Empirical analysis of media versus environmental impacts on park attendance

This study examined whether park attendance was affected by red tide events. The analysis found that the presence of red tide, objectively measured with four models including nearby cell counts, did not affect park attendance. However, the appearance of the search phrase “red tide” in local newspapers revealed significant reductions in average daily park attendance of 398 (21 percent) visitors, representing revenue losses of $16,955. An effective red tide impact mitigation strategy may be to educate members of the press regarding the public response resulting from red tide coverage.

Research highlights
► The author’s primary responsibilities are to develop educational and applied research programs related to the impact of new production technologies, existing and emerging plant pests and pathogens, and environmental programs and regulations on farm-level costs and returns, environmental quality, and rural communities. She has partnered with faculty from several states working in a variety of disciplines to search out alternative production methods and marketing outlets to increase profitability for Southeastern blueberry growers. She works with colleagues across a variety of disciplines to analyze the economic impacts of coastal hazards on local communities and public park attendance as a part of the Northern Gulf Institute partnership.