Scenic Byways Show Postive Economic Value
Investments of Scenic Byway organizations are showing positive economic impacts on communities within the Byway areas. Two Scenic Byways within the Central Region--Lake Country and Paul Bunyan--are working together with the Central Regional Partnership, University Center for Community Vitality, University Tourism Center and Explore Minnesota Tourism to evaluate the social and economic benefits byway designation has on local communities. Preliminary research and analysis shows that more than $1 million of economic activity has been generated by both byways in the past ten years as a result of direct spending. In addition, an estimated 12 new jobs were created and $452,000 of labor income was generated.
This was the result of initial work by University economist Brigid Tuck based on information provided by each of the two Byways in the study. Data provided included dollars obtained through grants and contributions to the byway and dollars provided to local contractors to work on byways activities such as preparing planning documents, design and construction of facilities and amenities along the byways.
This work is only the beginning of a comprehensive social and economic impact study being supported by the Central Regional Partnership. Grants from the Carlson Chair for Travel and Tourism and Explore Minnesota Tourism will further this research with a look at how byway visitation contributes to the economic picture. The University of Minnesota Tourism Center will work with byway volunteers to design and implement a survey of visitors. Residents will also be surveyed to see if the byway has influenced their activities. The socio-economic analysis is expected to be completed by the end of 2010. Follow-up surveys may be implemented to track changes from this baseline analysis.
Citizens Offer Project Ideas at Having Your Say Sessions
The Central Regional Partnership hosted two Having Your Say Sessions to obtain input from citizens regarding needs and issues, and to generate some new project ideas. Sessions were held in Pine River and in Staples.
Although only a few attended the Pine River session, discussion was lively, and focused on tourism and natural resources. The group noted that how issues are framed can influence interest and response; they said economics is part of the environmental stewardship, tourism and energy resource issues.
There was discussion of the "Green Step" process Pine River is conducting as the focus of Healthy Communities Partnership program with Initiative Foundation. This program is an opportunity for a "systems" approach to implementing community wide green activities—from energy conservation to rain gardens. This led to discussion of environmental stewardship, "green" activities and the importance of authenticity in the travel experience and implementing "green" activities.
Approximately 20 people attended the session in Staples where discussion focused on agriculture issues and connecting the public, especially young people, with agriculture and food practices—the reality of where they get their food. Community gardens were seen as a way to do this—a connection with family, food, and economics.
Plans are in place to develop the Legacy Trail, a non-motorized trail to connect the community of Staples with the
Living
Legacy
Gardens located at the Ag Center.
This was identified as a way to make that connection—an opportunity to connect to research and education at the Ag Center, including the gardens and other agriculture research to promote healthy living and provide a learning laboratory.
The group saw a need for more funding of local opportunities that connect with a number of resources—agriculture, natural resources—through use of alternative travel. This was also seen as a way to connect local growers and promote healthy living in food systems, recreation, and quality of life. It would offer education on healthy living using local resources.
There was also discussion of charter school plans that would offer hands on involvement of students in a theme-based educational center. The connections between agriculture, environmental resource stewardship, healthy living, etc. would also be promoted in the charter school concept.
Other suggestions and ideas included:
- Shoreline renovation at the ag center could be an educational opportunity
- Importance of building on strengths of the communities within the region
- Opportunities for cultural/heritage tourism; the depot restoration could be a focal point for the connection between cultural tourism, recreational tourism, and environmental learning
- Promote environmental awareness and education
- Maintain "main Street" character of community
- Need for stronger communication links
For more information, contact Linda Ulland at 877-997-7778.
