Off-highway Vehicle Research Articles

Motivations and spatial behavior of OHV recreationists: A case-study from central Utah (USA)

Despite the growing popularity of off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation, only a small body of research has focused on the motivations of these recreationists, how motivations vary across participants, and how motivations are related to recreationists’ on-site behavior. Our investigation integrates established theory from the field of outdoor recreation management to develop a better understanding of the diverse motivations of OHV users visiting the Sheeprock Mountains region of central Utah, USA. We pair data on OHV users’ recreation experience preferences with data on their spatial behavior to develop strategic approaches for resource management. This can help balance the trade-offs between maintaining the quality and diversity of outdoor recreation experiences while limiting resource impacts. Our analyses revealed the motivations of OHV users were not related to a variety of variables characterizing OHV users’ rides (e.g., distance, speed, etc.). However, we did find distinct differences in the routes favored by OHV users preferring different outdoor recreation experiences. We visualize the concentration of routes preferred by OHV users with different experience preferences to inform the development of spatially targeted interpretation and signage efforts. Through this approach, we demonstrate how a better understanding of the diverse motivations of OHV users can be used to inform communication strategies designed to get the most meaningful information in front of the right users in the right places. The motivations of OHV users were not related to a variety of variables characterizing the OHV users' rides. There were distinct differences in the routes favored by OHV users preferring different outdoor recreation experiences. We document a method for visualizing the concentration of routes preferred by OHV users with different experience preferences. Visualizations of the concentration of routes preferred by OHV users with different experience preferences can be used to inform the development of spatially targeted interpretation and signage efforts.

Modeling, Design, and Testing of a Linear Electric-Hydraulic Conversion Machine for Electrification of Off-Highway Vehicles

Electrification and hybridization of off-highway vehicles have the potential to yield significant fuel savings and air emissions improvements. However, developing the required components to electrify these systems is an extremely challenging task due to high force and power density requirements and highly variable drive cycles. This article investigates a new approach to off-highway vehicle electrification based around a linear piston pump integrated into a linear actuator. The article first reviews linear actuator machine topologies within the context of the charge pump application requirements. A tubular machine topology is optimized for integration with a hydraulic pump and experimentally validated using a prototype machine. A multiphysics simulation framework is developed to simulate the entire charge pump design with a position regulator. An optimized design is proposed with an oscillation frequency of 132 Hz and a total system efficiency (pump and motor) calculated to be 81.3% at full load.

Enhanced efficiency prediction of an electrified off-highway vehicle transmission utilizing machine learning methods

The increasingly noticeable effects of climate change require action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In the transport sector, the increase in electromobility is an important tool for reducing CO2 emissions. In order to meet the essential requirements, a particularly detailed system knowledge, for example on energy efficiency in the powertrain, is needed for the development and improvement of electric vehicles.The present work contributes to this by mapping the efficiency of a planetary gearbox for an electric vehicle. The mapping is done by experimental modelling with machine learning methods based on a standard efficiency description. The data necessary for the neural network training is generated by efficiency experiments on the powertrain test rig. For suitable results the data was pre-processed by applying relevant low-pass filters. A comparison of the Bayesian-Regularization algorithm, the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm and the scaled-conjugate-gradient algorithm for training exhibited the strengths and weaknesses of the individual algorithms for the efficiency mapping. By comparing each algorithms performance metrics, the one matching the requirements best is chosen for the efficiency mapping.The result is a continuous function that determines the efficiency based on speed- and torque-inputs. Based on a key performance indicator, statistical validation by evaluating the standard deviations is used to ensure the quality of the results. In this paper the suitable algorithm for the given use case was determined. It can be applied for further research due to the significant results shown.

Assessing land degradation induced by recreational activities in the Algodones Dunes, California using MODIS satellite imagery

This research investigated spatial and temporal environmental changes associated with climatic variability and off-highway vehicle (OHV) activity in the Algodones Dunes, California, using time-series analysis of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer imagery from 2001 to 2016. We compared changes in land cover, surface albedo, and surface temperatures between the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (ISDRA) and areas with no OHV activity in the North Algodones Dunes Wilderness area (NADW). Both areas showed a decreasing normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and an increasing albedo from 2001 to 2016; however, ISDRA had a lower NDVI value and higher albedo compared to the adjacent NADW. Transects across these adjoining areas revealed substantial differences in daytime and nighttime land surface temperatures. ISDRA had an appreciably higher mean daytime temperature and a lower mean nighttime temperature compared to those within NADW. Results suggest direct association between increasing OHV activity and reduced vegetation cover, increased soil exposure, and higher daytime temperatures in the Algodones Dunes. We recommend enhanced monitoring of ecosystem and land use changes coupled with enhanced land use management to reduce the contributions of recreational OHV activity on land degradation and to maintain habitat for key species and ecosystems of interest in the dune field.

