Cheese Country Trail Survey
Exploring the Economic Impacts of the Cheese Country Trail

This collaborative effort of local groups and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension was designed to assess how many people are using the Cheese Country Trail, the user characteristics, and the user perceptions of trail conditions. The final report is an overall evaluation of local economic impacts of this important recreational asset. 

In November 2010, the UW-Madison Division of Extension and dozens of volunteers began collectinging information regarding people who use the Cheese Country Trail. Information was collected using 1,000 randomly selected 2-hour time slots during the 12 month survey period. Eight intercept locations were chosen along the trail in Monroe, Browntown, South Wayne, Gratiot, Darlington, Calamine, Belmont, and Mineral Point. 

“The goal of the survey was to collect a representative sample of users and use pressure of the Cheese Country Trail along the more than 48 mile route from Monroe to Belmont and Mineral Point, said Dave Marcouiller, Recreation Planning Specialist with UW-Extension. “We did this through observation and intercept surveys.”

“Because we surveyed hundreds of trail users between November 2010 and October 2011, local users were made aware they may be chosen to fill out a survey,” added Tri-County Trails Committee member Jerry Guth. “Two trail users in each randomly selected two-hour slot were asked a series of fourteen questions. Answering the questions took about five to ten minutes.”

Survey questions included:

• information about trail usage; 
• other activities in which the individual participated in on the trip;
• amount of money spent while on a trip;
• Satisfaction with the trail; and
• Demographic information such as age, schooling, household income, and zip code. 

The Tri-County Trails Committee plans to use the results of the study to improve trail experiences for future users. The committee will also provide the resulting information to local communities, businesses, and counties to help create economic development related to the trail and its users. For more information regarding the Cheese Country Trail plans and backgrounds, please review the Sampling and Intercept Scheme.pdf. (11pgs)

How can I view the 2012 Cheese Country Trail Survey Results?

Where can I learn more about visiting the Cheese Country Trail?

Press Releases From the Cheese Country Trail Research

Questions? 

Contact Victoria Solomon, Community Resource Educator, Extension Green County at (608) 328-9440 or victoria.solomon@wisc.edu.