Paulinskill Valley Trail 2010 User Survey and Economic Impact Analysis Contents

Home , Ghost Town Trail, Kittatinny Valley

Executive Summary...... 2.

Historical Perspective...... 4

Location Analysis...... 5

Paulinskill Valley Trail Area Demographics...... 7

Paulinskill Valley Trail Map...... 8

Qualitative Values of the Paulinskill Valley Trail...... 9

Survey Results...... 10

Methodology and Analysis...... 14

Comparative Analysis...... 16

Paulinskill Valley Trail User Estimates...... 2.0

Economic Impact...... 2.1

Trail Maintenance, Surface and Security...... 2.4

Appendix A—Trail Counter Data...... 2.6

This report was developed with assistance from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, Community and Conservation Partnerships Program.

We would like to thank the following photographers for sharing their photos with us for this report: Boyd Loving (front cover and pages 7, 15,17, 18, 19, 2.1, 2.2. top, and 2.5); Teresa Rose (page 6); Kim Darst (page 2.2. bottom); Susan Data-Smatak (page 2.3 top and bottom). Paulinskill Valley Trail 2010 User Survey and Economic Impact Analysis

Carl Knoch, Manager of Trail Development Northeast Regional Office

March 2011

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Northeast Regional Office 2.133 Market Street, Suite 2.2.2. Camp Hill, PA 17011 tel 717.2.38.1717 / fax 717.2.38.7566

National Headquarters 2.12.1 Ward Court, NW, 5th Floor Washington, DC 2.0037 tel 2.02..331.9696 / fax 2.02..2.2.3.92.57 www.railstotrails.org Executive Summary

The Paulinskill Valley Trail is a multi-use trail that Valley Trail under a grant from the F. M. Kirby runs 27 miles in New Jersey from Brugler Road in Foundation. This study utilized a survey method Knowlton Township, Warren County, to Sparta ology previously tested on Pennsylvania trails and Junction in Sussex County. documented in RTC’s Trail User Survey Workbook (www.railstotrails.org/resources/documents/resource_ During 2010, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) docs/UserSurveyMethodology.pdf). conducted this study of the users of the Paulinskill This survey was designed to monitor trail user characteristics and economic impact.

Survey forms were available at six locations along the Paulinskill Valley Trail from the beginning of June through October 2010. Completed responses were mailed back to RTC. In all, 374 completed survey forms are included in this analysis.

ZIP codes indicate a large majority of trail users on the Paulinskill Valley Trail are from the local communities in Warren and Sussex counties (72.8 percent). Trail users from other New Jersey counties represented 16.5 percent of the sample. The remaining trail users came from other states (9.7 percent).

The majority of respondents (45.3 percent) reported using the trail more than twice a week. Nearly 10 percent were on the Paulinskill Valley Trail for the first time.

The age profile of users is similar to that seen in other trail surveys, with the majority of users (62.5 percent) in the range of 46 to 65 years old.

The male/female ratio is also typical of what we have surveyed on other rail-trails, with 50.3 percent male and 49.7 percent female.

The Paulinskill Valley Trail is used primarily for walking and bicycling, with biking slightly more

2. / Paulinskill Valley Trail 2.010 User Survey common (39.7 percent) than walking (33.3 percentage of respondents (59.3 percent) indicated percent). Another 6.2 percent of respondents they stayed with family or friends at no cost. indicated horseback riding as a primary activity. Overall maintenance on the Paulinskill Valley Trail Most survey respondents (41.2 percent) spent one was rated good to excellent by 80.3 percent of to two hours on the trail. More than 35 percent of respondents, and safety and security along the trail respondents spent more than two hours on the trail. was rated good to excellent by 80 percent. This time-on-trail breakdown is fairly typical on trails that exceed 20 miles in length in rural areas. Eighty percent of respondents felt the trail surface was good to excellent. More than half of survey respondents (55.4 percent) indicated they considered their use of the trail to The respondents’ willingness to donate a voluntary be for health and exercise. Only a little more than a annual fee to help maintain the trail was divided, third (36.8 percent) indicated they considered their with 59.4 percent in support and 40.2 percent use of the trail recreational. These responses further opposed. validate the high percentage of respondents who use the trail more than twice a week. The segment of trail used most often by respondents was around Blairstown. The Airport Most respondents (63.5 percent) learned about the Road, Footbridge Road and East Crisman Road trail primarily through “word of mouth” or because access points accounted for nearly 40 percent of they drove by the trail. Another 10.3 percent cited respondents (39.6 percent). Lowest usage was at information from Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and the far western edge of the Paulinskill Valley Trail their trail-finder website, www.traillink.com. at Brugler Road. This access point may become more popular as knowledge of a connection to the The survey included seven questions about expend pedestrian bridge across the Delaware River between itures in order to develop a profile of trail user Columbia, N.J., and Portland, Pa., becomes more spending habits. Seventy percent of respondents widespread. indicated they had purchased some form of durable good, also known as a “hard good,” for use while The Paulinskill Valley Trail is part of an evolving on the trail (shoes, bike supplies, etc.), with users 130-mile trail network across the state of New spending an average of $371.91 per person in the Jersey. The Liberty-Water Gap Trail, when previous 12 months. Consumable goods, or “soft completed, will stretch from Liberty Park on the goods” such as snacks and drinks, were purchased Hudson River in Jersey City to Columbia on the by 36.5 percent, for an average of $9.93 per person, Delaware River. Liberty-Water Gap Trail signage per trip. Lodging was the third factor examined for appears all along the Paulinskill Valley Trail at economic analysis. Slightly less than 3 percent of the trailheads and road crossings. However, only 41 Paulinskill Valley Trail survey respondents indicated percent of survey respondents acknowledged they paid for lodging at a hotel or bed-and-breakfast awareness of the Liberty-Water Gap Trail. for an average of $104.44 per night; the largest

