Outdoor Recreation Management Research Articles

Leveraging big data for outdoor recreation management: A case study from the York river in Virginia

Outdoor recreation is important for improving quality of life, well-being, and local economies, but quantifying its value without direct monetary transactions can be challenging. This study explores combining non-market valuation techniques with emerging big data sources to estimate the value of recreation for the York River and surrounding parks in Virginia. By applying the travel cost method to anonymous human mobility data, we gain deeper insights into the significance of recreational experiences for visitors and the local economy. Results of a zero-inflated Negative Binomial model show a mean consumer surplus value of $26.91 per trip, totaling $15.5 million across nearly 600,000 trips observed in 2022. Further, weekends, holidays, and the summer and fall months are found to be peak visitation times, whereas those with young children and who are Hispanic or over 64 years old are less likely to visit. These findings shed light on various factors influencing visitation patterns and recreation values, including temporal effects and socio-demographics, revealing disparities that warrant targeted efforts for inclusivity and accessibility. Policymakers can use these insights to make informed and sustainable choices in outdoor recreation management, fostering the preservation of natural resources for the benefit of both visitors and the environment.

Assessing Complexity and Stakeholder and Rightsholder Trust in Outdoor Recreation Management on the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail

The Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (PNT) traverses 1,200 miles from the Continental Divide to the Pacific Ocean. The portion of the trail in Northwest Montana and the Idaho Panhandle is at the nexus of a complex conflict situation involving outdoor recreation, wildlife conservation, and social-cultural values. This evolving conflict has gained national attention due to the diverse stakeholder interests and litigation against the US Forest Service, who administers the trail. The tension among the stakeholder groups and the various ecological and social-cultural dimensions at play illuminate the complexity of managing long-distance trails. Administrators of long-distance trails must evaluate and mitigate social, ecological, and cultural risks. This research note explores complexity and trust ecology among key PNT stakeholders, and discusses opportunities for incorporating trust research in transboundary recreation planning and research.

On-site communication measures as a tool in outdoor recreation management: a systematic map

BackgroundCommunication is a central tool used to manage the balance between outdoor recreation and environmental protection in natural areas. Several studies have evaluated different communication measures in case studies, but rarely are these measures compared across contexts. We review the literature guided by the question: what is the scope of evidence of on-site communication to change human behavior towards a more sustainable direction in outdoor recreation? Taking natural areas as our starting point, we map research-based distribution and abundance of communication measures, with emphasis on their outcomes and study design.MethodsThe target population for our mapping review are outdoor recreationists and nature-based tourists who visit natural or near-natural settings. We examined studies that have crafted written, oral and visual intervention measures to change behavior by using persuasion, education and information rather than legal restrictions or bans. Examples of challenges addressed with communication measures include proper waste disposal, using designated trails, minimizing wear and tear at campsites, avoid disturbing wildlife, and encouraging appropriate and safe behavior. We did not restrict our search geographically. We searched publication databases for peer-reviewed published articles (WoS, Scopus) and forward and backward citation chasing. To identify grey literature we used the database IRMA and internet searches in Google Scholar supplemented with specialist searches. Inclusion criteria and related search terms were based on PICO and included population (P: people participating in outdoor recreation in natural settings), terms that denoted intervention (I: on-site communication measures in situ vs. C: no communication measures) and terms that denoted outcome (O: changed behavior). We screened first by title and abstract and finally full text. For each article selected for full-text screening, metadata was extracted on key variables of interest such as behavior category, context, targeted population, study design and outcomes.Review findingsOverall, we identified 54 studies that were assessed in the review. Our review documents growing academic interest looking at actual behavior change in outdoor recreation. Theory is often subsidiary to attempted behavioral change via communication and different situational aspects, such as targeted visitor populations and environmental context, as well as psychological factors remain underexplored in the literature. The primary communication medium in the reviewed papers is passive use of signs. Awareness raising is the dominant communication mode, but other modes such as emotions, identity, and social norms are common. The geographic distribution of the studies is highly skewed to the United States.ConclusionsThe amassed studies have an uneven focus on different settings and mediums used to change behavior. Research could benefit from investigating different contexts and the state of the natural environment before and after interventions. We advocate for casting a wider disciplinary net and interest in qualitative investigations to produce data-rich studies of where and how sustainable behavior is encouraged and eventually achieved. Collectively, different disciplinary perspectives are required to understand the aspects that contribute to sustainable, and sustained, behavior change. It is important to distinguish what aspects of behavior change could be generalized across settings, and which purely contextual aspects drive behavior change.

Calculating and Mapping the Naturalness of Peri-Urban Greenways

Peri-urban forests often have extensive greenway networks that allow for outdoor recreation. However, information associated with these greenways often does not include their degree of naturalness, which is usually reduced to descriptions of the flora and fauna and often overlooks the factors that reduce naturalness. Therefore, in some cases, the naturalness of these greenways is lower than expected. Quantifying their naturalness would be helpful, especially for hikers interested in appreciating and enjoying nature. Additionally, this information would help outdoor recreation managers to design trails or decide which ones to promote as “greenways”. The objectives of this study are (1) to design a method to calculate and map the naturalness of greenways using two approaches, one based on perceptual fieldwork and the other on geographic information systems (GIS); (2) to apply the designed method to a specific greenway; and (3) to compare both methodological approaches. The results show that, for the greenway studied, the naturalness scores obtained are low in all three types of analyses used. Around 70% of the greenway sections in the GIS visibility analysis and 80% in the GIS proximity analysis have a low naturalness index. In comparison, this value is reduced to 40% with the fieldwork analysis. Although the results of the GIS approach (proximity and visibility) generate naturalness indices and spatial patterns that are very similar, they differ significantly from those derived from the fieldwork analysis. The discussion of the results suggests that the three methodologies used are valid for analyzing the degree of naturalness of the trails. However, if used together, it could add flexibility to the type of variables incorporated in the analysis.

