In 2024, five teams completed the pilot Do-It-Yourself Economic Impact Program presented by the Office of Outdoor Recreation and The Harbinger Consultancy. The final reports found that outdoor recreation projects inDodge County,
Eau Claire,
Lafayette County,
Marathon County and
WinMan Trails generate nearly $27.3 million in economic activity.
The Office is pleased to offer this program again in 2025! This year, the program includes two phases: a two-part virtual workshop and a practicum.
Workshop Details
Two virtual workshops, led by The Harbinger Consultancy, are scheduled for March 25 and April 8. The workshops will cover the basics of conducting visitor research and the foundation of an economic impact analysis. The number of participants in these workshops is not limited.
In the Do-It-Yourself Economic Impact Workshops, you will learn how to gather relevant data and calculate economic figures specific to outdoor recreation activities and assets. Organizations, agencies and partnerships that manage trails, recreation areas or outdoor destinations are invited to participate in this one-of-a-kind program hosted by the Office of Outdoor Recreation.
Practicum Details
The practicum will provide one-on-one coaching for up to six organizations that completed the two-part workshop and culminate in a final report that quantifies the significance of their outdoor recreation infrastructure. Participants will be selected through an application process.
The practicum runs from May through November, with final reports released at the end of November. See below for application requirements.
Practicum objectives:
- Create and implement a research plan.
- Deploy data collection techniques.
- Calculate estimated economic contributions using data gathered.
- Learn how to organize and analyze available data to tell a compelling story.
- Receive one-on-one coaching from The Harbinger Consultancy to guide the data collection process and analysis.
- Receive support from the Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation to produce a report based on findings.
A competitive application process will select practicum participants based on the following criteria, including but not limited to:
- Commitment from at least two team members (three is preferred).
- Completion of the two-part workshop series.
- A well-developed research plan.
- Desire to understand the economic contributions of an outdoor recreation activity or asset, existing or planned.
- Ability to complete homework and provide necessary content for the economic impact report by October 1.
- Plans to involve colleagues or stakeholders in the process of developing the final report.
- Strategy to utilize the economic impact report to advance or support outdoor recreation.
Participants should expect the bulk of the work to occur at the beginning and end of the data collection period, with time allotted in the fall for analysis and drafting narrative. The Harbinger Consultancy will be available for one-on-one coaching and troubleshooting, but most of the work will be conducted by team members.
The Office of Outdoor Recreation compiled this list of businesses and organizations that may be able to help you understand the economic impact of your outdoor recreation activity or asset. Additionally, A Do-It-Yourself Guide: Conducting and Using Visitor and Recreational User Research from the Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation is a free tool to walk you through the steps. Learn more.
Contact
About The Harbinger Consultancy
For 30 years,
The Harbinger Consultancy has worked as guides, partners and knowledge builders. Harbinger helps communities, regions and supporting organizations harness, protect and expand the power of their places. Harbinger expands its capacity through an extensive network of collaborators and engages local partners,
researchers, photographers, videographers, social media pros, storytellers and other creative types for an even bigger local impact.
Michele Archie is a principal of The Harbinger Consultancy, leading its work in
collaborative regional economic analyses, economic impact projections, visitor and resident surveys and outdoor recreation assessments. Michele has led more than three dozen such studies for national and state parks, World Heritage Sites, trails and other recreational and protected areas across the United States.
She develops and conducts online courses for land trusts, trail advocates, outdoor recreation economy builders, community leaders and community economic development professionals.