'"Resilience Thinking", "Intermodal Transportation" and a Coastal Corridor

Rob Robertson

University of New Hampshire

Rob Robertson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Natural Resources and Environment in the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture at the University of New Hampshire. Current research and outreach involvements are focused on the social and economic dimensions of natural resource planning and management. More specifically, Dr. Robertson is actively involved in research and outreach activities intended to improve the process (and develop new tools) by which stakeholders participate in natural resource and economics development related decision-making and on reducing non-response bias in survey research. Funded research projects have generated over $1 million dollars of support in a research arena with limited funding for his activities. Forty-three different local, state and federal agencies, non-profit organizations and foundations have committed human and financial resources. These include applied research projects for the Northeast Consortium, the Northeast Science Center, NH Sea Grant, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Coastal and Ocean Science, the Federal Highway Administration, NH Fish and Game Department, the NH Office of State Planning, the NH Department of Environmental Services, White Mountain National Forest, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, among others. He has served or serves on a number of technical advisory committees with a focus on the evaluation and application of social science research methods to resource management programs and policies, including the Science and Statistics Committee of the New England Fishery Management Council, the Committee for Social and Economic Sciences of the Atlantic States Marine Fishery Commission, Expert Panel I-93 Expansion Project, NH Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan Advisory Committee, Coastal Training Program Advisory Committee associated with the Sandy Point Discovery Center, NH Sea Grant Scientific Advisory Committee, Faculty Liaison to the Northern New England Chapter of the American Planning Association, the Technical Advisory Committee to the Northeast Regional Aquaculture Center, among others.

Abstract

Modern technology has made traveling faster and cheaper than ever before, allowing more people greater access to destinations across the world. Consequently, tourism is one the largest global industries, with many regions actively developing attractions and accommodations to capitalize on the economic potential. The New Hampshire Seacoast Region is no exception, there is a long history of people enjoying its sandy beaches, historical lighthouses, and ample fishing industry, and activity in the region continues to grow today. Room and meal sales in the Seacoast have grown annually since 2011, totaling $726 million in 2014 and as the number of visitors increases more space and resources are required to provide them with lodging, food, and services they require. Specifically, current transportation infrastructure will need to be maintained and improved to maintain control over issues like pedestrian and bicyclist safety, parking costs, roadway maintenance, and air quality.

To address these issues, it is important to understand what influences visitors’ travel decisions to and around the Seacoast. Previous research has shown that individuals are aware of the personal and societal costs, and environmental impacts of daily commuting by car, but that it is often not enough to cause a change in behavior. Conclusions like these cannot be assumed under such different conditions and approaches to data collection. This research was undertaken to determine whether the same factors that prevent people from using alternative transportation while at home would also hold true when they are visiting the beach. Data collected for this study were: (1) iPad Intercept personal interview visitors to the corridor (N=3057); and (2) USPS Address-Based Samples (ABS) of 3000 households using a mixed mode research design (i.e., Web and paper questionnaire). The sample was divided into thirds (25 miles; 26-50 miles and over 50 miles) according to distance from the Rye Center the mid-point NH Seacoast. The information gathered in this study were intended to improve the sustainability and prosperity of the local economy and environment through transportation systems and to identify ways to reduce vehicle traffic and promote walking and biking, allowing more visitors to move efficiently through the area.

Authors

Rob Robertson (University of New Hampshire)

Topic Areas

Topics: Tourism and Resilience , Topics: Tourist Routes

Session

OS-J3 » Crowding, Impacts and Conflict (11:30 - Wednesday, 5th October, Palmavera Room, Santa Chiara Complex)

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