Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts
Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies | Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Working Group

WICCI’s Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Working Group is focused on understanding how climate change will impact tourism and outdoor recreation activities across the state of Wisconsin and developing resources and initiatives that support the sector’s mitigation and adaptation activities. Our group brings together academic, government, industry, and tribal representatives with diverse subject matter insights and expertise.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Natalie Chin
nchin5@aqua.wisc.edu

Dreux Watermolen
Dreux.Watermolen@wisconsin.gov

Near-term goals

  • Complete a comprehensive literature review of climate change impacts on tourism and outdoor recreation, especially relevant to Wisconsin
  • Identify stakeholders and partners who should be engaged and can provide feedback on developed products throughout the process
  • Draft an assessment report of how climate change will impact tourism and outdoor recreation in Wisconsin, including an examination of sectoral trends
  • Identify major climate change opportunities and threats to the sector and possible strategies for mitigation and adaptation
  • Develop a database of climate change-related resources for tourism and outdoor recreation professionals
  • Determine the need/benefit of establishing a community of practice

Long-term vision

  • Explore larger collaboration opportunities to support the long-term sustainability Wisconsin’s tourism and outdoor recreation sector

Members

  • Natalie Chin, Wisconsin Sea Grant (co-chair)
  • Dreux Watermolen, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (co-chair)
  • Michele Allness, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
  • Todd Breiby, Wisconsin Coastal Management Program
  • Linda Cadotte, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Forestry, City of Superior
  • David Eades, Bayfield Chamber and Visitors Bureau and Wisconsin Harbor Towns Association
  • Mike Friis, Wisconsin Coastal Management Program
  • Robert Holsman, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
  • David Marcouiller, University of Wisconsin–Madison
  • Phil Rynish, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
  • Meghan Salmon-Tumas, Northland College
  • David Spiegelberg, Wisconsin Department of Tourism
  • Gabrielle VanBergen, Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

Working Groups