Boating This economic impact study surveyed slipholders, storage customers and
other Marina clients. An input-output analysis was conducted and found that
the Marina had a positive effect on Kewaunee in terms of employment and
additional income totaling over $450,000 and 31.4 jobs annually. Norman, W. C. and S. Hamilton. 1994. A Study of Tubing on Wisconsin's
Apple River During the Summer of 1993. Madison, WI: Tourism Research and
Resources Center, University of Wisconsin-Extension. This study was undertaken to provide information about tubing activity
along the Apple River. The study provided a visitor profile of tubers, their
motives for visiting, trip characteristics, trip decision-making, trip
experience and visitor expenditures. The report concluded that marketing
strategies may need to be broadened outside the young adult visitor in
addition to creating better opportunities to lengthen stays and to provide
better gift and souvenir shopping. Norman, W. C., K. Larkin and S. Hamilton. 1994. A Profile of Canoers on
the Kickapoo River Summer 1993. Madison, WI: Tourism Research and Resources
Center, University of Wisconsin-Extension. The Kickapoo River has been popular to canoers, but to this date little was
known about who the canoers were, why they canoed, and how much they spent on
their trips. This study aimed to answer some of these questions so that better
promotion, planning and development of tourism could occur. The study produced
a visitor profile of canoers, a description of a canoeing trip, and an
analysis of canoeing expenditures and its related economic impact. Canoer
expenditures totaled over $700,000 in total sales and the creation of over 18
jobs in the area. Gray, J., F. Li and S. Hamilton. 1990. Manitowoc-Two Rivers Visitor and
Lodging Study Books 1 and 2. Madison, WI: Recreation Resources Center,
University of Wisconsin-Extension. Part I of this report used a sampling of lodging registration cards to come
up with a visitor profile. Part II focused on interviews of visitors, owners
and operators in this area to gain an understanding of how visitors spent
their time, who they are, and how and where they spent money. On average,
visitors spent $184.34 per day. Boating parties spent the highest amount,
$1,211.54 per day while day trippers spent the least, $156.24 per day. Hustedde, R., H. Moyer and A. Miller. 1989. An Economic Overview of
Wisconsin's Boating-Related Sectors. Madison, WI: Wisconsin Department of
Natural Resources. In this report, the author found that boating-related activities and the
boating industry have a significant impact on the state's economy and
employment. The report was divided into 4 sections: recreational boating in
Wisconsin, boat sales, employment in Wisconsin's boating-related sectors and
port activity. The study used expenditure and employment data to present
boating-related activities. However the study did not estimate total direct
and indirect sales or employment impacts. Peterson, K. 1989. Features of Recreational Boating Along Wisconsin's
Great Lakes Coasts: Trip Related Spending and Annual Costs. Madison, WI:
Recreation Resources Center, University of Wisconsin-Extension. This publication is the fourth in a series that has studied Great Lakes
recreational boating facilities. Both a telephone and a mail survey were used
to collect the data for this report. This report provides data on trip-related
spending and annual costs. It is a technical reference and presents spending
information. Chesler, A., G. Lamb and K. Peterson. 1987. Economic Benefits of Harbor
Use in Oconto County. Madison, WI: Recreation Resources Center, University
of Wisconsin-Extension. The purpose of this study was to determine if there were any economic
benefits associated with harbor use. The study found that the harbor generates
spending of about $200,000 which translates to direct employment of four
persons and indirect employment of an additional three persons. Somersan, A. and R. Shaver. 1987. Market Study and Economic Impact
Assessment for Sheboygan Harbor Marina Slips. Madison, WI: Recreation
Resources Center, University of Wisconsin-Extension. The City of Sheboygan in considering the construction of a new marina
needed to assess its viability. This study assessed the demand and supply of
marina slips in the area and estimated the economic impact of a marina in
Sheboygan. Using secondary data, the authors concluded that boating was a
growing activity and the supply of slips was inadequate. Total spending with a
200-slip marina in place would amount to about $3 million with an estimated 64
jobs generated. The authors warn that the costs of the marina must be
carefully looked at and planned for. Chesler, A. 1985. Trempealeau Marina Study. Madison, WI: Recreation
Resources Center, University of Wisconsin-Extension. This report looked at the need for a 50-slip marina in Trempealeau and
analyzed the economic base and economic impact of the proposed marina on the
local area. The marina would provide needed slip space in the area, although
marketing the facility would be necessary since there are competing
facilities. The report concluded that $261,180 of direct and indirect spending
would be generated and 4.4 jobs could be supported. Boyle, K. J. and R. C. Bishop. 1984.
Lake State Examples -
Other Examples
Back to Table of Contents
Lake States
Examples:
Bussiere, M. and S. C. Deller. 1996.
