The study is hard to accept.
The linked article says
"that residents and visitors who fish, boat and swim the state’s freshwater lakes and rivers would decrease their use — and their spending — if they perceive deterioration in any of four key areas: water clarity and purity; natural views and scenery; crowding; and water levels and flows."
Rather than projections, why not look at where we are today compared to 15 years ago.
- The water clarity and purity has decreased signficantly in 15 years. Where is the loss of revenue?
- We have already had changes in water levels and flows. Three 100 year floods in 18 months and wildly running rivers. Can the damage be calculated (beyond repairing washed out roads)?
- Changes in natural views and scenery have already occurred. Red hill and the Ossipee mountains have development where there was none. Ridges along the Western shore of Winnipesaukee have been adorned with condos. Has this decreased spending?
- We have increased crowding of the few good rafting spots, but how the heck can more people cost $19M in declined tourist dollars?
Call me skeptical, but if the study showed that the Lakes Region economy would be $51 million richer today if the quality of the lakes and development were as they were 15 years ago, I'd be more inclined to buy their projections into the future.