3. Human Use of the Watershed I: Land Use and Tourism
The Salmon River watershed is an important fishing and tourism area. The goal
of this section is to identify anthropogenic impacts and their effects within the watershed.
Our topics include agriculture and its influence on the watershed, the contribution of
Niagara Mohawk’s presence in the watershed, and the effects of the fishing industry and
tourism on the local economy.
3.1. Land use
Figure 3-1. Current land use in the watershed.
As seen in Figure 3-1 and Table 3-1, the Salmon River watershed is mainly
forested (80%), with another 9% in wetlands. The high percentage of relatively
undisturbed lands stands in stark contrast with drainages such as the nearby Onondaga
and Genesee basins that support the cities of Syracuse and Rochester, respectively. The
forested areas have largely regrown since deforestation at the end of the nineteenth
century, and as such, maintain water quality in many of the streams to the extent that
coldwater fisheries may flourish. Most of the intensive human developments are
downstream in the lowland areas approaching Lake Ontario.
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Table 3-1. Land uses summarized by area occupied.
Land Use
Acres
Hectares
Residential
41.5
16.8
0.25
Commercial
26.7
10.8
0.16
Industrial
7.3
3.0
0.04
Transportation/
Urban
9.2
3.7
0.06
Mixed Urban
36.1
14.7
0.22
Other Urban
14.1
5.7
0.08
1074.1
434.7
6.43
Other Agriculture
4.2
1.7
0.02
Shrub and Brush
158.3
64.1
0.95
Deciduous Forest
332.3
134.5
1.99
Evergreen Forest
316.7
128.2
1.90
12708.8
5143.1
76.09
Lakes
220.9
89.4
1.32
Reservoirs
211.2
85.5
1.26
Forested Wetlands
1478.8
598.5
8.85
47.7
19.3
0.29
15.3
6.2
0.09
Cropland and
Pasture
Mixed Forest
Non-Forested
Wetlands
Strip Mines,
Quarries, Gravel
Pits
Salmon River Watershed Chapter 3
Percentage of Percent
Total
Forested
88.82*
Percent
Wetlands
Percent
Agricultural
9.14*
6.46
*includes forested
wetlands
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3.1.1. Agricultural influences in the watershed
With increasing development of farming techniques, agricultural practices have
caused more pressure on the environment in many areas. Use of pesticides, herbicides
and fertilizer, clear-cutting of riverbanks and operation of larger farm vehicles can have
enormous influences on soil, air and water.
Figure 3-2. Lands in agriculture in the watershed.
In the Salmon River watershed, agricultural land makes up approximately 6
percent of the total area, whereas 90 percent of the area is defined as forest habitat. The
pressure of agriculture on the watershed is therefore minimal, especially since the number
of residents participating in farming has decreased in recent years. Most of the
agricultural practices taking place in the watershed are downstream, in the Pulaski area
(Figure 3-2), consisting of some dairy farms and arable farming (VanderHeide, 2002).
Pesticides used for agricultural purposes have limited use within the watershed.
Most agricultural plots are used to grow fodder crops, such as corn, alfalfa, or hayfields.
These practices require little inputs of pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizer (VanderHeide,
2002). Recently, most farmers in the watershed started using a no-tillage approach to
cultivation, resulting in decreased pesticide requirement, while providing protection of
soils against surface runoff and erosion. Many of the remaining farmers in the area have
installed management practices in the years past to reduce erosion and the control of
nutrient losses off-site. The use of liquid manure is also limited. There are no large
livestock operations within the watershed that would require a CAFO/AFO (Concentrated
Animal Feeding Operations / Animal Feeding Operation) permit from NYS. These
permits are required if; ‘A lot or facility where animals have been, are, or will be stabled
or confined and fed or maintained for a total of 45 days or more in any 12-month period,
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and where crops, vegetation forage growth, or post-harvest residues are not sustained
over any portion of the lot or facility in the normal growing season’ (Cornell Cooperative
Extension, 2002). The soils used for agriculture within the watershed originate from
glacial deposits, are flat and composed of gravels, sands and/or loams, meaning that
runoff potential is very limited (DeHollander 2002, VanderHeide 2002), and pesticide or
nitrate leaching would therefore not be a serious problem.