Who Has the Right-of-Way?: Negotiating Environmental and Economic Impacts of Off-Highway Vehicle Use in Eastern Kentucky

Abstract Outdoor recreation entails a careful balance between environmental impact and economic impact, particularly in rural Appalachian transitional economies. Outdoor recreation annually brings millions of dollars into rural areas in Central Appalachia by utilizing the natural features of the region for recreation. However, uneven development has fomented long-standing environmental injustices as extraction industries utilize unparalleled control over the natural environment and its use. In this article, the researchers examine Kentucky off-highway vehicle (OHV) use patterns as they pertain to the environment alongside their generalized household economic expenditures per trip. Off-highway vehicle users represent a legitimate claim to public land use, and thus findings of this article reinforce the need for caution in balancing the economic impacts and environmental costs of outdoor recreation, including OHV use.

JA:2021-13. Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Exposure, Safety Behaviors and Crash Experiences among Iowa FFA Members

ABSTRACT Purpose: Recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) have become increasingly popular, but no studies have examined the safety issues and experiences of rural teens while operating ROVs. Methods: Attendees of the 2015 and 2016 Iowa FFA Leadership Conference were surveyed on ROV use frequency, the safety behaviors practiced, and the crashes and injuries experienced. Descriptive and comparative analyses were performed. Results/Findings: 2075 surveys were analyzed. Most respondents were 15–18 years of age, and 55% were female. The residence of participants included on a farm (51%), in the country but not a farm (20%), and in town (29%). Over four-fifths had been on an ROV, and 66% and 81% reported riding an ROV in the past year for occupational and recreational purposes, respectively. Many were frequent riders, with 50% and 36% of those who rode for occupational and recreation purposes, respectively, being at least weekly riders. The most frequent work tasks performed by youth with ROVs included transportation, checking fields and livestock, and working on fences. Those reporting that their families owned an ROV (35% overall) varied by place of residence (Farm > Country Not Farm > Town, p < 0.001). Over 95% and over 75% of ROV riders reported traveling on unpaved and paved public roads, respectively, in the past year. Many were at least weekly riders on public roads. About 80% stated they never or almost never wore a helmet, and nearly half stated they never or almost never wore the seat belt/safety harness when riding an ROV. In the year prior to taking the survey, 14% of those riding for occupational purposes and 12% of those riding for recreational purposes were involved in at least one ROV crash. Collision with an object was the most common crash mechanism (~42%), followed by a rollover (~38%). About 15% of those having a crash in the past year sought medical attention for injuries. Practical Application: Iowa FFA members have high exposure to ROV riding, and both unsafe riding behaviors and crashes are very common. Interventions to increase ROV safety awareness and safe riding behaviors in children and adolescents are urgently needed, especially in rural areas.

Recreational off-highway vehicle crashes resulting in victims being treated at a regional trauma center: mechanisms and contributing factors

BackgroundRecreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) have become increasingly popular in recent years; however, crash epidemiology is not well described. ROVs travel at least 30 mph, and unlike all-terrain vehicles, have a rollover protective structure (ROPS) and seat belts or a harness system for occupants. This study’s objective was to evaluate the demographics, mechanisms, injuries, and associated risk factors of ROV crashes.MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed for patients of all ages with ROV-related injuries presenting to a Level 1 trauma center from 2004 to 2017. Cases were identified by ICD-9/10 codes and narrative searches. Person- and crash-related variables were examined in relation to injury outcomes including body area injured, injury severity score, and disposition (e.g. hospitalization, intensive care unit admission). Descriptive, bivariate (chi-square, Fishers exact test), and linear regression analyses were performed.ResultsSeventy-two patients with ROV-related injuries were identified. The number of injured patients increased over the study period (p < 0.01). Patients were 49% youth < 16 years old, 63% males, and 99% Caucasian. Half of the injured (51%) were passengers, with a higher proportion of youth being passengers (70%) as compared to adults (35%) (p < 0.01). Nearly one-third (30%) of crash victims < 16 years old were ROV drivers. Twenty-nine percent of all crashes occurred on roadways. Almost 40% of injured adults crashed at night, while all youth were injured during the day (p < 0.01). The primary crash mechanism was a rollover (67%). Only one patient was documented as being helmeted, and approximately one-fourth (24%) sustained head injuries and/or loss of consciousness. Other documented injuries included those to the face (20%), chest (22%), abdomen (11%), extremities (58%), and skin (51%). Over 90% of narratives were consistent with victims being unrestrained. Nearly three-fourths (74%) of victims were hospitalized and 26% required ICU care, one-half (53%) of these being children.ConclusionsAlthough ROVs have ROPs, lack of helmet and safety belt use are reducing their benefit. Youth are a large proportion of those injured in ROV crashes, often while driving despite vehicle operation recommended only for those ≥16 years old. Increased public education is needed regarding proper safety measures while operating and riding ROVs.

