Partners Outdoors 2018 recently showcased ideas for the great outdoors with TED-like talks. Presenters from across the recreation community and all parts of the country pitched new ideas and shared success stories demonstrating how outdoor recreation experiences can be improved.
One of those ideas was a new way of looking at how to fund recreation projects on federal lands through public/private partnerships. Presented by Wayne National Forest Supervisor Anthony Scardina and Quantified Ventures Senior Associate Scott Brown, Innovative Finance for Sustainable Recreation Infrastructure and Healthy Rural Communities showcases how private investment helped finance the Baileys Mountain Biking Trail System, an 88-mile single track mountain biking trail designed for all level riders, using a model called “Pay for Success” – where investor repayment is tied to economic development outcomes.
These outcomes include increased spending by new visitors, resulting in increased earnings and job opportunities for the region, the presenters said. Once the outcomes are verified by an independent evaluation, investors get money back.
To see videos of presenters, including the U.S. Forest Service Resource Assistants Program and Hunting for Sustainability, visit www.funoutdoors.com/RECx2018.
