Using Lodging Tax Information as a Crane Watchers Indicator
Allan Jenkins, University of Nebraska at Kearney, Department of Economics, Kearney, Nebraska 68847, (308) 865-8461
Historically, there has been little data available to describe the extent of crane watching tourism in the Middle Platte region. This lack has led to widely divergent estimates of the actual number of external visitors. A more reliable estimate is required before local economic interests will divert resources to foster this activity as an economic development strategy. This paper presents an economic model using lodging tax information across several counties in south central Nebraska to determine whether there is a statistically significant increase in lodging in prime crane watching counties during the migration period.
A Regional Economic Model for the Middle Platte
Ronald T. Konecny, University of Nebraska at Kearney, Department of Business, Kearney, Nebraska 68847, (308) 865-8461
This paper describes the development of an Input/Output Model for the Middle Platte Region. It begins with a brief comparison of regional characteristics with national economic characteristics. Identified general similarities justify the use of this particular input/output technique. The model is designed to evaluate the tradeoffs inherent in different water-use scenarios. To illustrate the model's potential, the opportunity cost of limiting future agricultural water use is calculated.
Noncomsumptive Nature-Related Recreation along the Platte River: Wildlife Viewing
Ted Lee Eubanks, Fermata Inc., 2200 Parkway, Austin, Texas 78703, (512) 477-7411 (8033), eubanks@io.com
The Platte River in Nebraska is an important link in the mid-continental migration of millions of birds, particularly waterfowl. Each spring hundreds of thousands of geese, ducks, and Sandhill Cranes stage in the shallow waters of the river, storing the energy reserves that will allow them to continue their northward flights. This wildlife spectacle attracts wildlife viewers and birdwatchers from around the world, many traveling hundreds of miles to experience this natural phenomenon.
In 1996 we surveyed several discrete populations of wildlife viewers who had visited the middle Platte River to view, photograph, or simply enjoy the wildlife congregated there in the spring. Although our field work focused upon Sandhill Crane migration and the massive staging in the spring, we additionally asked each survey participant for information about their general nature-related recreation along the Platte River throughout the year.
Surveys were mailed to random samples derived from the following populations in accordance to the Dillman method for mail surveys: attendees of the Spring River Conference (Kearney, NE); attendees of Wings Over the Platte (Grand Island, NE); visitors to the Lillian Ann Rowe Sanctuary; visitors to Mormon Island Crane Meadows Sanctuary; members of the National Audubon Society in Nebraska; members of the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union; and visitors to Fort Kearney State Historical Park and Recreation Area. Responses were received from 1,298 individuals, for an effective response rate of nearly 72%. Preliminary findings will be presented in this talk, as well as a brief description of future survey plans.
Return to 1997 Platte River Basin Ecosystem Symposium
Last updated by Darren A. Jack on 2/6/97