Pesticide or herbicide applications at a golf course in the area could cause more
serious problems to the watershed than the use of pesticides on farmlands, since large
amounts of pesticides are used to keep the golf greens and in perfect shape (VanderHeide
2002). Cutting of trees in the watershed could cause erosion on the slopes. According to
VanderHeide (2002) this happens on some locations. Last year some clear cutting on
Niagara Mohawk properties was reported. A so-called economic clear cut of the forest
canopy took place, but many trees were left standing (DeHollander, 2002).
The divesting of Niagara Mohawk property in the Salmon River watershed has
led to concerns about possible erosion and non-point-source pollution from new
development. An effort is being made to have a unified approach in developing these
lands. The land within the watershed spans across four townships and two villages;
therefore, reaching consensus is not an easy process (DeHollander, 2002). The large
percentage of heavily forested land in the area has protected the quality of the water in
the watershed. To protect this level of water quality for future generations, collaboration
between stakeholders in coordinating the current change of land ownership and future
development should be made (DeHollander, 2002).
According to Mr. Wagner of the New York Farm Bureau however, the
Environmental Protection Fund of New York State has been under-funded for the past
few years, and did not receive any funding last year. This affected county soil and water
offices across New York State. The fund helps the soil and water conservation district
implement projects that will help protect New York water supplies. Lack of funding
could negatively affect the environmental protection plans in Oswego County too.
3.1.2. Land Development Within the Salmon River Watershed
Land development and utilization around the Salmon River has been spurred by
the establishment of the Salmon River Fish Hatchery at Altmar in 1981, land
management strategies encouraged and implemented by Niagara Mohawk, and citizens of
the local communities concerned for their future.
The fish hatchery has transformed the river from a “relatively passive recreational
river to one of the most productive and heavily utilized sports fisheries in America”
(Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation’s Land Management and Development
Department). The increased number of people created both an opportunity and need for
development. As of 1992, Niagara Mohawk owned more than 7,000 acres (2,833 ha) of
mostly undeveloped land within the Salmon River watershed. Niagara Mohawk’s
property extended for about 53 linear miles (85 km) of reservoir and river frontage from
the village of Pulaski to beyond the hamlet of Redfield. In 1988, Niagara Mohawk began
formulating a comprehensive land management plan for their Salmon River holdings.
According to a 1992 publication, the Niagara Mohawk management strategy required
them to put their non-operating land assets to their highest and best use. In their
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definition, “highest and best” refers to “complimentary uses of the land that will fulfill
the program’s objective” (Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation’s Land Management and
Development Department). This corresponds with Niagara Mohawk’s corporate policy,
published in their 2000 Environmental Report that states that they assume a responsible
stewardship role for the national resources under their management (Niagara Mohawk
Holdings Inc.)
Niagara Mohawk began its comprehensive plan by selling 1750 acres along the
reservoir, 100 acres surrounding scenic waterfalls, and 20 miles of 33-foot conservation
easements along the river to the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation (DEC). Their plan includes Salmon Shores vacation home development,
Salmon River RV Resort, Salmon Hills Cross Country Ski Resort, and the Great Salmon
Lodge.
Salmon Shores is a housing development located on the north shoreline of the
Salmon River Reservoir in the Town of Orwell. This 47-lot development includes a
homeowner association that jointly owns 7000 feet (2.13 km) of shoreline, 95 acres (38.4
ha) of green space, and conservation areas that include nature and exercise trails. Each
lot will have septic and a well with utility hook ups (Oswego County Business).
According to Pat Belge, Longley Jones real estate agent, Niagara Mohawk put the
property on the market a year and a half ago. She sold 22 of the lots over that period.
