Document - Use and Economic Importance of the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River
Abstract
This report presents the results of a comprehensive study of the recreation users, use, economic impacts, and economic benefits of the 57-mile Wild and Scenic segment of the Chattooga River in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. The study was conducted in 2002 and 2003 and was a cooperative effort involving North Carolina State University, American Rivers, and the National Park Service. Mail questionnaires were used to gather data from a sample of both commercially guided and self-guided boaters, as well as nonboaters using fee-based parking areas near the river. Overall, 841 users (43% of the sample) responded, providing sampling errors of 3.5% or less. Forest Service river use records indicated that approximately 43,000 boating visits were made to the Chattooga in 2001. Using these figures (the most recent available) and spending data provided by the users, it was estimated that visitors from outside the area spent over $1.8 million in the 6-county area where the river segment is located. After applying the appropriate multipliers, the total economic impact was estimated to be over $2.608 million for this local area in 2002. Most of this impact was in the form of admissions and fees, retail purchases, and expenditures in restaurants. The total economic benefit to recreation boaters was estimated to be $5,794,282. This represents the total value of the river segment to boaters and is distinct from the economic impact of river use.Description
Report covering the recreation users, use, economic impacts, and economic benefits of the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River.Document Information
Filename - Use and Economic Importance of the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River271.pdf
Size - 1.35MB
Associated Rivers
Chattooga
NC
Chattooga
GA
Chattooga
GA
Chattooga
GA
Chattooga
SC
Section 3 - Earls Ford to Route 76 Bridge II-III+(IV)
Chattooga
GA