• Chase, Lisa
  University of Vermont
  lisa.chase@uvm.edu
  

Recreation and tourism are increasingly promoted as a means of diversifying economies in the Northern Forest, yet few studies have quantified how visitors' recreational activities affect local businesses. This research examines the economic impact of paddler recreation along the waterways of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT). For the past few years, the Northern Forest Canoe Trail association has been working with communities to develop campsites, signage, and portage trails, as well as to promote the trail in the media. This project helps communities better understand the potential economic impacts of these endeavors.