len lichvar, somerset conservation district, “economics of conservation recreation”
TRANSCRIPT
LEN LICHVAR
DISTRICT MANAGER – SOMERSET CONSERVATION DISTRICT
CHAIRMAN – STONYCREEK - CONEMAUGH RIVER IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
DISTRICT 4 COMMISSIONER – PENNSYLVANIA FISH AND BOAT
COMMISSION
Importance of Outdoor Recreation on Economics
Water is essential to life, making its total economic
value immeasurable
Source: EPA
Water in all its uses should be recognized as an economic good.
It is the basic right of all human beings to have access to clean water and sanitation at an affordable price.
Failure to recognize the value of water has led to wasteful and environmentally damaging uses.
Managing water as an economic resource allows for efficient and equitable use, along with conservation and protection of water resources.
Cost of clean air and water based upon EPA regulations from October 1, 1999 to September 30, 2009.$26 to $29 Billion
Benefits of regulating air and water$82 to $533 Billion
Stonycreek River Watershed Economic Value
Fishing, white water rafting, and eco-tourism can exceed $21 million in revenue for Somerset County, if additional water resources were improved.
Property value increase estimated at 5% (Hansen et al. 2008)
Tourism could bring new investors and businesses to the area on top of the $21 million in recreation
The viability of the land would promote more restoration efforts within the watershed
Expenses for construction of AMD restoration sites would happen over a period of years.
Quemahoning Creek
• 98.5 square mile watershed• Angler Value $73,986.00 a mile –
PFBC• 8 miles restored value $591,888.00• Boating Value $900,000.00• Coldwater fishery• 364 acre, 92 billion gallon capacity
Quemahoning Reservoir acquired for pubic use
• Overall Economic Impact $1.5 Million per year
Quemahoning Reservoir Biking Trail
17 miles of mountain biking trials to be added at the reservoir by 2018 6 miles of trials to be completed by end of 2016
1ft wide beginner to intermediate with interwoven trails for experienced riders
The trail is being constructed by local contractors and volunteers
The trial is expected to exceed $600,000 a year in economic impacts in the area
Pollution and DiseaseThreaten Pennsylvania'sFishing Industry
Pollution and disease can cause a large impact on local watersheds economically
Disease, bacteria, and pollution can cause large amounts of fish to be killed
With fish dying less people are fishing causing these small local shops to fall on hard times
Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission puts regulations in place to combat the fish kills Ex: Catch and Release of smallmouth bass in the
Susquehanna River began in 2012
Outdoor Recreation Economy
Pennsylvania $21.5 Billion in consumer spending 219,000 direct Pennsylvania jobs $7.2 Billion in wages and salaries $1.6 Billion in state and local tax revenue
Nationally $646 Billion in consumer spending 6.1 Million jobs $39.9 Billion in federal tax revenue $39.7 Billion in state and local tax revenue
Source: Outdoor Industry Association
Outdoor Recreation Economy
$1.5 Billion spent on hunting and fishing
25,000 jobs created
$3 Billion in wildlife and habitat conservation
Source: Congressional Sportsman’s Foundation
Outdoor Recreation Economy
23,678 jobs associated directly with fishing
28,041 jobs associated directly with hunting
Source: Response Management
Outdoor Recreation Economy
$19.85 a fish value for each stocked trout
3.2 million fish stocked by PFBC
1 million fish stocked by Co-Ops
$65.5 million in economic revenue from stocked trout in Pennsylvania
Source: Pennsylvania State University
Economic Benefits of Protecting Watersheds
According to the American Sportfishing Association there are more then 30 million anglers in the U.S.
$45 Billion is generated nationallySupports over 1 million jobs
More people in the United States fish (30 million) then play golf (24.2 million)
Economic Benefits of Protecting Watersheds
Source: EPA
Shotgun
$500
Hat & Vest$60
Jacket & Boots$200
Hunting Dog$600
Pheasant$12.50
Bike $2,000
Rods, Reels, & Line $1,500
Vest, Fly's, & Accessories $800
Rod, Reel, & Line $900
Waders, & Boots $350
Vest, Fly's, & Accessories
$500
Apparel & Accessories $150
Hat – No Cost, Gifted
Kayak & Paddle$1,100
Rods & Tackle$800
Life vest & Camera
$400
Apparel$200
Helmets & Accessorie
s $400
Bikes & Shoes$2,500
Tent$250
Sleeping Bags & Air Mattress
$500 Children's Toys & Water
Accessories$150
Folding Chairs$200
Canopy$100
Cooking & Camping
Accessories$500
$Price - I Don’t Even
Want to Know!
Fishing License Cost Reduction
$467,164.00 loss in revenue to PFBC
8,617 more anglers buy a license3.9 million spent on retail75 jobs with $2.4 million in wages$468,000 in state and local tax revenue
Reduction in license price is overwhelmingly positive for the state and its residents
Cost Avoidance in Conservation
Maintaining conservation of ecosystems is another way for communities to save money
Keeping a ecosystem in its natural state can help prevent major costs to tax payers in the future
Preventing the development of a flood plain allows a river to maintain its natural flow while preventing the high cost of damages from a flood event.
The Powers in Conserving Open Spaces
More then $37 million is saved by natural flood mitigation
Trees in open areas provide an estimated $17 million in air pollution removal
Southeastern Pennsylvania saves an estimated $61 million total from having protected open spaces
Cost of Open Spaces
How much would you pay for access to the countless free and low-cost recreational opportunities available through our region’s open spaces? $392.00 per year? That's how much each household in the SE region saves by having open spaces available for hiking, biking, and other recreational pursuits.This is money that families would have to pay out-of-pocket to enjoy these same activities if not for open spaces.
The Economics of Natural Resource Conservation
Take Home Message
Western Carolina University Economist, Dr. Steve Morse, documented and determined if it were not for tourism generated tax dollars each resident of Somerset County would pay $564 more in state and local taxes.
http://www.somersetcd.com/economics.html