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy / 3 Historical Perspective*

The New York Susquehanna and Western Railroad trail supporters present, but they were not prepared right-of-way, the foundation for the Paulinskill for anything like the storm of opposition they en- Valley Trail, extends from near Columbia, N.J., on countered. Such strong opposition set proponents, the Delaware River in Warren County, along the including the NJ DEP, reeling. Landowners with banks of the Paulinskill River to Sparta Junction in property adjacent to the trail had organized, calling Sussex County. themselves the “Railroad Right-of-Way Repurchase Association.” The New York Susquehanna and Western Railroad abandoned the corridor in August 1962. The Trail opponents also had the backing of many other tracks and ties were removed, and in 1963 the city local landowners, some of them long-time citizens of Newark purchased the right-of-way. The city of Warren County, as well as the state senator, two planned to use the right-of-way to lay a water pipe- state assemblymen, the three freeholders from line from the proposed Tocks Island Reservoir to Warren County, and all the politicians from the their watershed area near West Milford. When the bordering towns—mayors, councilmen and planning plans for the reservoir fell through, Newark put the board members. right-of-way up for sale. The task for trail proponents was to prove that The New Jersey Department of Environmental strong local backing, especially political backing, did Protection (NJDEP) held a public meeting in exist in the trail’s home district. Under Len Frank’s Blairstown on June 13, 1985, to announce their leadership, an ad hoc committee began meeting. intention to purchase the site. Local community Frank was a long-time leader in the local Sierra members came out in droves. The most outspoken Club chapter and was well-prepared to coordinate voices were anti-trail. There were a fair number of this effort.

4 / Paulinskill Valley Trail 2.010 User Survey Proponents began leading hikes on the trail to show what a wonderful experience the trail could deliver. Information booths were manned at the county fairs in Sussex and Warren and at the Sussex Air Show. Roberta Bramhall created large displays with huge maps of the trail accented by many photographs.

Eventually, proponents became organized as the Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee (www.pvtc-kvsp. org), soliciting memberships at $10 a year. With this money, they printed a pamphlet to help promote the trail cause.

In the summer of 1986, the Sussex Voice issued a readers’ poll on the trail project.

The poll was printed just in time for the Sussex Fair in August 1986. The poll consisted of nine questions. Copies were printed and used at the Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee booth and the Voice booth at the fair. The poll was promoted vigorously, and as a result of the 650 responses, 90.6 percent were in favor of the trail. A second readers’ poll in 1987 delivered 968 responses with 92.5 percent in favor. In 1988, the trail committee printed their own results of the polls. The three freeholders drew up poll under the sponsorship of the County Federation and signed a resolution that the state should buy of Sportsmen’s Clubs. This poll resulted in 614 the corridor. This political support helped persuade responses with 97 percent in favor of the trail. Governor Thomas Kean, and he authorized NJDEP to purchase the corridor. Public backing for the trail had been amply dem- onstrated, but there was still insufficient political Through the efforts of the Paulinskill Valley Trail support. The trail committee wrote to and contacted Committee, the trail was purchased by New elected officials without results. Wally Wirths of Jersey Green Acres and became a state park on Wantage in Sussex County contacted the Sussex October 3, 1992. Freeholders, and told them about the trail and the

*History excerpted from articles written by Len Frank and Bill Weiler courtesy of The Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee.

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy / 5 Locational Analysis

The Paulinskill Valley Trail is located in Warren and Paulinskill leads to the business district. The trail Sussex counties in northwestern New Jersey. The also passes by the Blairstown Airport, which is a trail begins in Knowlton Township near Columbia renowned location for gliders. and extends 27 miles roughly north and east to Sparta Junction in Sussex County, just outside of The trail runs around the outskirts of Newton Newton. For most of its length, the trail follows the (population 8,244), the Sussex County seat. To banks of the Paulinskill River. At Warbasse Junction reach the central business district requires a road near Lafayette, the Paulinskill Valley Trail intersects ride of a couple of miles. The most direct route is with the Sussex Branch Trail. County Route 622 to Mill Street.

