Driftless Area Survey

By Jeff Hastings, TUDARE

One aspect of ensuring the long-term sustainability of Trout Unlimited's Driftless Area Restoration Effort and the National Fish Habitat Initiative is demonstrating its benefits to a broader constituency than state fish and wildlife agencies and anglers. Enhancing angling opportunities through improvements in fish habitat often has positive impacts on local economies.

Trout Unlimited and the University of Wisconsin-Extension conducted an economic impact study of angling and canoeing for two improved streams in southwest Wisconsin in 1999 showing $2,300,000 indirect spending from canoeing and angling in this small area. Building on this work, TU has received a grant to contract with Northstar to conduct an updated survey that will reflect the impact of stream restoration for the entire Driftless Area. Over the next couple of weeks we plan to send out a mailing to anglers to complete the survey; however we would appreciate you helping us spread the word by forwarding the attached link to your memberships and asking them to complete the online survey.

Northstar website