The lots were sold as vacation or second homes to people of all ages. She indicated the
desire to escape the corporate or city life as an overriding factor in their decision to move
into the area. She could not supply further information because Niagara Mohawk
recently sold the land to a land company that will take over the sales. Niagara Mohawk
found that their staff could not accommodate the demands of selling small pieces of land
to individuals (Pat Belge, personal communication).
Port of the Island North RV Resort opened in the spring of 2001 and is located off
Rt. 13 near the Pineville fishery and boat access point. The resort is a partnership
between Niagara Mohawk Holdings and the Port of the Island, based in Naples Florida.
The resort has 299 extra-wide, fully paved RV sites on 30 acres, 40 tent sites on 3 acres,
and 10,000 feet of private river shoreline surrounded by 60 acres of nature preserve
(Oswego County Chamber of Commerce). In a letter to Joe Dlugolenski Sr.,
Environmental Analyst for the DEC, on September 16, 1998, Edward Marx of the
Oswego County Planning Board initially raised concerns about the sewage effluent
generated, infringement on the Salmon River Greenway, and the fact the density of
development conflicts with the Town of Albion’s comprehensive plan (O’Brien & Gere
Engineers, Inc.). Marx’s concerns were recognized in the Environmental Impact
Statement that was released on October 12, 1998. The environmental impact statement
for the Port of the Islands RV resort reported that Town of Albion board members
believed that the project might revitalize and stimulate additional growth in the area. In
the report, William A. Mittag, Albion town supervisor, saw the project positively in that
it will increase tax revenue, it will provide seasonal influx of users, and it is privately
sponsored and funded. On the other hand, the project will not cause permanent
population growth and users may not use facilities in town since most services are
provided on site (O’Brien & Gere Engineers, INC).
Niagara Mohawk holdings also have a partnership with Hans and Liz Guiliani,
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operators of the Salmon Hills Cross Country Ski Resort. Niagara Mohawk holdings has
also renovated a turn of the century hunting lodge near Redfield into a bed and breakfast
that includes three post and beam camp cottages (Oswego County Chamber of
Commerce). Niagara Mohawk holdings also constructed the Pulaski Chamber of
Commerce with plans to construct two additional sections that will complement the
octagon shaped house (Oswego Daily News).
Local communities are working together to preserve the Salmon River Corridor’s
environmental quality. The Salmon River Corridor is located one mile on either side of
the river form Port Ontario to Redfield. The Oswego County Environmental
Management Council, a conglomerate of the Oswego County Department of Planning
and Community Development and the Tug Hill Commission, has been concerned about
the development of the Salmon River Corridor area (Carpenter, B. 2000). The NYS
Quality Communities Demonstration Program is funding a Salmon River Greenway
Corridor Community Enhancement Project. The purpose of this project is to “identify
tourist-orientated (sic) economic development strategies that capitalize on the region’s
natural assets without compromising the integrity of these assets or the predominantly
rural character that is valued by the community” (Oswego County Government
Newsletter). Public discourse and input is a valuable part of the project. Public meetings
at the Salmon River Fish Hatchery in Altmar and workshops in Altmar, Pulaski, and
Redfield helped mould the plan into the Salmon River Greenway Corridor Community
Enhancement Project Visual Simulation Analysis, completed in January 2, 2002 (Oswego
County Department of Planning and Community Development).
The plan attempts to design and describe how “tourist-orientated economic
development strategies can be implemented without adversely impacting the quality of
the prized natural assets and rural character of the Salmon River Corridor” (Oswego
County Department of Planning and Community Development). It presents designs that
fit in with the character of the existing setting. The plan breaks up the Salmon River
Greenway Corridor into four settings: village center, hamlet/small village, highway, and
waterfront. Design should capitalize and protect the special characteristics of each
setting (Oswego County Department of Planning and Community Development).