The Paulinskill Valley Trail passes through a primarily The woodlands the trail passes through provide rural landscape. The state-owned portion of the trail ample opportunity for the enjoyment of nature’s begins just outside of Columbia in Knowlton Town- bounty. More than 100 different species of birds have ship. In December 2010, Knowlton Township com- been identified along the trail during the Paulinskill pleted an extension of the Paulinskill Valley Trail Valley Trail Committee’s annual bird census. These to the pedestrian bridge between Columbia and rich woodlands are also home to more than 100 Portland, Pa., across the Delaware River just south different species of wildflowers that have also been of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation identified by members of the trail committee. Area. This extension utilizes a dirt road through the NJDEP Columbia Wildlife Management Area. With the Paulinskill River in such close proximity, From Columbia Lake, a pathway leads to NJ Route the trail offers ample opportunities for fishing. The 46. Crossing the Paulinskill River on the highway state stocks the Paulinskill with brown and rainbow bridge, a ramp takes the trail down to water level, trout. Some of the property along the river is private, where the path has been constructed in the river so visitors should be aware of posted areas. bottom to take users under the highway. A ramp up to street level leads to Washington Street and meets The trail also helps to highlight some of the history the pedestrian bridge at Green Street. of Warren and Sussex counties. Foundations of creameries and ice houses that were served by the The only community the trail passes directly railroad can been seen along the length of the through is Blairstown (population 5,747) in Warren corridor. The trail utilizes eight of the original County. The trail passes through a large parking lot railroad bridges across the Paulinskill. Original for Blairstown’s Footbridge Park. Heading north of whistle and mileage markers can also be seen along the parking lot and across the footbridge over the the route. Paulinskill Valley

6 / Paulinskill Valley Trail 2.010 User Survey Paulinskill Valley Trail Area Demographics

The Paulinskill Valley Trail is located in Warren and Sussex counties in New Jersey.

Paulinskill Valley Trail Region Demographic Profile (by county)

Warren County Sussex County Population (2.009 est.) 109,638 151,118 Median Household Income (2.008) $74,72.1 $79,393 Households (2.000) 38,660 50,831 Persons per Household (2.000) 2..61 2..80 Persons per Square Mile (2.000) 2.86.1 2.76.7

Paulinskill Valley Trail Region Population Projections (projected by County)

2000 (actual U.S. Census) 2010 2015 2020 2030 Warren County 102.,438 116,437 12.0,759 12.7,792. 132.,502. Sussex County 144,166 161,881 N/A 178,635 N/A

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy / 7 Paulinskill Valley Trail Map

8 / Paulinskill Valley Trail 2.010 User Survey Qualitative Values of the Paulinskill Valley Trail

The best way to summarize the qualitative values of the Paulinskill Valley Trail is to let trail users describe how they feel about their experience. The following are verbatim comments taken from the 2010 Paulinskill Valley Trail User Survey forms.

The trail is one to the greatest assets to my area & I treasure it!!!

Love this trail. Don’t know where I would run without it!

What a great idea converting these RR’s to rail trails! The P-skill is a beautiful bike ride from one end to the other! And a lot safer than riding on roads!

More benches or seating along the trail would be helpful.

We purchased our property 10+ yrs ago so we could live right on the trail. We hike & bike many times several times a day. We have purchased extra bikes to accommodate friends/family visitors.

Add markers to indicate mileage, also a bench or two would be nice.

Horse riders should clean up droppings!

Trail could use some maintenance.

Also enjoy horseback riding on trail.

I love walking my dog on the trail. My 7 yr. old son rides his bike along with us. We can’t wait to go on the trail again!

Totally enjoy the beauty and solitude of the trail.

Need mileage markers — Horse riders clean up after horses.

This trail was a major draw for me to move back to the area. Truly one of the finest parts of the state.

Need more signs as to yielding to bike, joggers, horses.

Needs a lot of work on the western end of the trail!

Too many horses on weekends!! They leave a mess too.

We love living in an area with easy access to the trail.

We have tried to walk the entire trail in segments. This is the greatest trail — finding the order of the trail from beginning to end with places to park cars — the map overlaps are confusing — one clear map with clearly marked segments showing parking and mileage between segments is needed very badly.

The trails are a community treasure.

