Studies

DREAM is actively engaged in research studies across our region and nation. Our public-facing studies will be listed here as they are completed.

Economic Impact of Rock Climbing in Wyoming's Lander Region
Copy of Report
Video of presentation
Wyoming's Lander Region, home to the annual International Climber's Festival for 20 years, contains an exciting climbing area experiencing rapid growth. This study examines visitation and expenditure patterns for climbers visiting this area while also examining the economic impact of the annual festival. 

Economic Impact of Rock Climbers in Bishop, California
Copy of Report
Video presentation
Bishop, California's thriving bouldering and climbing community represent an important part of how recreation users engage this high desert terrain. This study quantifies rock climber expenditures before, during, and after COVID-19 and explores how closures impacted visitation and expenditure patterns in 2020. 

Sheltowee Trace Trail Town Use and Expenditure Patterns
Copy of Report
Video presentation
The Sheltowee Trace is a 300+ mile National Recreation Trail travelling from Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area in Tennessee to northern Rowan County, KY. The Trace goes through the Daniel Boone National Forest, Cumberland Falls State Resort, Natural Bridge State Resort Park, and numerous other natural areas in our state. This study examines Sheltowee Trace recreation user expenditure patterns in six trail towns in Kentucky. 

Economic Impact of Rock Climbing in the Red River Gorge
Copy of Report
Video of presentation
Kentucky's Red River Gorge is a globally-famous rock climbing destination. This study updates the findings of a 2015 study examining the economic impact of climbers in this region.

Leave No Trace Knowledge among Rock Climbers
Copy of Report
Video of presentation
Understanding how outdoor recreation users impact the areas where they recreate is an important part of land management. Leave No Trace ethics, a set of seven common-sense principles, have helped minimize user impacts for decades. In this study, our team utilizes a new measure of rock climber's Leave No Trace knowledge to understand how climber education programs may help minimize climber impacts.