Outdoor Recreation Inventory & Analysis
- Details
The WRC developed a project with The Conway School to develop an Outdoor Recreation Inventory Analysis for the Windham Region with a goal of using it as the foundation for an eventual Windham Region outdoor recreation economy plan. In consultation with WRC, the Conway graduate student team identified 27 activities that were grouped into seven different categories based on the process used in the State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. These groups include trail and road-based, water-based, winter-based, wildlife-based, sports/park- based, overnight activities, and others. For each activity, the data was collected through online research as well as publicly available geospatial data. The information was then compiled into a spreadsheet that lists 202 individual locations, the owner and property types, and which of the 27 outdoor recreation activities studied are present at each site. The spreadsheet also includes information on outdoor gear stores and libraries in the region for purchasing, renting, and borrowing equipment. Compiling this data from the outdoor recreation inventory, as well as the survey responses, will help WRC set priorities as it develops the outdoor recreation economy plan.
The Conway team also conducted a survey that was released to local groups and organizations. The survey yielded 125 responses. From that focus group, the student team conducted one-on-one follow-up interviews, which helped inform areas for further research when developing an outdoor recreation economy plan for the region.
The report includes thematic analyses on three topics that affect all recreation types: climate change, access and connectivity, and quality of life. These analyses provide conceptual frameworks for understanding these topics as the client team develops an outdoor recreation economy plan for the Windham Region.