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy / 9 2010 Survey Results

10 / Paulinskill Valley Trail 2.010 User Survey Question 1 Question 5a What is your ZIP code? How many children in each age category? 37.5% Warren County 22.7% Under 5 35.3% Sussex County 34.9% 5 to 9 5.9% Morris County 42.4% 10 to 15 2.7% Essex County 2.2% Bergen County Question 6 5.7% Other New Jersey counties What is your gender? 9.7% Other states 50.3% Male 49.7% Female Question 2 How did you get to the trail? Questions 7 65.8% Drive What is your primary activity on the trail? 12.3% Bike 33.3% Walking/hiking 10.7% Walk 39.7% Biking 6.1% Run/jog 12.2% Jogging/running 5.1% Horseback 6.2% Horseback riding 8.7% Pet walking Question 3 2.7% Other How often, on average, do you use the trail? 3.5% Daily Question 8 21.3% More than twice a week Generally, when do you use the trail? 20.5% Twice a week 11.6% Weekdays 7.2% Once a week 31.6% Weekends 16.3% A couple times a month 56.8% Both 5.3% Once a month 16.0% Few times a year Question 9 9.9% First time What time of day do you generally use the trail? 37.3% Morning Question 4 27.8% Afternoon Please identify your age group. 3.9% Evening 0.8% 15 and under 31.0% Anytime 4.0% 16–25 7.0% 26–35 Question 10 13.4% 36–45 How much time do you generally spend on the 34.3% 46–55 trail on each visit? 28.2% 56–65 1.1% Less than 30 minutes 12.1% 66 or older 22.1% 30 minutes to 1 hour 41.2% 1 to 2 hours Question 5 35.6% More than 2 hours Were any children 15 years of age or younger with you on your trail experience today? 12.5% Yes 87.5% No

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy / 11 Question 11 Question 16 Would you consider your main use of the trail to In conjunction with your most recent trip to the be for… trail, did you purchase any of the following? 36.8% Recreation 22.6% Beverages 55.4% Health and exercise 11.1% Candy/snack foods 6.6% Training 6.7% Sandwiches 0.3% Commuting 2.6% Ice cream 1.0% Other 11.7% Meals at a restaurant along the trail 2.6% Walk the dog 0.0% Bike rental 16.5% Other: Socialize 3.5% Other 41.7% None of these Question 12 Have you used other rail-trails in New Jersey? Question 17 67.8% Yes Approximately how much did you spend per person 32.2% No on the items above? The average for those who indicated they had Question 13 made a purchase and provided a dollar amount How did you find out about the trail? was $9.93 (n=162). 43.1% Word of mouth Note that this is an average amount spent per person, 12.0% Roadside signage per trip. 20.4% Driving past 2.1% Newspaper Question 18 3.1% NJDEP Did your visit to the trail involve an overnight stay 7.0% Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in one of the following types of accommodations 3.3% www.traillink.com (n=35)? 6.2% Other website 7.4% Motel/Hotel 1.7% Bike shop 7.4% Bed-and-Breakfast 1.2% Tourist information 59.3% Friend or relative’s home 22.2% Campground Question 14 3.7% Other Has your use of the trail influenced your purchase of…? Question 19 17.2% Bike How many nights did you stay in conjunction with 15.9% Bike supplies your visit to the trail? 10.4% Auto accessories (bike rack, etc.) Average number of nights per stay was 1.7. 16.9% Footwear 14.6% Clothing Question 20 1.6% Fishing equipment Approximately how much did you spend on over- 23.9% Nothing night accommodations per night?

Question 15 Average expenditure per night for those who provided an amount was $104.44 (n=9). Approximately how much did you spend on the items above in the past year? Question 21 The average for those who indicated they had In your opinion, the maintenance of the trail is… made a purchase and provided a dollar amount 30.7% Excellent was $371.91 (n=219). 49.6% Good 15.4% Fair 4.3% Poor

12. / Paulinskill Valley Trail 2.010 User Survey Question 22 In your opinion, the surface of the trail is… 25.6% Excellent 55.0% Good 14.0% Fair 5.4% Poor

Question 23 In your opinion, the safety and security along the trail is… 28.8% Excellent 51.8% Good 16.2% Fair 2.8% Poor

Question 24 Which section of the trail do you use most often? 4.9% Brugler Road 8.3% Station Road 13.3% Airport Road 14.9% Footbridge Road 11.4% East Crisman Road 9.4% Spring Valley Road 7.8% Cedar Ridge Road 7.7% Newton Swartswood Road 7.0% Newton Halsey 8.7% Morris Farm 6.9% Warbasse Junction

Question 25 Are you aware of the Liberty-Water Gap Trail? 41.0% Yes 59.0% No

Question 26 Would you be willing to pay a voluntary fee to help maintain the trail? 59.8% Yes 40.2% No 8.7% Rosston 41.7% Ford City 32.5% Kittanning 6.0% Cowanshannock 1.3% Lock & Dam #8 4.2% Templeton 5.5% Other

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy / 13 Methodology and Analysis

