filed under: economics of trails
South Dakota’s snowmobile trail system is maintained without any contribution from general fund dollars, but brings substantial economic activity into the state. This study estimates the magnitude of that economic activity and its effect on the overall state economy.
South Dakota’s vast wilderness and heavy snows are a tantalizing combination for snowmobile enthusiasts. Thousands of riders from within the state and across the country are attracted to South Dakota’s ample snow, miles of groomed trails, and pristine scenery.
The economic activity generated by snowmobiling is substantial. South Dakota’s snowmobiling opportunities inject money into the state economy both by bringing in out-of-state visitors and by encouraging residents to spend their recreational dollars within the state. Their spending directly supports hotels, restaurants, gaming, and other tourism related industries, and provides revenue to South Dakota snowmobile retailers. There are also secondary impacts as these industries purchase goods and services and employ workers, who subsequently use that money in supporting other aspects of the state economy.
This report aims to quantify the impact that the snowmobiling industry has on the state. Using data collected from residents, non-residents, and snowmobile retailers and distributors, we construct a dynamic regional economic model to estimate this impact. Whenever necessary, we have used conservative assumptions so as to provide a reasonable lower bound for the true impact of the industry.
We begin with a description of the groups that work together to provide the extensive trail system that supports South Dakota snowmobiling: The South Dakota Snowmobile Trails Program, administered by the Game, Fish and Parks Department – Division of Parks and Recreation, the Governor’s Snowmobile Advisory Council, and the South Dakota Snowmobile Association, and the USDA Black Hills National Forest Service. We then summarize the collected survey data, describe the economic impact model, discuss the results, and conclude with a brief summary.
Published January 2012
We're USD - the state's flagship university: The big-time university with a small-college feel. We're memorable mentors and lifelong friends. We're world-class academics and out-of-class opportunities. We're innovative technology and long-standing tradition. We're your university. We Are South Dakota.
Public Lands and the Continental Divide Trail Study
The primary goal of this study was to understand who uses the Continental Divide Trail (CDT), how they use it, their preferences, and the economic impact of the CDT in the region. Additional data were also collected regarding protecting public lands and using the Continental Divide Trail in Colorado.
2022 CDT Small Business Survey
From August to December 2021, the Continental Divide Trail Coalition surveyed 136 small business owners in 38 communities located along the Continental Divide Trail to learn more about how the Continental Divide Trail impacts their businesses, the local economy, and their support for public lands.
Everything you need to know about the positive impact of trails on health, environment, economics, and more.
2022 CDT Small Business Survey
As a connector of landscapes, communities, and cultures, the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) provides a setting for community members, decision makers, conservationists, outdoor enthusiasts, and everyone connected to the lands and waters of the Divide, to come together to discuss how to steward the vital natural, cultural, and historic resources found across its entirety. With this report, the Continental Divide Trail Coalition hopes to highlight the role of the cooperative stewardship model in the management of the CDT, what we accomplished in 2021, and what we are looking forward to in 2022.
