Local residents will soon have a better understanding of how mountain biking development affects Burns Lake.
The Burns Lake Mountain Biking Association (BLMBA) has partnered with the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) to assess the economic and social impact of mountain biking development in the region. The UNBC’s research methods in outdoor recreation and tourism class will use Burns Lake for their class project this term.
“We know people are visiting Burns Lake from all over the region and world, and we would be pleased to be able to have a report that quantifies these social and economic benefits,” said Dawn Stronstad, BLMBA director. “Trail development projects are community-based, and they bring benefit to the community as a whole.”
“This is an exciting opportunity for Burns Lake and BLMBA, as it will quantify the impact that mountain bike trail development has had on our area,” she added.
Guy Epkens-Shaffer, BLMBA president, said this research will assist BLMBA with grant applications since they will be able to present quantitative information to organizations, as well as to local and regional governments that provide funding for their projects.
“We know that people come here and spend money,” said Epkens-Shaffer. “If we can have a legitimate study that is Burns Lake centred, then we’ll have a really good argument [when applying for grants].”
Pamela Wright, professor of research methods in outdoor recreation and tourism at UNBC, said this partnership also presents benefits for students.
“It’s a chance for students to actively contribute to community development and to engage in all aspects of the research process,” she said. “Students get engaged in learning because they know what they do can make a difference; it’s a real thing and not just an academic essay.”
The UNBC students have been involved with studies analyzing visitor use data for the Haida Gwaii National Park, surveys of Prince George residents on outdoor activity involvement, as well as studies for B.C. Parks.
The students will develop an online survey to assess the social and economic benefit of the Burns Lake trails, as well as visit Burns Lake to conduct face-to-face interviews. The first field trip is expected to take place later this month.
“We are really hoping that BLMBA members and all community members participate in the project,” said Wright.
Stronstad said the under 18 age group will also be surveyed.
“We will figure out some way to get their input, and perhaps there might be some in this age group that would be agreeable - with consent from parent/guardian - to meet with the UNBC group when they visit as well.”
“People will have a chance to win some great draw prizes if they answer the survey, and would be great to have everyone participate,” added Stronstad.
Students will then analyze the data and report on the results by the end of the semester.