Studies

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published Jan 2015

Economic Importance of Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation: An Analysis of Idaho Counties

During the period August 2012 through November 2012, the University of Idaho, in cooperation with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR), surveyed Idaho’s registered off-highway-vehicle (OHV) owners. The goal of the survey was to determine the economic importance of OHV use in Idaho during the previous 12 months. The survey sample was drawn from IDPR-registered OHV owners. OHV activities not related to recreation (e.g., work) and out-of-state visitors could not be sampled. Trips and expenditures for OHV recreation in Idaho would be higher if nonresident OHV recreation could be estimated.


published Jan 2019

Economic, Environmental and Social Benefits of Recreational Trails in Washington State

This report evaluates the economic, environmental, and social benefits of outdoor recreation activities associated with trails and their nexus with the economy of Washington.


published Jun 2014

Economics of Idaho Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation

Off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation in Idaho is big business. Idaho OHV enthusiasts took close to 1 million recreation trips in Idaho during 2012 and spent about $434 million – $186 million on OHV recreation trips and $248 million on OHV capital expenditures such as the vehicles themselves.


published Jun 2013

Effects of Pack Weight on Endurance of Long-distance Hikers

This study evaluated pack weight to understand the limits of long-term load carriage. Participants were Appalachian Trail hikers who attempted to complete the entire trail in the 2012 season.


published Jul 1977

El Camino Real National Scenic Trail Study

by U.S. Department of the Interior

This study has been prepared and trail recommendations made to meet the requirements of Public Law 90-543. The 1969 El Camino Real Feasibility Study concluded that sufficient documentation of historic, scenic, natural, and cultural significance did exist to warrant further study. This study will present recommendations based on an evaluation of the field study findings.


published Jan 2016

Environmental Impacts from Mtn Bicycles, Electric Mtn Bicycles, & Motorcycles

by International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA)

In the fall of 2015, under contract with the Bicycle Product Suppliers Association (BPSA), with counsel from a field of recreation management experts, and through a review of existing studies of erosional impacts from trail users, the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) conducted a scientifically controlled field study.


published May 2021

Environmental Impacts of Winter Recreation

by Winter Wildlands Alliance

Regardless of our intentions, many species perceive humans as a threat and respond accordingly. In general, animals respond to threats by first increasing vigilance (time spent looking around versus foraging), and running away if the threat is perceived to be imminent.


published May 2023

Envisioning a Statewide Connection Mass Central Rail Trail Benefits Study

Study shows completion of the Massachusetts Central Rail Trail System would bring significant health and economic benefits to the commonwealth.


published Mar 2005

Establishment Proposal, Environmental Assessment, Conceptual Management Plan, & Land Protection Plan

by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

This plan establishes the purpose and need for action to develop the Neches River National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge opened on April 13, 2019.


published Sep 2001

Estimating the Benefits and Costs to Mountain Bikers of Changes in Trail Characteristics, Access Fees, and Site Closures: Choice Experiments and Benefits Transfer

Tens of millions of North Americans and Europeans own mountain bikes and millions of them are avid trail riders. The growing popularity of mountain biking in many areas has led to increased trail degradation and conflicts among users on single track. This study could be used as a template to estimate benefits and costs to other users (hikers and equestrians), a critical component of any analysis of the types of policies managers must consider.