Recreation conflict, coping, and satisfaction: Minnesota grouse hunters’ conflicts and coping response related to all-terrain vehicle users, hikers, and other hunters

Studying conflict and coping in recreation is important because some coping strategies may provoke distress, while others may lead to positive emotional changes. Building on applications of the transactional stress coping model to park visitors, anglers, and other recreation participants, we explored how Minnesota grouse hunters responded to interference by all-terrain vehicle (ATV)/off-highway vehicle (OHV) users, deer hunters, other grouse/bird hunters, general other hunters, hikers, and bear hunters. We examined relationships among interference, coping, and satisfaction for grouse hunters, and examined how hunter beliefs about ATV use related to perceptions of conflict with ATV users. Encounters with ATV users, deer hunters, other grouse hunters, and hikers lead to problem- and emotion-focused coping, including displacement, confrontive coping, and psychological distancing. Interpersonal conflict with ATVs was positively related to perceptions of interference from ATV users, while no/limited conflict was negatively related. Conflict and coping had a minimal effect on satisfaction. Management implicationsAlthough reported levels of interference from other user groups was relatively low, grouse hunters reported moderate interference from ATV users and the use of confrontive coping in response to interactions with ATV riders. Confrontive coping has been associated with increased distress, and deserves attention. However, interference from ATV users was low to moderate and most grouse hunters in the study personally use ATVs for recreation, so there is limited need for management to address conflicts between grouse hunters and ATV riders. Nevertheless, zoning for ATV-free grouse hunting could be tested in areas with reported conflicts between hunters and ATV riders.

Fine sediment storage in an eroding forest trail system

ABSTRACT We measured fine sediment accumulations (FSA) adjacent to eroding off-highway vehicle trails in Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas. Measured trailside FSA was 643 m3. Extrapolated to the entire trail network, this amounts to 216 t ha−1 of trail surface, with a residence time of <1 yr. Natural topographic features are the main storage sites, accounting for 83% of the total, and constructed features for 16%. More than two thirds occur in channels indicates high sediment connectivity. For all types of FSAs, the single largest deposit accounted for about 30% or more of the total. These hotspots are found where topographically suitable storage sites occur downslope of an area of above-average rates of, or recent, trail erosion. Because in many cases trail erosion occurs without evident gullies or rills, these accumulation foci are effective ways to identify erosion hotspots. Relatively small amounts of fine sediment are stored in low-order stream channels. However, the low storage amounts (4,060 m3 estimated for all low-order streams) and lack of silt and clay indicate that fine sediments are highly mobile once reaching streams. Overall, results indicate predominantly short-term storage of fine sediments and high connectivity with and rapid movement through the fluvial system.

Recent advances in graphene based nano-composites for automotive and off-highway vehicle applications

