Date of Award:

5-2012

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Environment and Society

Committee Chair(s)

Steven W. Burr

Committee

Steven W. Burr

Committee

Mike Jenkins

Committee

Mark Brunson

Abstract

The Utah State University Extension branch funded a research project designed to meet an identified need and create a baseline in knowledge of the implementation of environmentally sustainable practices among Utah ski resorts. Because of the potential impacts of climate change and unsustainable practices that negatively impact both the biophysical and human/cultural aspects of these environments, the ski resort industry is facing an uncertain future both environmentally and economically. However, very little is known about this issue, or how to address it. Collecting baseline information on the subject of environmental sustainability amongst Utah area ski resorts is crucial to ensure the sustainability of the Utah ski resort industry as a whole and will serve to benefit in creating new strategies and plans on how to properly address this issue into the future.

This project aims to address this need and complete these project objectives:

  1. Determine the current level of knowledge, awareness, and implementation of environmentally sustainable practices at Utah ski resort areas.
  2. Determine Utah ski resort future plans for the implementation of environmentally sustainable practices, including the motivations for such implementation.
  3. Work collaboratively with additional stakeholders to decide and implement the best environmentally sustainable practices for the future of the Utah ski resort industry.
  4. Disseminate research project and report findings to Utah ski resort industry and other vested interest groups.

Various audiences benefit from this research: first and foremost, Utah's ski resort industry , ski resort visitors, tourism-oriented businesses, vested stakeholders, environmental organizations, and local communities and residents. Ski resorts benefit in receiving a baseline on their environmental practices and their perceived importance, which can prove to be a valuable marketing tool. The other audiences, especially stakeholders and local communities and residents, benefit in gaining knowledge of how committed Utah ski resort areas are in reducing their environmental impacts. This has a direct effect on local communities and businesses that are economically dependent on Utah ski resorts for the visitors they attract and associated visitor spending. It is in these communities best interest to know and understand what the ski areas are doing to offset their environmental impact and footprint to ensure an economically viable future for Utah ski resort areas and their dependent communities. Lastly , given that this project is funded through USU Extension, it would further strengthen the educational and outreach efforts of Extension in regards to sustainability , especially in the emerging area of winter sustainability. This may result in cost savings for all parties involved due to the ability to accurately define, predict, and plan for the environmentally sustainable practices that will benefit into the future.

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This work made publicly available electronically on October 19, 2012.

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