Abstract
Parks and protected areas (PPAs) are facing complex, transboundary, social, and ecological pressures, including those related to visitor use. Effective visitor use management (VUM) in PPAs requires interdisciplinary thinking across multiple spatial and temporal scales. Yet, the majority of this VUM research is short-term and occurs at relatively discrete spatial scales. A few existing frameworks and conceptual models used in VUM encourage thinking across scales. No single, interdisciplinary conceptual model exists, however, despite longstanding recognition of the need for one. This need was highlighted as a research priority by PPA and VUM subject area experts from across the U.S. at a workshop at Clemson University in 2018. This manuscript draws from the discussions at that workshop and addresses this recognized need. We propose and describe a single multi-scalar conceptual model that integrates topical areas in PPA VUM. Thoughtful, multi-scalar research that transcends disciplines is essential to address contemporary issues across VUM topics. The proposed model and the subsequent discussion are meant to serve as a catalyst for VUM researchers to begin considering both spatial and temporal scales in their PPA-based inquiries.
Highlights
Parks and protected areas (PPAs) are increasingly facing issues influenced by forces beyond their boundaries
Multi-scalar approaches are rarely used in visitor use management (VUM) and many studies are focused on relatively narrow scales
Spatial scales are represented within the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) [22], which examines the availability of particular recreation opportunities within/across PPAs on a wilderness-to-urban spectrum
Summary
Parks and protected areas (PPAs) are increasingly facing issues influenced by forces beyond their boundaries. Despite the need to consider multiple scales of inquiry, VUM research has mostly occurred on local, short-term scales, as PPA-specific and managerially-timed issues drive unit-level analyses [2] (see Table 1 for definitions of VUM and scales as they apply in this context) This is often done without the explicit recognition of other scales of analysis or cross-scale interactions that might influence the results of these studies. Individual study or research project that examines a biological phenomenon, such as the level of impact and extent of social trails, over a single season, year, or point in time. Use pattern or impact assessment related to infrastructure (trails, roads, campsites, etc.) examining trends or long-term impacts of years to decades. Maintenance of ways of life (e.g., seasonal rhythms, food ways, etc.) that span centuries into prehistory
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