Utilizing Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s Trail User The Ghost Town Trail and the Perkiomen Trail were Survey Workbook template as a starting point, this chosen for comparison because they share similar survey form was refined with input from the super- characteristics of length and type of surrounding. intendent of Kittatinny Valley State Park, which The Ghost Town Trail is a multi-use trail that runs manages the Paulinskill Valley Trail. The sample 36 miles east to west between Ebensburg in Cambria was self-selecting, meaning trail users could pick County and Black Lick in Indiana County. The up survey forms that were available at each of the Ghost Town Trail is co-managed by Indiana County trail’s primary trailheads between Brugler Road and Parks and the Cambria County Conservation Warbasse Junction. The survey forms themselves Authority. The trail is primarily rural, running were folded into a postage-paid self-mailer that was parallel to Blacklick Creek and game lands and addressed to Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s national passing through the town of Ebensburg, as well as a office in Washington, D.C. Survey collection few small residential communities. was conducted from the beginning of June 2010 through the beginning of November 2010. The Perkiomen Trail is a 19-mile multi-use trail in the southeast section of Pennsylvania. The Perkio- For the purpose of this analysis, 374 survey forms men Trail is managed by the Montgomery County were completed. Because several questions called Parks Department. Surrounded by suburban com- for multiple responses, and some survey respondents munities and interstate highways, the trail passes did not answer all of the questions, the percentages through several small towns as well as rural areas, all presented in this analysis are based on the total within 30 miles of Philadelphia. number of responses to each individual question. Like the Paulinskill Valley Trail, both the Ghost Town (Disclaimer: As a self-selecting survey, these findings and Perkiomen trails demonstrate characteristics of are not absolute, and no one can predict with any a local community trail. certainty how trail users will act in the future. That said, the findings track very closely with similar surveys and other published reports, as well as anecdotal evidence).

For the purpose of this analysis, the data from the Paulinskill Valley Trail User Survey will be compared with data collected in a 2008 survey of users on the Perkiomen Trail in Montgomery County, Pa., and a 2009 survey of users on the Ghost Town Trail in Indiana and Cambria counties in Pennsylvania. The data collection methodology and the survey questions from the Perkiomen and Ghost Town trail surveys are in most cases identical to those in the Paulinskill Valley Trail survey.

14 / Paulinskill Valley Trail 2.010 User Survey Distribution of survey respondents based on ZIP code.

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy / 15 Comparative Analysis

The age profile for the users of the Paulinskill Valley Trail is very similar to the age profile of users of the Ghost Town and Perkiomen trails. The highest percentage of users of the Paulinskill Valley Trail fall in the 46 to 55- year age range, which is slightly higher than the comparable trails in this analysis. The Paulinskill Valley Trail had the lowest percentage of users under the age of 35. In all three of the studies, the majority of trail users are over the age of 45.

What is your age group? Comparison with other trails 35 35 30 30 25 25 20 20 15 15 10 10 5 5 Percent Percent 0 0 <15 16-25 26-35 36-45 46-55 56-65 >66 <15 16-15 26-35 36-45 46-55 56-65 >66 Paulinskill Valley Trail Paulinskill Valley Trail Perkiomen Trail Ghost Town Trail

As with most rail-trails, the primary activities on the Paulinskill Valley Trail are walking and bicycling, with cycling the most common; the length of the trail lends itself to all-day cycling adventures. Horseback riding is also a very popular activity on the Paulinskill Valley Trail. There are a number of stables close to the trail that provide easy access.

What is your primary activity? Comparison with other trails 40 70 35 60 30 50 25 40 20 30 15 10 20 5 10

Percent 0 Percent 0 Walk Bike Run Equestrian Pet Other Walk Bike Run Other Walk Paulinskill Valley Trail Paulinskill Valley Trail Perkiomen Trail Ghost Town Trail

16 / Paulinskill Valley Trail 2.010 User Survey All three trails in this comparison pass through a combination of natural ‘wilderness’ areas as well as residential and retail areas. The Paulinskill Valley Trail passes through the smallest percentage of populated areas and has the second-longest distance of unbroken trail. The most dramatic difference in time spent by users of all three trails can be seen in the number of people who are on the trail for more than two hours. The Paulinskill Valley Trail has the second-largest percentage of people on the trail for two hours or more. This result is typical for trails of this length, and where cycling is a primary activity.

How much time did you spend on each trail visit? Comparison with other trails 45 50 40 35 40 30 25 30 20 20 15 10 10 5

Percent 0 Percent 0 <30 min 30-60 min 1-2 hrs >2 hrs <30 min 30-60 min 1-2 hrs >2 hrs

Paulinskill Valley Trail Paulinskill Valley TrailGPerkiomen Trail host Town Trail

Nearly 60 percent of users of the Paulinskill Valley Trail purchased consumable items in conjunction with their trail visit. For the purpose of this survey, these purchases included items such as snacks, water, ice cream and meals. This percentage is slightly lower than what we see on the Ghost Town Trail, yet higher than on the more populated Perkiomen Trail. The percentage of purchases relates to the length of the trail and the environment through which the trail passes (as in feeling a need to be prepared by carrying some nourishment on more remote or longer trails). The Ghost Town Trail is isolated from services in many places, while the Perkiomen is always within easy distance of food and water. The Paulinskill Valley Trail is somewhere in the middle with the amount of available retail establishments from which to purchase items.

Number of people who purchased “soft goods” Comparison with other trails 60 80

50 70 60 40 50 30 40

20 30 20 10 10 Percent Percent 0 0 Yes No Yes No Paulinskill Valley Trail Paulinskill Valley TrailGPerkiomen Trail host Town Trail

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy / 17 Respondents to the Paulinskill Valley Trail User Survey reported spending an average of $9.93 while on the trail, somewhat less than users on the Ghost Town and Perkiomen trails. Again, the distance traveled on the trail, the amount of time spent and the environment through which the trail passes all influence the amount of money spent on consumable goods. Other factors corresponding to the amount of spending while on the trail can be the economy in general and the type of trailside retail (full-service restaurants versus quick-stop snack shops).

