Lake Tahoe Tourism Analysis and Policy Plan

Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Zephyr Cove, Nevada

The Lake Tahoe Region, including the nearby Reno metropolitan area, is one of America's most beautiful and popular multi-season visitor destinations. Lake Tahoe's extremely high water quality - a major part of the attraction - is very vulnerable to development and human activity. For this reason the region is managed by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), a two-state authority that oversees development and resource management. We prepared a detailed study of the Tahoe economy - focusing both on the communities immediately adjoining the lake and the region that includes Reno - and described the economic activity that is associated with summer and winter recreation. We also surveyed business, community and agency representatives in order to assess the economic consequences of TRPA policy and planning activities. Our work forms part of the updated management plan for the Tahoe Basin.

Death Valley National Park, Eastern Mojave Management Plan Socioeconomic Analysis

National Park Service, Denver, Colorado

The Northern and Eastern Area of the Mojave Desert in California is both a unique and fragile habitat and the location of extensive desert recreation. Death Valley National Park, located within this region, is one of the world's most unique locations and visitor destinations. We analyzed the recreation and tourism that occurs in this area and measured its economic significance locally and regionally. Then, working with a National Park Service team, we analyzed the social and economic consequences of resource management alternatives specified as part of the updated management plan for the region.

Blaine County, Idaho Tourism and Economic Analysis   _{full report in adobe pdf}

Sun Valley/Ketchum Chamber of Commerce, Idaho

The Blaine County, Idaho region in Central Idaho is a renowned winter destination area including the resorts of Sun Valley/Ketchum, that also enjoys substantial summer visitation. We prepared a detailed economic analysis of the region that describes visitor expenditures and the associated employment, earnings and tax receipts. The project involved analyzing unique attributes including an extensive inventory of second homes, high housing costs and a high level of employee commuting. The study also involved a survey of area businesses in order to gather current data on employment and business patterns. The research will be used to track tourism-related economic conditions and to develop planning policies in the region.

Destination: Alaska Tourism Master Plan

Alaska Visitors Association, Anchorage, Alaska

Tourism in Alaska has grown dramatically over the past decade, fueled by a rapidly expanding cruise industry as well as additional fly and drive visitation. Alaska's appeal is strongly centered in wildlife, natural resources and native culture, and the state draws significant international travel. Most of the land in Alaska in owned by government agencies, however, placing these units in an important tourism management role. The Destination: Alaska Tourism Master Plan included a very extensive agency, business and public participation process and resulted in a detailed tourism development action plan for all major entities in the state. The plan also included a market study that identified important target markets, a product assessment, and product development priorities. The plan was updated four years after the initial effort, including an assessment of progress, revised product assessment and updated action plan.

Campers in California   _{full report in adobe pdf}

California Tourism Commission, NPS, California State Parks, USFS, BLM, California Travel Parks Association

Campers are an important component of tourism in many rural, coastal and mountain areas. These travelers range from those who hike in wilderness areas to others with large RVs who make use of highly developed RV resorts. This study, sponsored by a consortium of public and private groups, included a survey of campers throughout the state and described camper activities, facility usage, travel patterns, demographics and expenditures.

Wind River Nursery Site Master Plan

Skamania County, Washington

The Wind River Nursery site, located just outside the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in southern Washington, was operated by the US Forest Service for many years to raise conifer seedlings for the forests around Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams. No longer needed and transferred to Skamania County, the site could be the location for a variety of agricultural, recreation, education, special event and other uses. This study included a wide-ranging investigation of markets for potential uses of the site, a detailed site analysis, and a multi-phase master plan to establish priorities for development. We also prepared an extensive financial plan for each plan phase that identifies the capital and operating revenues and costs involved.