3.2. Tourism
3.2.1. Sport Fishing Effects on the Salmon River Economy
Sport fishing has had an impact on the Salmon River watershed since the early
1950’s. Sport fishing and its contribution to the local tourist industry have shaped the
culture, economy, and lifestyles of residents in the Salmon River watershed. The success
or decline in value of the sport fishery has centered on the condition of the fishing
resource. Over the past 50 years, the development of the fishery was largely determined
by the collaborative efforts of stakeholders to include local residents, sport fishery guides
and outfitters, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
(NYSDEC). The goal was and continues to be development of a sustainable, worldrenowned sport fishery. In accomplishing this goal, the local community and economy
have experienced both success and decline of the fishery resource. Currently the success
of the fishery is increasing after many years of decline. The catch and size predictions
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for the 2002 season, based on the previous 2-4 years catch results, are the best seen in
years. To understand fully the impact of the fishery and its trends on the local
community, one must understand the geography, history and biology of the fishery.
The Salmon River in Oswego County is one of New York’s most famous and
spectacular streams for salmon fishing. Approximately two-thirds of the Salmon River’s
length (about 15 miles, 24 km) between the first barrier dam and its confluence with Lake
Ontario is open to public access fishing. The Salmon River is stocked more than any
other stream to ensure enough fish are available for fishers and for spawning (Oswego
County Tourism). Fishing in the Salmon River is available year-round starting in the
spring with steelhead. Trout and salmon seasons run through summer and into the fall.
The fall season signifies the most abundant time of year for the fisheries activity due to
high numbers of Chinook and coho salmon spawning and fishermen seeking to capture
these often prize winning catches (Oswego County Tourism). Since the 1960’s, millions
of anglers from around the world have accessed the Salmon River fishery from its
headwaters in Altmar to its mouth in Lake Ontario. Although the state of the fishery at
present is productive due to efforts of several groups and organizations working in
collaboration with the Department of Environmental Conservation, this has not always
been the case.
Because the Salmon River drains into Lake Ontario, conditions in the lake
contribute to the condition of the river fishery. In the 1950’s, Lake Ontario’s fishery was
poor due to high levels of sea lamprey predation and polluted waters. The fisheries
adjacent to Lake Ontario suffered from a similar condition. An attempted introduction of
hatchery grown lake trout into the fishery was unsuccessful. This inspired further
research and investigation, leading to the current trout and salmon program that began in
1968 (Bresadola 2002).
The programs to enhance the Salmon River Fishery have seen many changes to
bring it to its present day success. Coho salmon were first introduced in 1968 followed
by Chinook in 1969. Steelhead and brown trout were added in 1973, and rainbow trout in
1974. Lake trout were reintroduced in 1973 after a sea lamprey control program became
successful. The introduction of these species was an immediate success and began a
multi-million-dollar fishing and tourist industry in the Salmon River watershed. The
Lake Ontario fishery, which included the lake’s tributaries, became a world-class fishing
success, which continued to popularize the area through the 1970’s and 80’s. The fish
reproduced and grew to world-record size and population. The more fish people caught,
the more people came to fish. The fishery supported the economy of the area and local
residents became reliant on the fishery to support their lifestyles (Gray, P. 2002). This
trend would not continue, but reasons for the decline could not be predicted.
A campaign began in the 1970’s to clean up Lake Ontario and the other Great
Lakes. This effort also affected the lake’s tributaries and noted fishing streams such as
the Salmon River and Oswego River. In the 1970’s, phosphorous levels in the Great
Lake Basin were high and of great concern. Lake Ontario was considered eutrophic and
abundant with primary production. The high phosphorous content of the lakes
contributed to high primary productivity. Efforts were made to return the lakes to their
more natural oligotrophic state through a reduction of phosphorous loading. Lowering
the phosphorous loading in the lakes decreased plankton growth, and resulted in a decline
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in the alewife population, (a primary forage food for salmonid populations.) The
invasion of European zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) and their high filtering
capacity magnified the process and Lake Ontario was becoming a beautifully clear lake
once again. Although the condition of the lake was appealing to general recreation
enthusiasts, it was a disaster for the fishery. Simply stated, the primary producers
(phytoplankton) and the first order consumers of the food pyramid (alewife) became
unable to support the higher trophic level of consumers, i.e., the populations of stocked
and naturally reproducing salmonids. By the 1990’s, the famous fishery of the Salmon
River watershed had collapsed. The fish were not present in the numbers that people
remembered nor were their sizes as notable (Gray, C. 2002). The local economy and
culture that developed as a result of the fishery success was adversely affected. The
NYSDEC was faced with the difficult task of developing a plan to collaborate
stakeholders in a recovery process focused on management of a declining fishery. After
much discussion, research, and collaboration with the local fishing community, a decision
was made to cut back on the stocking of chinook salmon due to their large impact on
forage fish (Bresadola 2002). Limiting the population of higher order consumers though
management of the keystone species would allow the fishery to recover. The local
fishing community was hesitant to support this decision of cutting back on the stocking of
Chinook salmon and felt uninformed and adversely affected by DEC’s decision (Bishop
2002).
