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This research study by Partnership for the Delaware Estuary Summit 2011 provides insights on the current use of the Tidal Delaware River, barriers to use, and strategies to encourage recreational boating. The study emphasizes the need for increased awareness, local stewardship, and support for improvements.
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Tidal Delaware RiverRecreational BoatingResearch ResultsPartnership for the Delaware Estuary Summit 2011 Linda Rink Jessica Anderson
Background PEC’s objectives: • Increase recreational use of the Tidal Delaware River • Positive awareness • Local stewardship • Support for improvements
Research Objectives Understand… • Current use of the Tidal Delaware • Barriers to use • How to encourage use
Research Methodology Focus Groups (Feb. 2010) • Both current & prospective users • Gain insight into use & perceptions • Input for quantitative study Online Survey (April 2010) • Validate theories • Larger, actionable, sample size
Long stretches Key Finding: #1 Reason for using Tidal Delaware: LOCATION
Key Finding: Fishing, eating out are most popular activities while using Tidal Delaware
Key Finding: Users lack detailed information: Awareness of access points not high
Key Finding: Why they have not boated on Tidal Delaware: • # 1 reason: Low top-of-mind awareness (42%) • Water quality, safety cited by only 20 - 24%
Key Finding: Key influencers for increased use: More information!
Key Finding: Key influencers for increased use: More skills for novices and guided tours
Conclusions • Boost top-of-mind consideration of Tidal Delaware River • Put “how-to” information in prospects’ hands • Emphasize positives of Tidal Delaware • Depict unique & fun boating experiences • For Novices: Continue Penn’s Landing program and test 2-hour tours
What did we do with this data? • Marketing/awareness campaign • Map distribution • Expanded Paddle Penn’s Landing • Ambassador program • Working to develop activity clusters
Expand Paddle Penn’s Landing What did participants learn? “Not to throw trash on the streets because it would go right into the river” “Recycle and keep pollution out of storm drains” “[I am] more interested in kayaking. It’s cleaner & safer than I initially thought”
Ambassador program Spread the word about recreation opportunities Lead activities such as walking, birding and paddling tours Organize cleanups and stewardship events
Coming Up: Develop activity clusters Make Ridley Township and Bristol Borough more “visitor ready” Attract outfitter to run tours Develop protocols for creating new, and improving existing sites
Quote “It’s definitely an urban-industrial experience, which to me is what makes these wilderness pockets that you’ll find all the more stunning – to find that in the midst of all of this.” (CURRENT USER) John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, Philadelphia and Delaware counties