Abstract
Like many other states in south-east USA, Alabama is blessed with a high percentage of natural areas. These areas support vital nature tourism and the outdoor recreation sector. This study was undertaken at the Bankhead National Forest (BNF) and Sipsey Wilderness Area (SWA), significant hubs for outdoor recreation in northwestern Alabama. The goal of this study was to collect baseline information that could be used to develop tools and strategies for increasing the diversity of users participating in outdoor recreation at BNF/SWA. A pretested questionnaire was administered to visitors at eight outdoor recreation sites in the BNF/SWA. Adults encountered at study locations were invited, after their visit, to participate in the study. The study found that (a) the majority of visitors to the BNF/SWA were Caucasians and the least encountered race was African American; (b) the most common reason for visiting BNF/SWA was for family outings, whereas activities with friends or coworkers were the second most important reason for visiting; (c) hiking (39.6%), camping (29.1%), picnicking (23.3%), and horseback riding (22.5%) were the most popular outdoor recreation activities pursued by visitors. It was concluded that a study aimed at identifying the constraints which negatively impact the use of the BNF/SWA by minorities should be a critical step in the process of trying to diversify the BNF/SWA’s user base. Increased efforts must be made to identify the reasons for the low usage of the BNF/SWA by minorities.
Highlights
Outdoor recreation has become an integral part of the American lifestyle
Managers of outdoor recreation areas near known ethnically diverse populations should endeavor to be aware of, and sensitive to, the different cultures in the region impacted by these recreational areas, and adopt specific measures to encourage and facilitate the use of these areas by all ethnic and racial groups [27]
It will be necessary to address the particular concerns of minority groups, if equitable access and use of outdoor recreation opportunities are to be successfully realized
Summary
Outdoor recreation has become an integral part of the American lifestyle. Recent evidence suggests that outdoor recreation has become one of the most important uses of national forests [1]. Ethnic groups do not participate in outdoor recreation. Several minority groups encounter more constraints to participating in outdoor recreation activities today than they did ten years ago [2]. The USA’s population has been experiencing profound demographic changes during the last 50 years. The aging of the population and the rapid growth of ethnic minorities, Hispanics and African Americans, are among these profound demographic changes
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