Growing the Local Food Economy
This report summarizes and integrates the findings from a four-year research study, spanning from 2017 to 2021, the primary aim of which is to identify strategies and programs that improve access to local food for low-income households while achieving economic sustainability for small farms in Ashland and Bayfield counties. Growing the Local Food Economy Report

Climate Change Adaptation Planning Guide
This guide brings together findings from global climate change assessments, national human health reports, regional–and state–level climate change impacts, and primary social science data collected across Chequamegon Bay communities to share information and make recommendations that are as specific and tailored to the Chequamegon Bay Area as currently possible. Climate Change Adaptation Planning Guide

25 x 25 Plan for Energy Independence, City of Ashland
The Center for Rural Communities (CRC) at Northland College worked with the City of Ashland to assess its energy usage and update the City’s 2009 25 x 25 Plan for Energy Independence. This report summarizes the energy usage of its buildings (electricity and natural gas) and fuel usage (gasoline and diesel) by the City’s vehicle fleet, and provides recommendations for achieving twenty-five percent of the City’s total energy usage through renewable sources by 2025. 25 x 25 Plan for Energy Independence, City of Ashland

Climate Change and Community Values
This report looks at perceptions of climate change, how future changes might impact quality of life, indicators of household- and community-level preparedness, and household preferences for community-level planning priorities. The study assesses community values and the ways in which ecological, social, economic, and cultural resources contribute to quality of life.  Chequamegon Bay Area Community Climate Change Study

City of Ashland Housing
Housing is central to community and economic development. Housing intersects with local industries (construction, building materials, and labor); individual wealth and financial stability; the ability of local employers to attract and retain qualified employees; public health and safety; a communities’ ability to serve the diverse needs of its citizens; sense of place and community investment; and individual social and emotional well-being. This report examines recent demographic, economic, and housing trends in the City of Ashland Wisconsin. Housing Market Study Report

Household Food Survey
This report summarizes the results of the first phase of a four-year research study that aims to strengthen the local food economy in Ashland and Bayfield Counties. With an already burgeoning local food movement and many innovative efforts already underway, this study is meant to take a bird’s eye view of all aspects of the local food economy. The purpose is to identify potential investments, programs, and strategies that build on ongoing efforts and overcome barriers particular to the region. Doing so will help communities within the two counties realize the benefits of a stronger local food economy. Ashland and Bayfield Counties Household Food Survey

Local Food Opinion Poll
The Northland College Public Opinion Polls are designed to capture the opinions of people living in the north woods region related to locally-relevant, topical issues.

• Local Food: March 2017 report and appendix

Maslowski Beach Water Quality Education Project
During the summer of 2014 and 2015, CRC staff collected baseline data including observations and surveys with beachgoers at Maslowski Beach. Baseline data were used to create a new warning sign to inform beachgoers of current water quality condition and potential health risks associated with swimming at the beach during increased levels and occurrences of E.coli. This report summarizes key findings from 2014, 2015, and 2016. The report ends with suggestions to improve public awareness around swimming during warning or closure periods. Maslowski Beach Water Quality Education Project

Drinking Water Opinion Poll
The Northland College Public Opinion Polls are designed to capture the opinions of people living in the north woods region related to locally-relevant, topical issues.

• Drinking Water in Northern Wisconsin: June 2016 report and appendix

Social Capital Project
In partnership with community leaders across the Chequamegon Bay, this project aims to provide a baseline assessment of social capital measures for communities in the Bay area including Bad River, Ashland, Washburn, Bayfield, La Pointe, and Red Cliff. This project is funded by the Duluth-Superior Community Foundation. Roots in Chequamegon Bay Report

Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation Opinion Poll
The Northland College Public Opinion Polls are designed to capture the opinions of people living in the north woods region related to locally-relevant, topical issues.

• Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation: December 2015 report

Local Foods Survey
This study investigates local foods perceptions, knowledge, and preferences to identify opportunities for workforce and economic development. This project was funded by the Northwest Wisconsin Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. and the Northwest Wisconsin Workforce Investment Board through the Skills Wisconsin Workforce Innovation Fund. Local Foods Survey Final Report

Assets and Amenities
The purpose of the north woods Assets & Amenities project is to promote two promising rural development strategies (i.e., capitalizing on community assets and enhancing rural amenities) by providing valuable, up-to-date information to community leaders that helps inform decisions and promotes viable and sustainable policies. Assets and Amenities Comparison Report