: Nano-composites comprised of a polymer matrix and various types of nanosized fillers have remained as one of the most important engineering materials and continue to draw great interest in the research community and industry. In particular, graphene based nano-composites with high thermal conductivity, excellent mechanical, electrical and optical properties, becomes important and promising filler for making the next generation, high performance composite materials. : Automotive and off-highway machinery industry are extensively viewed as being the industry in which the highest volume of advanced composite materials such as graphene based nano-composites will be used in the future to produce lighter, stronger, more energy-efficient, and safe vehicles. Design, modeling, analyzing and methods for large-scale production of the graphene based nano-composites in automotive and off-highway machinery applications considering it’s mechanical, functional and interface properties between the graphene and polymer matrix under severe loading conditions is challenging, potentially due to nonlinear properties, joining of dissimilar materials and high demand of computations. While graphene based material strategies have been investigated and demonstrated to be effective for structural application in various industries includes electronics, electromechanical and energy systems, currently there is limited research highlighting the specific knowledge available for design engineers and researchers concerned with lightweight and stronger solutions by use of graphene based materials for automotive off-highway vehicle applications. : The present review presents, an overview of the latest studies that utilize graphene-based nanomaterials and their composites in automotive and off-highway machinery applications. First, the paper describes the concept of traditional composites used in present engineering industries considering its advantages and limitations, then highlights the key benefits of using nanostructured carbon material, such as graphene through some recent studies available in the literature. Then depicts the various mechanisms of integrating graphene as polymer reinforcements within composite materials, which have been found based on the survey, and their related modeling, designing, and manufacturing capabilities suitable for automotive and off-highway machinery industry. Finally outlines the available experimental evidence for graphene based composites. In order to lay the groundwork for future work in this exciting area, the paper discusses close by several future prospects as well as the current challenges in this field.

Using Technomatix Simulation Software as a Validation Tool for Plant Layout of an Off-Highway Vehicle: - Frame Assembly

Development of any new product envisages strenuous and discreet efforts at various levels of designing and manufacturing. A typical development involves the designing, virtual validation manufacturing and assembly planning. These phases play a remarkable role in the lucrative advancement of the new product. This project, italicizes on the Design and Plant Layout phases including the virtual validations using the latest technologies developed in the recent times. For this purpose, a product contemplated is the frame of an off-highway vehicle in which the new design of the frame assembly has been generated, validated the same against the standard working condition specified by authorities, generated the plant layout for the assembling of this frame structure and validated the generated plant layout using plant layout validation software Technomatix to optimize the same for better and optimum results

Sediment Availability and Erosion Rates on Off‐Highway Vehicle Trails in the Ouachita Mountains, USA

AbstractFactors influencing sediment availability are assessed and erosion rates are quantified for an off‐highway vehicle (OHV) trail system in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas. As of May 2012, the Wolf Pen Gap trail system included 77.0 km of "trails" which consist of county roads; open and closed Forest Service roads; and open and closed OHV trails. For a given trail length, the sediment volume available to be eroded is determined by bare trail width and sediment depth. Four condition types are defined that group trail sections based on statistically different trail widths or depths. Trail construction method appears to influence sediment availability differences more than erosion potential (as indexed by trail slope gradient and length). The range for annual trail erosion rates is estimated as 75 and 210 tonne/ha/yr. The high and low rates are obtained using two independent methods. The 210 tonne/ha/yr rate is computed from mean sediment capture at 30 sediment traps installed for 0.5–1.0 year. The 75 tonne/ha/yr rate is computed assuming all available trail sediment measured in a one‐time sampling is eroded over the next year. We argue in support of this assumption and suggest both rate values may be conservative. Trail erosion rates and sediment trap observations indicate frequent trap cleanout will be needed to continue sediment capture from All Terrain Vehicle trails.

Multi-step reinforcement learning for model-free predictive energy management of an electrified off-highway vehicle

The energy management system of an electrified vehicle is one of the most important supervisory control systems which manages the use of on-board energy resources. This paper researches a ‘model-free’ predictive energy management system for a connected electrified off-highway vehicle. A new reinforcement learning algorithm with the capability of ‘multi-step’ learning is proposed to enable the all-life-long online optimisation of the energy management control policy. Three multi-step learning strategies (Sum-to-Terminal, Average-to-Neighbour Recurrent-to-Terminal) are researched for the first time. Hardware-in-the-loop tests are carried out to examine the control functionality for real application of the proposed ‘model-free’ method. The results show that the proposed method can continuously improve the vehicle’s energy efficiency during the real-time hardware-in-the-loop test, which increased from the initial level of 34% to 44% after 5 h’ 35-step learning. Compared with a well-designed model-based predictive energy management control policy, the model-free predictive energy management method can increase the prediction horizon length by 71% (from 35 to 65 steps with 1 s interval in real-time computation) and can save energy by at least 7.8% for the same driving conditions.

