SARANAC LAKE — The Adirondack Rail Trail Association (ARTA) has initiated a survey regarding and will be to take part in a study geared measure the trail’s economic impact and identify how community members are using the trail, of which a large portion is located in Franklin County.
The study, funded by Franklin County’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism, and led by Dr. Jill Weiss, assistant professor of environmental studies at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF), will provide the first comprehensive assessment of who uses the Adirondack Rail Trail, where visitors come from, how they use the trail, and how their spending benefits surrounding communities, according to a press release issued by the organization.
“Outdoor recreation is a cornerstone of Franklin County’s economy, and the Adirondack Rail Trail is helping attract new visitors while encouraging them to spend more time exploring our communities,” Phil Hans, director of Economic Development and Tourism for Franklin County, said in the release.
The survey started Thursday and will continue throughout the coming year, ARTA staff and volunteers will conduct surveys at trailheads and other locations along the 34-mile Adirondack Rail Trail, the organization announced.
Survey participants will be asked about their trail activities, travel patterns, spending, visitor experiences, and priorities for future amenities, according to ARTA, and the information collected will help local communities, tourism officials, and trail managers better understand how the trail supports regional economic development while guiding future investments that improve the experience for residents and visitors alike.
According to Hans, he approached ARTA earlier this year and asked about partnering on an economic impact study to better understand the role the trail is playing in the local economy.
“This study represents an important milestone for the Adirondack Rail Trail,” Julia Goren, executive director of the ARTA, said in the release. “We know the trail is bringing new visitors to our communities and supporting local businesses, but this research will give us the data needed to demonstrate that impact while helping us make thoughtful decisions about future improvements. Every survey completed helps us better understand how people experience the trail and how we can continue making it an exceptional destination.”
“The findings will not only quantify the trail’s economic impact but also help inform future destination management strategies for Franklin County,” Hans said, adding the county is grateful to ARTA, and especially Julia, for stepping up to coordinate this effort. “By participating in the survey, trail users are helping us build a clearer picture of the trail’s impact and identify opportunities to support local businesses, enhance the visitor experience, and ensure this incredible asset continues to benefit our communities for years to come.”
According to ARTA, the survey will use nationally recognized research methods that combine in-person interviews with online participation to ensure broad representation of trail users across all four seasons.
In addition, the organization’s volunteers have been trained to conduct the surveys, while Dr. Weiss will oversee survey design, data analysis, and reporting, the release said.
The research will establish a baseline for ongoing monitoring of trail use while helping communities identify priorities for future investments and visitor services, according to ARTA, and the findings will also support long-term planning, tourism development, and economic impact analyses throughout the Adirondack Rail Trail corridor.
ARTA is encouraging all those who use the Adirondack Rail Trail to take a few minutes to participate if approached by a volunteer, and individual responses will remain confidential, and the results will be reported only as the total sum of the survey.