Kewaunee Marina Economic Impact Study. Madison, WI: University of
Wisconsin-Extension, Kewaunee Marina.
This study of summer canoeists and boaters along the Lower Wisconsin River found that there are substantial economic impacts and benefits from this type of recreation. Interviews were conducted of river users. Through this method, it was found that summer use by boaters added $860,000 per year to business activity and $439,000 to household incomes. In addition, the study used a contingent valuation method to estimate the value of the scenic aspects of the river. The study recommended several management policies that could help to maintain the scenic beauty of the area, including stricter zoning ordinances and purchases of scenic easements.
Drewiske, D. 1984. Economic Impact Potential for the Racine Harbor Development Project. Madison, WI: Recreation Resources Center, University of Wisconsin-Extension.
This study analyzed the planned improvements for the Racine Harbor. A demand analysis was conducted and found that the planned marina rehabilitation will begin to fill demand. The marina was expected to have a positive economic impact on employment, income, and the public sector. Total economic impact was estimated at close to $20 million. The number of full-time equivalent jobs was estimated to be about 400.
Stynes, D., G. Brothers and D. Holecek. 1983. Estimating Boater Spending Impacts On Local Economics. Lansing, MI: Department of Park and Recreation Resources, Michigan State University.
This technical report is an excerpt from a larger report on boater spending patterns in Michigan. This report summarizes the procedures for estimating/measuring direct spending by boaters at the local level. The procedure used a spreadsheet program called SuperCalc. Assumptions built into the program are based on statistics from boating activity and spending in 1980 and 1981 from registered Michigan boater surveys.
Minahan, N. M., ed. 1976. Water: Its Impact on Douglas County, Wisconsin. Superior, WI: Center for Lake Superior Environmental Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
A series of articles were reprinted from the Evening Telegram of Superior, WI. These articles report on the results of a project entitled "Social/Economic Impact of Aquatic Heritage on Development of Superior/Douglas County Community." The report looked at the impact of the Superior harbor on the Douglas County economy estimating the direct and indirect impacts of employment and income. In addition, the report looked at the impact of tourism on the local economy. Both expenditure data of tourists and visitor profiles were established through surveys. The report finds that water is an important aspect to the County's economy accounting for over 40% of the county's total economy with the harbor accounting for about 33% and tourism accounting for about 8.8%.
Somersan, A. 1976. Impacts of Recreation In The Coastal Zone: Economic Impact and Needs of Wisconsin's Great Lakes Boaters. Madison, WI: Wisconsin Coastal Zone Management, Recreation Resources Center, University of Wisconsin-Extension.
This study was the first in a series of five looking at the impacts of recreation in the coastal zone. This study identified user characteristics of Great Lakes boaters and estimated their economic impact on the state. Surveys were conducted of boater and marina owners/managers to provide a primary source of information. Boaters spent about $12.7 million during the 1975 season with almost 75% of these expenditures going to the coastal communities. Boaters expressed the need for more and better facilities.
Somersan, A. 1976. Economic Impact and Needs of Wisconsin's Great Lakes Boaters. Madison, WI: Wisconsin Coastal Zone Management, Recreation Resources Center, University of Wisconsin-Extension.
This report identifies the economic impact of Great Lake boaters (not including boaters using private launch sites or charter services) on the coastal communities. Great Lakes boaters spend on average 42 days per year boating, 80% of which are on the Great Lakes. Of the $12.7 million spent by Great Lakes boaters during the boating season (not including boat cost and annual maintenance) in 1975, $9.3 million was spent in coastal communities. Approximately half the boaters used public ramps and the other half used private marinas. Many of the boaters surveyed expressed the need for more and better launch facilities. Given the economic impact of boaters to the region state policy should reflect this need.
Udell, J. 1973. Economic Impact of Man-Made Lakes On Area Businesses: A Study of Lakes Sherwood and Camelot. Madison, WI: Bureau of Business Research and Service, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
This study was one of three conducted concerning the economic and social impact of the creation of two lakes in Adams County. A survey of businesses was conducted within 20 miles of the lakes to investigate the effect of the lakes on the local economy and the perceptions these business people had about how the lakes affected the economy, aesthetics and recreation in the area. The study found that the majority of business people liked the lake development, believed that it would improve the economy, and the aesthetics and recreational opportunities were better as a result of the development.
Kalter, R. J. 1966. "A Model to Estimate the Economic Effects of Water-Based Recreation Projects on Local Political Subdivisions." PhD Thesis, Water Resources Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Madison, WI.
This dissertation, sponsored by the U.S. Department of the Interior, had two objectives: To provide a method for calculating the economic effects of water-based recreation and to empirically test the method. Input-output analysis was used at a county level, specifically Walworth County, to illustrate its uses, limitations, and its assistance to public policy decision-making.