allocation can be made. A travel cost model (TCM) is used to estimate the economic benefits, measured by consumer surplus, to the users of mountain bike trails near Moab, Utah.