Cherokee Trout Anglers' Spending Produces Economic Impact of Nearly $94 Million in the Cherokee Qualla Boundary
Mark Damian Duda
Responsive Management recently partnered with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) to conduct new research exploring anglers’ fishing participation in the Cherokee Qualla Boundary in the Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina, their opinions on fishing regulations, and the impact of fishing on the local economy.
The study entailed a survey of adult anglers who fished for one or more species of mountain trout (including brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout) during the most recent fishing season in tribal waters. The project follows a similar survey Responsive Management conducted for EBCI in 2013, and the new project included a look at trends in participation characteristics, opinions, and the economic impacts of Cherokee fishing activity.
The full report for the EBCI trout angler survey and economic impact study is accessible here.
Mark Damian Duda
Executive Director
Responsive Management
Certified Wildlife Biologist ®
PO Box 1828
Harrisonburg, VA 22801