Over time, as important management strategies were implemented, the local
fishermen began to note partial recovery to the fishery. A sustainable fishery requires
management of stocking as well as implementation of acceptable fishing techniques.
Additional considerations include regulation as to where the fish can be caught, allowing
for adequate spawning sites to ensure a future population and timing of open seasons for
the fishery. The conflict between the resource fishery and the local economy continues
even now. Trout Brook and Orwell Brook are two spawning streams that have received
much attention in recent years. A proposal to limit fishing in order to allow for more
spawning was not accepted and these streams currently remain open to fishing. (Bishop,
2002). The current limiting factor of most concern in the Salmon River watershed is
over-wintering of steelhead and assurance that a population will grow to reproductive
stage allowing for a future resource (Bishop 2002). Other concerns include the beaver
population and their effects on the watershed, illegal and unethical methods used for
fishing such as snagging, and types of tackle allowable. Changes in allowable fishing
methods has both hindered and enhanced the number and success of river fishing guides
in the Salmon River area. (Gray, P. 2002).
Local fishing outfitters use multimedia advertising to reach millions of fishers
worldwide. Prices range from $250-375 for a 4-6 hour charter-fishing trip on the Salmon
River or in Lake Ontario depending on the season. Overall, the number of licensed
guides within Oswego County has increased within the last 10 years. Currently there are
approximately 70 licensed guides in Oswego County for both the river systems and Lake
Ontario. Two categories of guides are licensed. Charter Captains licensed by the U.S.
Coast Guard offer services to those interested in fishing on Lake Ontario. River guides
are licensed by the NYSDEC to provide services to fishermen in the tributaries of Lake
Ontario, including the Salmon River watershed. As the fishery experienced an increase
Salmon River Watershed Chapter 3
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and decline in number and size of catch, so has the economic trend of the tourist industry
related to fishing.
Trout Unlimited remains an active organization in the Salmon River area with its
Iroquois Chapter in Syracuse, New York. Trout and salmon are viewed as indicators of
the overall health of an ecosystem. Trout Unlimited focuses on trout and salmon
conservation efforts relating to habitat protection and government lobbying to ensure an
available and sustainable resource. Trout Unlimited uses science as its defense and
generally focuses on issues relating to habitat, hydropower, hatcheries and harvest, (the
Four H’s of fisheries conservation.) The efforts of Trout Unlimited in the Salmon River
area are primarily focused on regulation of fishing methods and stream openings (Trout
Unlimited).
The fishery today is better than it has been in several years and residents hope to
see a continuation in this current trend. Driving along the roads within the Salmon River
Watershed area, one can notice how the fishing industry has shaped the economy of the
area. The success of the salmon fishery in the Salmon River watershed is due in part to
the effort of the many local residents that participate in the sport-fishing industry. The
excellent fishing access combined with the availability of fishing services contributes
positively to stabilizing the economy of the area. Residents participate as fishing
outfitters and guides operating on a part-time or full-time basis based on seasons.
Salmon packaging and smoking facilities are present near popular fishing accesses.
