Economic Impacts of LSSF to Recreation

Objectives Estimate changes in economic impacts to private whitewater boaters, anglers, and river concessionaires due to LSSF Gain a comprehensive understanding of economic impacts of Colorado River and Glen Canyon Dam to local economy Provide baseline information that can be used in future flow decisions

The two hypotheses being tested: H 1 : Economic impacts to whitewater and angling concessionaires will not differ significantly from economic impacts under normal daily operations. H 2 : Economic impacts to private whitewater boaters and anglers will not differ significantly from economic impacts under normal daily operations.

Methods In order to test the two hypotheses, data were collected through personal interviews and mail surveys. Concessionaires contacted: 1.) All sixteen rafting concessionaires operating in the Grand Canyon and in Lee’s Ferry 2.) The two main angling concessionaires in Lee’s Ferry, including three private guides associated with these two Private boaters and anglers contacted: 1.) Multiple representatives of GCPBA 2.) Private anglers at Lee’s Ferry and local angling guides 3.) Fly shops in Lee’s Ferry and Flagstaff Others contacted: 1.) Park officials 2.) Grand Canyon River Guides

Economic Impacts to Boating Concessionaires Aggregated LSSF-related expenses incurred by rafting concessionaires totaled over $70,000. The majority of economic impacts were the result of boat and motor damage caused by newly exposed rocks. Because of high demand and low availability, the overall volume of trips remained unchanged. Some trips ended abruptly, requiring concessionaires to give full refunds for another trip.

Economic Impacts to Angling Concessionaires Angling concessionaires benefited slightly from improved fishing, but the subsequent rise in overall trips was proportional to increased growth for the past five years. However, during the two spike flows (in early May and late September) angling concessionaires reported a loss of $33,000, due to the inability of being able to conduct trips. There is great concern among angling concessionaires regarding tamarisk invasion of many fishing areas. This side effect of the LSSF may have further economic ramifications in the future.

Economic Impacts to Private Boaters and Anglers Economic impacts to private boaters and anglers did not differ significantly during the LSSF. Both private anglers and boaters experienced a few equipment- damaging incidents, but increased interest in lower flows negated any negative economic impacts.

Additional Economic Impacts of LSSF

Three major search and rescue operations cost the national park approximately $30,000.

Implications The rafting concessionaires, in particular, were not prepared for such low flows. The LSSF generated high interest among private boaters and anglers, but this did not necessarily translate into positive economic impacts. Different recreation-based economies have very different responses to extreme flow changes.

Conclusions The results affect our current understandings of the Grand Canyon ecosystem in the following ways: The relative inflexibility of large, commercial boat trips makes them more susceptible to accidents at such low flows. Angling concessionaires are not able to operate during spike flows. Tamarisk invasions could have dramatic economic effects on angling concessionaires.

Conclusions All results contribute to new understandings of the recreation-based economies dependent upon the existing ecosystem. The results can be used in the Adaptive Management Program to optimally balance ecosystem function with sustainable development.

Future Analysis The regional economic impacts will be further analyzed with Impact Analysis for Planning (IMPLAN) computer software. IMPLAN is a Forest Service created program which identifies multiplier effects in regional economic impact analysis. The resulting multipliers will show the overall regional economic impact of the recreation industry in northern Arizona, and possibly the changes of the impacts due to the LSSF. Multipliers will be assessed for employment,output, and income.

Acknowledgments Thanks to: Ruth Lambert of GCMRCMark Grisham of GCROA Tom Martin of GCPBADr. Yeon-Su Kim of NAU