Average $ spent per person on “soft goods” Comparison with other trails 10 14 $9.93 $13.62 12 8 10 $11.09 $9.93 6 8

4 6 4 2 2

Average Dollars 0 Average Dollars 0 $ $ Paulinskill Valley Trail Paulinskill ValleyTrail Perkiomen Trail Ghost Town Trail

In the case of all three studies, use of the rail-trail has influenced purchase of durable goods by nearly 80 percent of respondents. For the purpose of these studies, durable or “hard goods” included bikes, bike supplies, auto accessories (bike racks, etc.), footwear and clothing. The percentage of respondents to the Paulinskill Valley Trail User Survey purchasing “hard goods” is comparable to other user surveys done in Pennsylvania.

Number of people who purchased “hard goods” Comparison with other trails 80 100

80 60 60 40 40 20 20 cent cent Per Per 0 0 Yes No Yes No Paulinskill Valley Trail Paulinskill Valley TrailGPerkiomen Trail host Town Trail

18 / Paulinskill Valley Trail 2.010 User Survey The amount respondents reported spending on durable goods such as bicycles and clothing is averaged at $371.91 per person on the Paulinskill Valley Trail. The difference in the amount spent by survey respondents on these trails is less than $40. The percentage of respondents who reported purchasing durable goods varies by only 12 percent between the three trails (Paulinskill, 76.1percent; Perkiomen, 81.5 percent; and Ghost Town, 88.4 percent).

Average $ spent on “hard goods” per person? Comparison with other trails 400 400 $396.89 350 $371.91 390 300 380 250 370 200 $371.91 360 150 $357.63 100 350 50 340 verage Dollars verage Dollars

A 0 A 330 $ $ Paulinskill Valley Trail Paulinskill Valley TrailGPerkiomen Trail host Town Trail

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy / 19 Paulinskill Valley Trail User Estimate

During the summer and fall of 2010, passive infrared counters were placed at two locations along the Paulin skill Valley Trail. The first counter was placed on the trail at the Spring Valley Road trailhead on June 1. This counter was moved on August 10 because the trailhead was closed for construction. The counter was placed on the trail at the Warbasse Junction Road trailhead on August 10, where it remained until November 4. These counters collect data on the number of trail users passing the counter by detecting each user’s “heat signature.”

In order to develop an annual user estimate for these two locations, the data collected was extrapolated to a 12-month estimate using a User Visit Model developed by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. This model examines data collected using electronic counters at 58 different locations on rail-trails across the United States.

Trail Counter Actual Estimated Adjusted for Adjusted for Location Count 12-Month Missing Out-&-Back Count* Counts Trips

Spring Valley Road June 1, 2.010 to August 10, 2.010 3,703 14,453 17,344 9,12.8

Warbasse Junction Road August 10, 2.010 to November 4, 2.010 4,768 18,077 2.1,692. 11,416

2.0 / Paulinskill Valley Trail 2.010 User Survey Economic Impact

The economic impact of the Paulinskill Valley Trail Hard Goods is comprised of a number of elements. Has your use of the trail influenced your purchase From the survey, the percentage of respondents who of? (check all that apply) have purchased “hard goods” (bikes, bike equipment, Bike 17.2.% running/walking shoes, etc.) was determined. Many of these respondents also revealed how much they Bike supplies 15.9% spent on these types of purchases during the past 12 Auto accessories 10.4% months. Running/walking/hiking shoes 16.9% Also, from the survey it was determined how much Clothing 14.6% trail users spent on “soft goods” (water, soda, snacks, ice cream, lunches, etc.) while using the trail. Again, Fishing equipment 1.6% the percentage of respondents who made these types Nothing 2.3.9% of purchases provides an important aspect for deter- mining the economic impact. Approximately how much did you spend on the items above in the past year? (enter dollar amount) Very few respondents to the Paulinskill Valley Trail User Survey indicated that an overnight stay was Average “hard goods” purchase $371.91 part of their trail experience. Of the 374 completed (n=2.19) survey forms, only 35 indicated an overnight stay. Of those indicating an overnight stay, 59 percent were with family or friends and did not result in an Soft Goods out-of-pocket expenditure. In conjunction with your most recent trip to the Estimates of the economic impact of the Paulinskill trail, did you purchase any of the following? (check Valley Trail are presented in the following tables. all that apply) These estimates are based on the potential spending Beverages 2.2..6% of trail users who passed the Spring Valley Road and Warbasse Junction Road trail counters. They do not Candy/snack foods 11.1% represent what the total economic impact for the Sandwiches 6.7% full length of the Paulinskill Valley Trail may be. Ice cream 2..6% Meals at a restaurant along the trail 11.7% Bike rental 0.0% Other 3.5% None of these 41.7%

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy / 2.1 Approximately how much did you spend per person How many nights did you stay in conjunction with on the items above? (enter dollar amount) you visit to the trail?