Several bait and Tackle stores are open year-round and offer a variety of supplies for all
types of fishing. Many have stated that it is not only fishing that supports the tourist
industry but the local people and their ability to live and work together to build a
successful fishery community.
The combined efforts of the NYSDEC, local residents and support of visitors to
the Salmon River watershed have contributed to the stability of the local economy, while
efforts to diversify tourism interests continue to be developed.
3.2.2. The Complete Sportsman
The local attitudes on the watershed toward the fishermen that come here to
practice their sport is generally good. Only in instances where fishermen have ignored
local regulations or otherwise disrespected the residents of the area have residents had
negative words to say about the tourists. The residents are fully aware that the draw of
the Salmon River fishing brings in many tourist dollars. This awareness allows residents
and county legislators to maximize their profits from tourism and use the Salmon River
as an economic resource.
The fishing industry in the Salmon River watershed and Oswego County is the
largest factor in the amount of tourism that enters the area. There are many stores and
services that cater to these fishermen and fishing is the mainstay of the watershed’s
tourism industry. But, when we look at the people that use the fishing resources in the
Salmon River watershed we cannot just assume that the they are fishermen and have no
interest elsewhere. The people who visit the Salmon River watershed are most often
sportsmen, and enjoy not only fishing but also other activities including hunting,
trapping, and camping.
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Oswego County attempts to capitalize on this fact. Although hunting in this area
is secondary to fishing, the local residents and Chambers of Commerce attempt to
promote it by advertising it along with fishing. In a publication printed by the Oswego
County Department of Promotion and Tourism, it is touted that one can “call in a big
gobbler on an early May morning, then catch a trophy steelhead that same afternoon.”
Also, many local shop owners sell supplies for hunting alongside fishing equipment. The
cohabitation of these two sports allows the local economy to sustain itself year round and
provides sportsmen activities that they can enjoy year round.
The hunting and trapping opportunities in Oswego County are numerous. Deer,
turkey, waterfowl, grouse, and snowshoe hare are the most popular animals to hunt in
their respective seasons. As with the fishing industry, hunting guides are suggested and
available to take sportsmen on hunts and allow them to maximize their hunting
experience. These guides are usually local residents who guide part time, or fishing
guides that want to make a little extra money in the off season.
In Oswego County, the majority of hunting occurs on private lands. However,
this is not due to a lack of availability. Within the area there are numerous state lands
that are open to hunting. These include the Battle-Hill, Trout Brook, and Salmon River
State Forests and the Happy Valley and Hall Island State Wildlife Management Areas. In
all there are 40,000 acres of state hunting lands in Oswego County. Also, many private
landowners are hospitable to hunters that wish to hunt on their property. Many hunting
guides usually have previous arrangements with landowners that allow them to take their
clients onto these private lands.
Another advantage to bringing sportsmen to the area for more than one activity is
that the county increases its revenues from restaurants, hotels, and campgrounds. Many
public campgrounds cleverly lie in very close proximity to the state lands that are open to
hunting. This allows county business owners the opportunities to keep their restaurants
and campgrounds full through the winter months when the fishing in the Salmon River
slows due to ice and cold temperatures.
The attitudes toward hunting are very similar to those that locals have about
fishing. Because these two activities are so closely linked, and a large number of the
residents themselves are hunters, these sportsmen are welcome. As with fishing, the only
time that locals seem to mind the hunters is in cases of irresponsible hunting practices
and trespassing on private lands.
Many of the tourists who come to the Salmon River to fish are not only fishermen
but all-around sportsmen. Local shops, hotels and other businesses have realized this and
began to promote the two activities together. These two activities, along with other,
developing forms of tourism are allowing the Salmon River watershed a large resurgence
in tourism and related revenues. Part of this resurgence is due to the comeback of the fish
in the Salmon River but part is also due to planning and advertising on the part of the
Oswego County legislators and local residents. Because of these reasons, the Salmon
River Watershed is transforming from a fishing community to an all around outdoor
recreation tourism community.
