Office of Outdoor Recreation DIY Economic Impact Report Program
For the past three years, Bike Fed has been helping communities who want to accelerate bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure projects by advising local advocates, connecting communities with resources like planners and engineers, and offering technical assistance in applying for Federal funding. One issue that advocates encounter is convincing elected officials that the new infrastructure will add to the quality of life for their constituents and produce a return on investment.
The Office of Outdoor Recreation (OOR) is a great resource on the value of outdoor recreation to Wisconsin’s Economy. Last year, the OOR went one step further and guided five communities through a Do-It-Yourself Economic Impact Report program. Working with The Harbinger Consultancy, the communities studied the economic activity generated by one outdoor recreation amenity, and learned how to continue gathering data on visitor behavior that will impact next steps and future investments.
The Office of Outdoor Recreation has published a guide for other communities to conduct their own economic impact studies. Visit their website to read more on the results of the five reports – which represent a collective $27.3 million in economic activity.
One of the reports details the economic impact of Eau Claire’s 57 miles of paved trails. Read about it today – or better yet – experience these trails for yourself on the Ride Across Wisconsin Family Fun Ride. Support Wisconsin Bike Fed while riding 13 miles of Eau Claire’s paved trails – featuring public art, 10 bridges, 5 city parks and 2 tunnels!
Feature photo credit to Travel Wisconsin for family biking on a trail at Peninsula State Park.