Summary
The Wisconsin Department of Tourism, Office of Outdoor Recreation, states on their webpage: “With over 15,000 lakes, 43,000 miles of river shoreline, and 6 million acres of public land, it is no wonder outdoor recreation is the number one marketable reason people visit Wisconsin.”
The Central Sands Region of Wisconsin is well-known for the many lakes, rivers, streams and “quiet” wildlife/nature recreational opportunities available to both Wisconsin’s citizens and visitors seeking outdoor experiences to enjoy.
Tourism revenues, particularly related to water activities, have brought economic vitality to our communities as well as property tax revenues from riparian property owners within our counties, and money spent at local businesses (groceries, sporting goods, restaurants/taverns, construction companies, hotels/cabin rentals, campgrounds, travel guides, and entertainment venues to name a few). This all contributes to our region’s municipal infrastructure funding. Since some riparian property owners have a primary residence away from their water property, municipalities also benefit from not having to provide social services, healthcare, schools/teachers to these property owners and their families during the “off-season”. Therefore the economic impacts of abundant, healthy surface waters to enjoy fishing, water sports, nature photography, life by the water with family and friends all continue to support our local communities’ financial vitality.
Articles and Presentations
- Valuing Ecological Services to Make Smarter Water Decisions – Lake Tides Winter/Spring 2019
- The Power of Tourism – Overview of tourism’s impact on Wisconsin’s economy from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism
- Total Tourism Impacts Wisconsin Counties, with Central Sands counties listed first (downloadable Excel file), taken from Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s website
- Total Economic Impact for Wisconsin Counties – data for each of state’s 72 counties published yearly in April/May
- Economic Value of Adams County Lake Properties, presented by Don Ystad on May 9, 2019, to Wisconsin Friends of John Muir – Marquette County. Includes data from all six counties in the central sands region – Adams, Marquette, Portage, Waupaca, Waushara & Wood Counties.
- Economic Values Summary – Central Sands Region – data collected during 2017-2018 by CSWAC member volunteers for each county; see examples below for more detailed data
- Waushara County Riparian Values 2017 – data showing that in 2017, 33% of Waushara County property taxes were paid by riparian owners
- Town of Springwater Property Taxes 2017, Waushara County – data showing that 68% of Springwater property taxes were paid by riparian owners
- Wood County Riparian Values 2017 – data showing that in 2017, 4% of Wood County property taxes were paid by riparian owners
- Economic Impact of Water – Water Resources Education Coalition presentation by Tom Kunes on December 13, 2016 at CSWAC-hosted public event held at the Village of Plover Municipal Building