The Continental Divide Trail Coalition’s survey of 134 small business owners in 35 communities along the Continental Divide Trail demonstrates the importance of the CDT to rural economies and support for public lands.
In fall of 2023, CDTC surveyed small business owners located in every state along the Continental Divide National Scenic (CDT) Trail as part of our second CDT Small Business Survey. The intention of the survey was to learn more about the impact of the CDT on small businesses, rural economies, and communities’ support for public lands.
According to Headwaters Economics, four of the five states through which the CDT passes rank among the top fifteen states in the country for which outdoor recreation comprises the greatest portion of their state gross domestic product. Montana ranked third in the nation, with outdoor recreation comprising 4.3% of the state’s GDP, with Wyoming closely following in fourth place with outdoor recreation accounting for 4.1% of the state’s GDP.
2023 Small Business Survey Results
Among the respondents of CDTCs Small Business Survey were owners of outdoor gear stores, campgrounds and motels, restaurants, grocery stores, and other locally-owned small businesses. Survey results revealed that businesses have been overwhelmingly positively impacted by their proximity to the CDT. Of business owners located in designated CDT Gateway Communities, 56% reported that trail users spend money at their business and have a positive impact on their revenue. 40% of all respondents stated that they have seen growth of their community at large over the past two years due to use of the CDT, and 52% reported growth of their business in particular over the same period.
Business owners also recognize the vital role that public lands play in their local economy, with 82% of all respondents reporting that they believe protecting, promoting, and enhancing public lands is important to the well-being of their community’s economy.
CDTC Hosts Small Business Listening Session
CDTC hosted a focus group with several small business owners who responded to the survey in order to hear their thoughts about the challenges and opportunities facing their communities. Business owners cited natural disasters, particularly fires, as one major threat to the outdoor recreation economy in their region. Business owners cited the potential for collaboration across local trail groups, nonprofit organizations, and businesses as an exciting opportunity to foster collaboration around the CDT and outdoor recreation.
Webinar Invites Discussion of Next Steps for CDT Communities
Join Liz Schmit, CDTC Community and Outreach Program Manager, and L Fisher, CDTC Trail Policy Program Manager, for a webinar diving into 2023 CDT Small Business Report on May 22, 12:00-1:00 PM. Learn more.
Read the full report to learn more about how the CDT impacts the communities it passes through.
