Economic overview of the Robson Valley Forest District

Abstract

The principal objectives of this study were to chronicle the hybrid approach to data collection adopted to formulate a regional economic overview of the Robson Valley Forest District (RVFD), and to summarize a suite of baseline economic indicators relevant to the forestry, visitor, public, and agriculture sectors in the RVFD region. Secondary data collection was augmented with primary data collected through formal and informal survey techniques. Data were collected for traditional economic indicators, such as gross revenue, employment, and income.

The forestry sector is the largest contributor to the regional economy. It provides the highest estimates of average annual wage (ranging from $46,975 to $64,007), number of employment positions (574 jobs including full-time and part-time or seasonal positions), and total revenue ($74.1 million). The visitor sector, the second largest contributor, generates $18.1 million in revenues and 514 employment positions; however, the estimated average annual wage ($20,956) is the second lowest. The average annual wage in the public sector is the second highest at $25,669, with 350 employment positions existing in this sector. The agriculture sector is the smallest contributor, providing the lowest average annual wage ($19,145, or $17,420 inflated to 2001 dollars) and total revenue ($4.6 million). Despite the relatively lower contribution to the economy, the total number of farms has remained relatively stable.

A comprehensive understanding of the mechanics of an economy facilitates decision making. This report provides a methodology for small region data collection and the resulting baseline information necessary for future assessment of responses within the economy to internal and external changes.