A Case Study of the Economic Impact of Seasonal Visitors to a Lake Watershed Environment

Ecosystem services generated by lake watershed environments can be important drivers of local and regional economic activity. In this analysis we use expenditure data collected from a survey of 445 seasonal visitors and year-round residents in a unique lake watershed environment to estimate their impact on the region’s economy. Our survey and research methods were designed to explore social and economic dimensions of the area as well as capture information on spending, income, and general knowledge of tourists to the region about the health of the lakes in the watershed. Using an Impact Analysis for Planning (IMPLAN) modeling framework, we quantify the direct, indirect and induced effects of spending by tourists in the watershed. We find an estimated annual impact of $6.8 million in spending, including multiplier effects, and support for 68 full and part-time jobs in the watershed. Our hope is that this information will help to better inform decisions by policy makers, developers, land use planners, and stakeholder groups about the effects of ecosystem services and conservation land-use practices on tourism and trade.