Challenge

The Kashia Band of Pomo Indians sought Capacity Consulting, Inc.’s expertise to assess the feasibility of developing a sustainable trail network on several hundred acres of forested land protected under a Conservation Easement. Funded by the Office of Indian Economic Development’s Tribal Tourism Grant Program (TTGP), this initiative aimed to support Tribal economic development and inform decisions on potential tourism projects.

Conservation easements restrict commercial development to safeguard natural resources and preserve land for future generations. This particular easement required balancing the Tribe’s sovereign rights with the values of land conservation. A sustainable trail system, as a form of ecotourism, aligns with these goals by minimizing negative impacts on wildlife and encouraging the preservation of natural areas. However, ecotourism activities alone often generate minimal revenue, necessitating complementary business ventures to fully leverage the tourism traffic.

Process

Our approach involved primary research, including site visits and interviews with the nonprofit administering the conservation easement to understand the opportunities within the protected land. Secondary research included an analysis of the regional tourist market, demographic data, competing trail networks, park data from the California Department of Parks and Recreation, and conservation easement case studies. Additionally, we consulted with sustainable trail designers and contractors to estimate construction costs and timelines.

Recommendations

Trail networks in popular tourist destinations can significantly enhance ecotourism and drive economic development. They attract visitors who are likely to explore nearby attractions while engaging with the nature reserve, thereby supporting surrounding revenue-generating ventures and establishing the region as a tourist destination.

Our findings indicated that a standalone trail system with a day parking fee would attract a limited number of tourists, with revenue insufficient to cover construction and maintenance costs. To make the ecotourism trail system feasible and valuable, the Tribe should first develop revenue-generating businesses to accommodate trail tourists. Without local businesses for visitors to patronize, the trail system would provide minimal benefit.

Market research highlighted a growing trend among mountain bikers, suggesting that a trail system designed for this audience could be highly successful. Interviews with trail construction experts and industry professionals indicate that a mountain bike park would be a lucrative investment. Mountain bikers, typically earning $80k – $100k annually, primarily male, and aged around 40, tend to travel in groups and spend approximately $382 per trip.

Our study included a financial cost summary for constructing a sustainable trail system with accessory structures. Estimated costs range from $30k to $50k per mile, varying based on trail design and intended use. Trails designed for hikers and bird watchers fall at the lower end of this range, while trails tailored for mountain biking are on the higher end. Sustainable construction also necessitates an ecological audit and site visit for a precise cost estimate. The cost-revenue ratio favors mountain biking trails, offering a more promising financial outlook.