The purpose of this report is to describe the economic, quality of life, public health, and other benefits that Mariposa County and its residents are likely to enjoy from the Merced River Trail based on research and experiences of communities with similar projects.
The Merced River Trail is a proposed recreational resource along the historic Yosemite Valley Railroad (YVRR) grade on the northern banks of the Merced River. The primary emphasis is on a nearly 40-mile segment of trail located entirely within Mariposa County, almost all of which is adjacent to a reach of river that has been designated Wild and Scenic by the federal government. Future trail segments will establish regional nonmotorized connections at the YVRR’s historic downstream terminus in Merced. Nearly 17 miles of the trail are managed for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Other sections require restoration to clear landslides and improve trail accessibility.
The purpose of this report is to describe the economic, quality of life, public health, and other benefits that Mariposa County and its residents are likely to enjoy from the Merced River Trail based on research and experiences of communities with similar projects.
Published June 01, 2020
Headwaters Economics is an independent, nonprofit research group that works to improve community development and land management decisions. We inform community decision-making and identify practical solutions by making complex data understandable, beautiful, and interactive, helping develop solutions to some of the most urgent and important issues that communities face.
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.
Mountain Biking as a Means to Encourage Public Health and Wellbeing
This manuscript explains how mountain biking is related to public health and the issues underlying trail access in the United States.
The Physiology of Mountain Biking
In recent years, competitive mountain biking has attracted the interest of sport scientists, and a small but growing number of physiological studies have been published. The aim of this review is to provide a synthesis of this literature and directions for future research.
Adapting to the New Economy: The Impacts of Mountain Bike Tourism in Oakridge, Oregon
Oakridge provides but one example of a rural community experiencing economic and social decline.
