Valuation of Lake Sunapee

Lake Sunapee is the fifth largest lake located entirely in New Hampshire. It provides significant value to the state economy in the form of property, property taxes, business revenue, and water supply. The lake draws visitors and both full-time and part-time residents to the area. This valuation study attempts to determine an economic value of Lake Sunapee. This could be used to inform preservation and policy regarding the lake. We find that Lake Sunapee contributes $4.1 billion in property values, $52,862,000 in property town tax value, $10,863,888 in ski area infrastructure, $120,918,168 in revenue from tourism, boating and fishing, as well as $885,473 in water infrastructure and supply. These components add to place a value on Lake Sunapee of approximately $4,311,529,529.