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3.2.3. Non-Fishing Related Tourism
Although the Salmon River Watershed is most famously known for its fishing, the
watershed and the area around it also support a large amount of non-fishing related
tourism (Oswego County Tourism). People from all over New York State, and in some
cases, out of state or even out of the country, visit the area for activities such as camping,
canoeing, kayaking, diving, bird watching, historical sites, festivals, museum exhibits,
cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and even auto racing. As diverse as this list may
seem, it is far from complete. With all the activities they offer, the area is quickly
becoming a popular spot for all four seasons.
The economy of the Salmon River Watershed and the surrounding area is highly
dependent on tourism as a main source of income. Tourism is the major industry within
Oswego County. Travel and tourism jobs employ over 5,900 local people (total
population according to the 2000 census for Oswego County is approximately 122,000
people), and approximately 95% of the jobs are year-round, whereas about 63% of the
businesses are seasonal. A family of four vacationing by car spends approximately $193
each day for food, lodging, and gas. Approximately $7,000 per day is generated in the
local economy every time a motor coach stays overnight in a community within Oswego
County. The Oswego County tourism industry has an annual economic impact of more
than $166 million (including the fishing industry).1
The county has launched a full-scale promotion scheme to try and attract people
to the area. For a while the area was economically depressed due to poor fishing (which
is the main draw). The fishing had severely declined due to poor fishing practices at the
fault of both the fishermen, and the hatcheries. For most of the 1970s and early 1980s,
fishing is what brought the people to the area, and subsequently brought about other
recreational opportunities. When the fishing went bad, so did the surrounding businesses.
Recently, however, because of new management of the fish, the fishing has improved and
tourists are returning.
The area and the activities within the region are marketed through a number of
different ways. There are various brochures that are distributed throughout the county
showcasing the many events and activities that occur in Oswego County, and there is also
a website that is kept up to date on all the recreation opportunities available. The idea is
to show people that fishing is not the only reason to come to Oswego, and that there is
much more going on within the county. No one wants the economy to fall apart again if
the tourism based around the fishing industry dies out again. They are hoping that the
area will become a sort of destination area where families will spend vacations.
Some of the revenue that is used to pay for the marketing program comes from
the county’s bed tax. The bed tax was developed just for this reason, to help the county
promote itself. In 2000, approximately $234,000 in bed tax was collected from the local
lodging businesses and then was redistributed to the municipalities within the area. The
municipalities were then required to use the money to offer events and projects that bring
visitors into the county. It is easy for the hotels and motels to agree to this bed tax
1
These figures come from a brochure distributed by the County of Oswego Department of Promotion and
Tourism.
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because if no one is coming to visit, no one is staying in the hotels and motels. Each is
dependent on the other.
In order to plan and carry out Oswego County’s tourism promotion activities, a
citizen advisory committee was created, Tourism Advisory Council, or TAC. The
committee is appointed by the chairman of the county legislature and holds meetings
once a month. TAC primarily advises the Economic Development and Planning
Committee on issues concerning tourism. It generally gives the people a hand in what is
going on around them.
Non-fishing tourism has an impact on the economy. During 1999 and 2000, a
festival called the Lake Ontario Bird Festival was held in Oswego County. In 2000, the
festival brought in an estimated $29,600 in direct county revenue. This is a combination
of revenues brought in by the actual festival and the gas, food and lodging purchased by
people attending the festival. Revenues from the Lake Ontario Bird Festival 2000
brought a 39% increase over revenues from the same event the previous year (1999). The
results of this study show that while most of the attendees come from Oswego County,
there were significant numbers of visitors from neighboring counties within New York
State, but also from neighboring states.
In the summer of 1999, a feasibility study was done to estimate the economic
benefits of snowmobile activity within the county. Based on the results of the study, it is
estimated that snowmobile activity generates $20 million of direct and indirect economic
benefits to Oswego County each year. There are some concerns as to how stable the
activity is. Many snowmobile trails are on privately owned land without consent. The
reason for the study was to show whether or not it would be beneficial to the county to go
about creating publicly owned trails to ensure the continuation of the activity.
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