Coarse sediment storage and connectivity and off-highway vehicle use, Board Camp Creek, Arkansas

Upper Board Camp Creek (BCC) in western Arkansas drains the Wolf Pen Gap (WPG) Trail Complex, a designated Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) area in use since the 1990s. The mixed bedrock-alluvial channel is quite active, with extensive bars and eroding banks present within the higher-order, main-valley channels. This study was conducted to determine the relative magnitudes of sediment storage and production within the channel, and whether geomorphic changes are synchronous with establishment and increasing OHV use levels on the trail system. Fourteen geomorphically active reaches within the main-valley channels, representing the range of conditions of BCC within the WPG complex, were examined in detail. All sites had significant alluvial storage in the form of point, lateral, or mid-channel bars dominated by cobble and gravel. Sediment storage volumes ranged from 140 to nearly 10,000 m3 per kilometer of channel, with a mean of about 3400. Eleven of 14 reaches also had actively eroding banks. Ten reaches (71%) exhibited net sediment storage. Two are possible net sources, and two may be in approximate steady state (storage ≈ erosion). The imbalance between local bank erosion sources and in-channel storage, and the evidence of activity and mobility of most of the bars indicates a connected system, with coarse sediment mobile during banktop flow events, and no evidence of sediment starvation. Finer (<8 mm) sediment from the trail system does not seem to be accumulating in the stream, suggesting that most is either sequestered before reaching BCC Creek, transported downstream, or deposited on floodplains during overbank flow. Many of the channel bars predate the trail complex, and most are active. This suggests that these features constitute mainly transient storage and are an inherent feature of the channel. At only two reaches could geomorphic changes be confidently attributed to the trail system. Like many streams, BCC has an active channel, independent of the WPG trail system. These results highlight the difficulty of attributing fluvial change to specific causes or forcings in active fluvial systems.

The Effects of Off-Highway Vehicle Trails and Use on Stream Water Quality in the North Fork of the Broad River

Abstract. Managing forests for recreational benefits, such as off-highway vehicle (OHV) use, as well as other ecosystem services, such as clean and abundant water, can often present challenges for land managers when one ecosystem service conflicts with another. We conducted research in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest to determine if the presence and use of OHV trails were associated with greater total suspended solids (TSS) concentrations and turbidity in streams during storm events in 2015-2016. We used a paired-watershed approach, with a treatment watershed containing the Locust Stake OHV trail system on the North Fork of the Broad River, and a reference watershed (Kimbell Creek) similar in all respects except for the presence and use of OHV trails. During the study period, mean streamflow rates across all sampling times were 19% greater, but mean stormflow rates were 29% less, at Locust Stake compared to Kimbell Creek. During storm sampling, the average storm TSS concentration was greater at Locust Stake (101.1 mg L-1) than at Kimbell Creek (65.3 mg L-1). The results indicate that the greater the stormflow, the greater the TSS concentration for each storm event sampled across both watersheds. TSS concentration was linearly and positively related to stormflow, with R2 values ranging from 0.11 to 0.92 for all events in both watersheds. Across all sampling dates, the TSS concentration per unit stormflow was greater at Locust Stake than at Kimbell Creek, and was 7-fold greater at Locust Stake after the OHV trails were opened compared to when they were closed for maintenance and assessment. When the OHV trails were closed, the TSS concentration per unit stormflow was still significantly greater, by 4-fold, at Locust Stake compared to Kimbell Creek. Our results suggest that the presence and use of the Locust Stake OHV trail system are associated with poorer water quality, and with better water quality when the trails are closed. Forest managers face a well-defined set of tradeoffs between providing OHV recreation and water quality benefits that warrants careful planning and monitoring. Keywords: National Forest System, Off-highway vehicles, Recreation, Sedimentation, Streamflow, Turbidity, Water quality.

Field data analysis of recreational off-highway vehicle crashes

Objective: Recreational off-highway vehicle (ROHV) crashes are of concern because sales of these vehicles have been growing rapidly and because newer vehicles tend to have significantly greater performance than older models. We evaluated the available data to understand trends in ROHV crashes and the factors that contributed to serious injury.Methods: We combined information from (1) the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), (2) a database compiled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and (3) a vehicle sales database. These aggregated data were used to describe trends, demographics, and frequent causes of serious injuries and fatalities.Results: On-road fatal crashes grew from 0 in the year 2000 to 37 in 2015; at the same time, sales grew from approximately 100,000 to 400,000 vehicles annually. Much of the increase in ROHV sales was in 2 new, higher performance classes of vehicles. Further, seat belt and helmet use in this cohort was rare (at least 46% unbelted, only 2% confirmed to be helmeted) and drinking and driving was common (57% of crashes in FARS). These vehicles appear to have increased potential for rollover, which often led unbelted occupants to be ejected, putting them at risk of being injured as the vehicle rolled on top of them.Conclusions: Serious ROHV crashes have grown with sales. Resulting injuries appear to be strongly influenced by inconsistent seat belt use, frequent drunk driving, and increased propensity for the vehicles to roll over.