Average “soft goods” purchase $9.93 Average number of nights per stay 1.7 (n=162.) Approximately how much did you spend on over- Note that this is an average amount spent per person, night accommodations per night? per trip. Average expenditure per night for those Lodging providing an amount $104.44 (n=9)

Did your visit to the trail involve an overnight stay The following chart takes the data provided above in one of the following types of accommodations? and extrapolates the purchases for the trail users (circle one response) who passed the Spring Valley Road and Warbasse Motel/hotel 7.4% Junction Road counters. While “hard good” purchases may not be made on an annual basis, Bed-and-Breakfast 7.4% they represent a significant expenditure figure. The Friend or relative’s home 59.3% purchase of “soft goods” does represent an annual Campground 2.2..2.% expenditure, because these purchases are made on a Other 3.7% per-trip basis by users. The percentage of trail users paying for an overnight stay may vary significantly from year to year.

2.2. / Paulinskill Valley Trail 2.010 User Survey Paulinskill Valley Trail Economic Impact Analysis

Annual User Est. (Rounded) Spring Valley Road (9,182.) / Warbasse Junction (11,416)

Category % Usage Avg. $ Avg. Life Avg. # of trips Avg. # of nights Spring Valley / Warbasse Hard Goods* 70.0% $371.91 6 years 2.4.6 $16,195 / $2.0,136 Soft Goods 36.5% $9.93 $33,2.80 / $41,376 Lodging 2..9% $104.44 1.7 $47,2.2.7 / $58,780

Hard Goods = (% Usage X (Avg. $ ÷ Avg. Life) X (# Users ÷ Avg. Number of Trips)* In the above example, the calculation for Spring Valley Road would look like this: ((.700 X ($371.91÷6)) X (9,182÷24.6) = $16,195

Soft Goods = (% Usage X Users Avg. $ X # Users) In the above example, the calculation for Warbasse Junction Road would look like this: (.365 X $9.93 X 11,416) = $41,376

Accommodations= (% Usage X Users Avg. $ X # Users x Avg. # Nights) In the above example, the calculation for Spring Valley Road would look like this: (.029 X $104.44 X 9,182 X 1.7) = $47,277

*Major “hard good” purchases such as a bike may be replaced every five to 10 years. Running shoes may be replaced every couple months. For the purpose of this analysis, the average life of a “hard good” is assumed to be six years. To get a figure that is usable on an annual user basis, the “hard goods” need to be broken down to a per-trip figure. What this amounts to is working the average spending on a “hard good” down to a per-use depreciation amount.

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy / 2.3 Trail Maintenance, Surface and Cleanliness

One of the most important aspects of the trail user survey is that it allows the trail’s management organization to receive feedback, both positive and negative, from trail users. The 2010 Paulinskill Valley Trail User Survey can serve as a benchmark against which future maintenance, trail surface and cleanliness issues can be compared.

The questions on maintenance and cleanliness were also asked on the 2008 Perkiomen Trail Study and the 2009 Ghost Town Trail Study. To provide a basis of comparison for the management of the Paulinskill Valley Trail, the responses from those studies have been included in this section of the analysis. No comparative analysis is available for the question concerning the trail surface.

Opinion of trail maintenance Comparison with other trails 60 70

50 60 50 40 40 30 30 20 20 10 10 cent cent

Per 0 Per 0 Excellent Good Fair Poor Excellent Good Fair Poor Paulinskill Valley Trail Paulinskill Valley TrailGPerkiomen Trail host Town Trail

According to respondents to this survey, the Paulinskill Valley Trail is fairly well maintained. The high standard set by the Perkiomen Trail represents a significant amount of work on the part of the Montgomery County Department of Parks and Heritage Service. The Ghost Town Trail is also maintained by the county department of parks.

Opinion of trail surface More than 80 percent of respondents rated the 60 trail surface Excellent or Good. In the comments 50 there were references to specific sections of the trail 40 where surface repairs were needed. These responses 30 may have come from surveys completed after rain

20 storms or other natural occurrences that impacted the trail surface. Some of the surface comments 10 cent may also be related to the many comments regard- Per 0 ing horse manure on the trail. Excellent Good Fair Poor Paulinskill Valley Trail

2.4 / Paulinskill Valley Trail 2.010 User Survey The feeling of security that trail users have is influenced by the presence of other trail users, visual observation of rangers, familiarity with the trail, and each user’s general perception of how safe the overall environment is. From the chart, it appears that survey respondents to the Paulinskill Valley Trail User Survey feel somewhat less safe than users of the Perkiomen Trail and the Ghost Town Trail.

