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• In tern et re search study of the Northwest Trail Runs Coal Mine Trail Run that occurred on May 5th 2016: This was a NEW trail run in Cle Elum that was organized by Northwest Trail Runs, a trail running club based in Seattle . 5k and 10k runs traversed the Cle Elum portion of the Coal Mines Trail. Three aid stations provided runners with ample support. The run was advertised by Northwest Trail Runs as follows: "a run that will take runners and walkers through the beautiful pines of Eastern Washington while giving a glimpse of old mining activity, as well as passing by pastoral backyards and tree houses and paralleling burbling streams. After the finish, stick around for refreshments and the raffle and awards, then have afun day or weekend on the sunny side of the Cascades. You could enjoy lunch in historic Cle Elum or Roslyn, explore some of the many other trails in the area, or take advantage of the other fun activities the upper Kittitas Valley has to offer." According to the Northwest Trail Runs web site results page (http://www.webscorer.comlrace?raceid=68882). 33 runners participated in this event. An informal audit of the event indicated that there were many support people and spectators that w ere a part of this event, in addition to the runners. The economic benefits to towns like Cle Elum, resulting from activities such as those described above on a trail like the Coal Mines Trail, are well documented. A formal study of the economic benefits of a similar trail system was conducted for the Methow Valley in Washington State (see http ://head w aterseconomics .org!wph w!w p-content!u p load s!Tra il Study 65-met how -valley- trai ls.pdf). That study clearly shows that the Methow Valley benefits economically in the following ways from its trail system : increased employment opportunities, increased tax revenues, increased property values, and increased funding for amenities and infrastructure. In order to further support the results of these two studies, we will be gathering more precise user data over key user weekends in 2016 (Le. 4th of July) as follows: • Requiring trail users to register for a free permit for trail use (requiring an em ail and zip code) • On two busy weekends, posting a map and asking trail users to use a push pin to indicate their home (Le. Roslyn Sunday Market does this effectively) • Using Rat Pack event registration 8