Elevated aeolian sediment transport on the Colorado Plateau, USA: The role of grazing, vehicle disturbance, and increasing aridity

AbstractDryland wind transport of sediment can accelerate soil erosion, degrade air quality, mobilize dunes, decrease water supply, and damage infrastructure. We measured aeolian sediment horizontal mass flux (q) at 100 cm height using passive aspirated sediment traps to better understand q variability on the Colorado Plateau. Measured q ‘hot spots’ rival the highest ever recorded including 7,460 g m−2 day−1 in an off‐highway vehicle (OHV) area, but were more commonly 50‐2,000 g m−2 day−1. Overall mean q on rangeland sites was 5.14 g m−2 day−1, considerably lower than areas with concentrated livestock use (9‐19 g m−2 day−1), OHV use (414 g m−2 day−1), and downwind of unpaved roads (13.14 g m−2 day−1), but were higher than areas with minimal soil disturbance (1.60 g m−2 day−1). Rangeland q increased with increasing annual temperature, increased winds, and decreasing precipitation. Spatial modeling suggests that ~92‐93% of regional q occurs in rangelands versus ~7‐8% along unpaved roads. Four of the five largest road q values (n=33) measured were along roads used primarily for oil or gas wells. Our findings indicate that predicted future mega‐droughts will increase q disproportionately in disturbed rangelands, and potentially further compromise air quality, hydrologic cycles, and other ecosystem services. Published 2018. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Visitor attitudes and value orientations for a proposed national monument

Researchers developed this study to examine the attitudes and value orientations of those people visiting the area for outdoor recreation use (e.g., climbing, hiking, off-highway vehicle riding) for a proposed national monument in the Greater Canyonlands National Park (GCNP) area in southeastern Utah (UT), United States of America (USA). To do this, we surveyed 339 people recreating in a popular recreation destination within the boundary of the proposed national monument. We were interested in (1) people's support of the national monument designation, (2) perceived benefits and impacts of the national monument designation, and (3) what underlying factors drive people's attitudes and perceptions toward national monument designations. Environmental orientation was a strong predictor of attitudes. Researchers found more biocentric-oriented people were more likely to have favorable attitudes toward the monument and were more opposed to land uses such as mining and energy development. Management implicationsOverall, this study provides the following implications for management:•Decision-makers should consider visitors’ value orientations, support, perceptions and attitudes toward changes in land protection and subsequent management.•Management of protected areas must incorporate the values and concerns of various stakeholder groups involved with the landscape's natural and cultural resources.•Decision-makers designating national monuments should consider: (1) who is using the area (and how), (2) how the public feels about the area, and (3) perceived threats to the area and surrounding communities.•Those involved with national monument designation, policy and management should seek to minimize conflict and increase the acceptance among stakeholders.•To reduce public conflict, national monument designation should involve transparent, collaborative and democratic processes with Congress, rather than by executive order.

Recreationists’ Perceptions of Scenic Beauty and Satisfaction at a Public Forest Managed for Endangered Wildlife

Prescribed burning and other active forest management treatments have been proven essential for maintaining suitable habitat conditions for many wildlife species, including the federally endangered red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW). This study examines the perception of forest management treatments of recreation users participating in various activities (hunting, hiking/backpacking, camping, off-highway vehicle riding, and canoeing/kayaking) in terms of scenic beauty and recreation satisfaction. We used photographic images to capture various forest management treatments of different intensity levels and times after treatments, and assessed users’ perception of scenic beauty and recreation satisfaction. Results indicated variation among users participating in different recreation activities, but that good quality RCW habitats offered both higher scenic beauty and higher recreation satisfaction than poor quality habitats for most activity user groups. Finally, recreation satisfaction was statistically equal to perceived scenic beauty from both good and poor-quality RCW habitats for most of the activity user groups, thus suggesting the importance of scenic beauty of forest sites in determining recreation users’ attainment of visit satisfaction. Findings conclude that forest sites developed as good quality RCW habitats in the present state also offer quality experience to recreation users, thus supporting multi-objective forestry practices in public forests.

Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Exposure, Safety Behaviors and Crash Experiences of Iowa Future Farmers of America Members

Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Exposure, Safety Behaviors and Crash Experiences of Iowa Future Farmers of America Members