Opinion of safety and security of the trail Comparison with other trails 60 60

50 50

40 40

30 30

20 20

10 10 cent cent

Per 0 Per 0 Excellent Good Fair Poor Excellent Good Fair Poor Paulinskill Valley Trail Paulinskill Valley TrailGPerkiomen Trail host Town Trail

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy / 2.5 Appendix A—Trail Counter Data

2.6 / Paulinskill Valley Trail 2.010 User Survey 0 0.0 0.0 52.2 0 / 3,703 100.0

167 / 3

-0

2 0

-0

2 0

-0

2 0

2 3

-0

2 2

-0

0 Total (1) : Percentage (1) : Total (2) : Percentage (2) : Mean (1) : Mean (2) : Max/Min (1) : Max/Min (2) :

-0

2 2

2 1

Location: Spring Valley Road Trailhead Comment: -0

2 1

0 36.0 30.7 93.3 36.0 31.5 40.6 41.2 93.2 93.5

2 1

-0

2 0

-0

2 0

-0

- 0

y 01

2010-06-01 2010-08-10 1 2

-0

2 -

Finish: -0 Start: 0

2 2

-0 0

Mean Monda Daily Mean Weekday: Daily Mean Weekend: Mean Tuesday Mean Wednesday Mean Thursday Mean Friday Mean Saturday Mean Sunday

2 2

-0

2 2

-0

2 2

-0

01 9

1 y 3

-0

0 167

52.2 35.0 43.0 38.9

2 3,703 1 1,836 1,867

1 da 75 / 3

0 167 / 21

2 1

-0

2 0

-0

2 0

-0

2 0

Spring Valley Road 0 Paulinskill Trail User Survey 2010

2 0

0 - 0

80 60 40 20 1

0 180 160 140 120 100 2 Counter: Total Counts: TRAFx REPORT: Period Length: Total Periods: Project: Mean: Mode: Median: Standard Deviation: Total Weekday: Total Weekend: Daily Max/Min Weekday: Daily Max/Min Weekend: FIVE PEAK PERIODS: 2010-07-03 (167), 2010-07-11 2010-07-18 (146), 2010-06-19 (139), 2010-06-26 (134) Maximum: Minimum:

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy / 2.7 0 0.0 0.0 54.8 0 / 4,768 100.0

188 / 0

0-11

1 2

- 20

0-11

1 1

- 20

0-10

1 9

- 20

0-10

7 1

0 2

- 2

1 5

- 20

3 1

0 2

- 2

1 1

0 2

- 2

0-10

9 1

- 20

1 7

0 1

- 2

0-10

5 1

0 1

- 2

- Total (2) : Percentage (1) : Percentage (2) : Mean (1) : Mean (2) : Max/Min (1) : Total (1) : Max/Min (2) :

1 3

0 1

- 2

0-10

1 1

0 1

- 2

1 9

- 20

1 7

0 0

Location: Warbasse Junction Trailhead - Comment: 2

5 1

0 0

- 2

- 41.3 32.1 31.8 28.8 38.5 34.3

1 3 108.6 106.8 110.4

0 0

- 2

0-10

1 1

- 20

0-10

1 9

- 20

0-09

7 1

- 20

0-09

1 5

- 20

3 1

- 20

0-09

1 1

- 20

9 1

- 20

1 7

0 1

- 2

2010-08-10 2010-11-04

0-09

5 1

1 0

- 2

1 3

- 20

Start: Finish:

0-09

1 1

- 20

0-09

9 Daily Mean Weekday: Daily Mean Weekend: Mean Monda Mean Tuesday Mean Wednesday Mean Thursday Mean Friday Mean Saturday Mean Sunday 0

- 20

7 1

- 20

0-09

1 5

- 20

1 3

- 20

1 1

0 0 -

0-09 188

1 0 46.0 41.0 54.8 45.1

20 4,768 2,161 2,607

1 day

- 173 / 0

8 1 188 / 19

- 20

0-08

1 6

0 2

- 2

0-08

4 1

- 20

0-08

1 2

- 20

0 1

2 0

- 2

0-08

1 8

0 1

- 2

0-08

6 1

1 0

- 2

0-08

1 4

0 1

- 2

0-08

Paulinskill Valley Trail User Survey 2010 Paulinskill_Warbasse 2 1

- 20

0-08

1 0

- 20

0 -

80 60 40 20 1 200 180 160 140 120 100 20 TRAFx REPORT: Period Length: Project: Counter: Total Periods: Mode: Median: Total Counts: Maximum: Total Weekday: Total Weekend: Daily Max/Min Weekday: Daily Max/Min Weekend: FIVE PEAK PERIODS: 2010-09-04 (188), 2010-09-05 (179), 2010-09-06 (173), 2010-09-26 (152), 2010-09-11 (144) Mean: Standard Deviation: Minimum:

2.8 / Paulinskill Valley Trail 2.010 User Survey Rails-to-Trails Conservancy / 2.9 Northeast Regional Office 2.133 Market Street, Suite 2.2.2. Camp Hill, PA 17011 tel 717.2.38.1717 fax 717.2.38.7566

National Headquarters 2.12.1 Ward Court, NW, 5th Floor Washington, DC 2.0037 tel 2.02..331.9696 fax 2.02..2.2.3.92.57 www.railstotrails.org