140 



made 1,448 trips with 3.4 people per trip and stayed an average of 1.8 days. 

 They operated their boats about 13,032 hours. 



Regulated season use — estimate total expenditures for fuel, maintenance, 

 boat costs, food, transportation and misc. = $974,776 



Unregulated season use — Estimate as above = $498,344 



Manufacturing and associated businesses: 



In the Lewiston/Clarkston valley alone 13 businesses manufacture and sell 

 welded aluminum jet boats. About half of these are used primarily on the Snake 

 River Two major support businesses are also included in this estimate, one a 

 marine engine company and the other a trailer manufacturer. Their businesses 

 have built up to support the boat manufacturing. Not included are other Pacific 

 Northwest boat manufacturers who construct boats used on the Snake River, 

 pump manufacturers, accessory suppliers and raw material suppliers. 



Sales $14,640,000 



Payroll ' $2,286,350 



Jobs 108 



Total Economic Impact $24.416.605 



University of Idaho Study 



In preparation for the management plan review the Forest Service decided to sur- 

 vey people who use the river. The study, contracted with the University of Idaho, was 

 designed to provide information about river users, who they are, how they use the 

 river, their perceptions of the river and management preferences. The study segre- 

 gated data by different boater groups, commercial float, private float, commercial 

 power and private power. It ran from April 15, 1988 through April 14, 1989. The 

 University mailed 1,927 questionnaires and received 1,492 responses, 77%. 



The study is more remarkable for the similarities it disclosed among the groups 

 than the differences. All took river trips for the same reasons, to be close to nature, 

 enjoy the white water, to be with family and friends, for excitement and to visit wild 

 lands. While discussions about crowding absorbed much of the task force's time 

 during the LAC effort, the study showed that 65% of respondents did not feel 

 crowded. Concerns by the 35% that did experience some crowding were concentrated 

 on one section of river and focused, to a large extent, on campsite problems. Only 

 24% had negative contacts with other groups; complaints focused on camp conflicts 

 and rude people. In the problem identification section of the study responses between 

 groups were so close that they were aggregated for analysis. Most boaters didn* t 

 encounter the problems listed; fewer than 25% identified any item as a minor or major 

 problem. Over 80% of respondents from all groups wanted to maintain the existing 

 experience. 



Reactions to different management actions and facilities options were mixed and 



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