Long-Distance Cycling Routes: Economic Impacts and Best Practices

Outdoor recreation managers as well as municipal and county economic development specialists can help diversify local, regional, and state economies by developing long-distance cycling routes and supporting bicycle tourism. In this research note, we outline 10 best practices focused on route planning and maintenance and four best practices focused on marketing bicycle tourism. The best practices are grounded in the experiences of practitioners who have developed long-distance cycling routes and academics who have studied their economic impacts. Outdoor recreation managers as well as municipal and county economic development specialists can apply the best practices in their own programs and partnership efforts and amplify the economic benefits of bicycle tourism.

Prepared food on the trail: Exploring sustainability in outdoor recreation food choices

Given the breadth and depth of environmental concerns such as biodiversity loss and climate change, sustainability is a topic for all sectors of contemporary society, inclusive of outdoor recreation. The guiding global framework focus for sustainability is the United Nations Agenda 2030; this framework is used to support a transition to a more sustainable society. Within outdoor recreation, sustainability can be explored and pursued from a multitude of perspectives, for example, participant behavior, outdoor recreation product production, or outdoor resource management. This paper will provide one small example of how an element of outdoor recreation, prepared backcountry food, can serve as a model for the numerous other questions that need to be addressed to pursue more sustainable outdoor recreation. The research will highlight the complexity of the details of sustainability and the opportunity for sustainable transitions. Outdoor recreation participants make extraordinary decisions as they plan and execute their participation; sustainability can be one of those critical decisions. Research is needed to support the outdoor recreation industry, from producers of outdoor recreation products to resource managers, toward reaching the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of Agenda 2030 in their professional work, specifically: Outdoor recreation product producers and outdoor recreation resource managers should use the SDGs as a framework to guide action on multiple levels, broad or very narrowly focused. Outdoor recreation product producers and outdoor recreation managers can collaborate with other professionals, such as food scientists, to achieve Agenda 2030. Producers need to provide missing sustainability information, such as sourcing ingredients or transport methods, to facilitate more comprehensive sustainability decision-making. Outdoor recreation product producers and resource managers must recognize the importance of communicating sustainability factors to facilitate consumers' sustainable decision-making ability.

Exploring Peace within the Cognitive-Affective Structure of the Destination Image of Glacier National Park

Although the importance of peace park designations has been emphasized over the years, their full potential is not always recognized and used. No published studies explore the destination image of a national park in the context of peace. This research explores the cognitive and affective nature of the destination image of Glacier National Park (GNP), a component of Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. A conceptual model of GNP’s destination image was developed, tested with survey data from 379 park visitors, and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling. Evidence supported the claim that the constructs of natural environment, social atmosphere, peace designation, and infrastructure impacted the affective image of GNP. Social atmosphere, peace designation, and the affective image were the predictors of behavioral intentions. Therefore, peace designation can play an important role in the destination image of GNP, which has important potential implications for park and outdoor recreation managers.

Visitor satisfaction with WMAs: A case study from Oklahoma

Analyzing visitor satisfaction has been an important practice for outdoor recreation managers, as satisfaction influences visitor behavior including the decision to visit in the future. This study analyzed visitors' level of satisfaction relative to their overall recreational experience at the last Oklahoma Wildlife Management Area (WMA) they visited. Satisfaction with WMA characteristics such as accessibility, facility availability and condition, scenery, abundance of wildlife, and a feeling of privacy and safety were also analyzed. To accomplish the study objective, WMA visitor surveys were administered among Oklahoma hunting and fishing license and conservation passport holders during the 2020–2021 hunting season. CUB (Covariates in a Uniform and shifted Binomial mixture) models were used to analyze the effects of visitors' characteristics on the level of satisfaction. Results suggested that compared to their non-consumptive counterparts, consumptive visitors (hunters and anglers) reported a higher level of satisfaction. In contrast, WMA visitors generally had lower satisfaction and seemed to express higher consternation about their privacy and safety than other aspects of visitations. This study demonstrates the applicability of a relatively new consumer preference model for analyzing visitor satisfaction within the outdoor recreation field. Furthermore, it provides valuable visitor satisfaction results to help management agencies analyze WMA visitation levels and determine the best management practices.

Anticipated post-pandemic substitution behavior among new outdoor recreationists in the U.S.: analysis across involvement and activity clusters

ABSTRACT Purpose While much research has examined the increase in outdoor recreation and those who began participating in outdoor recreation during the COVID-19 pandemic, to-date no published empirical research has examined perceived post-pandemic recreation participation among the latter group. Research Methods Through a national panel survey of 902 respondents, we examine differences in perceived post-pandemic substitution behaviors across activity- and involvement-based clusters of new or returning outdoor recreationists using a two-part cluster analysis followed by analyses of variance. Results and Findings Results suggest significant differences exist across activity- and involvement-based clusters. On average, this research suggests that Runners, Purist Gardeners, General Recreationists, and Casual Recreationists are less likely than High Intensity Recreationists and Hunters & Anglers to abandon outdoor recreation after the pandemic. Implications Implications are provided for both the continued development of substitutability theory and outdoor recreation managers as they adapt toward a post-pandemic future. Specifically, managerial implications concerning the demand for activity-specific facilities and leisure abandonment are provided. Research Contribution These results provide new knowledge concerning how outdoor recreation participation among new participants may change in a post-pandemic future, and how involvement relates to substitution more broadly.

From recreation ecology to a recreation ecosystem: A framework accounting for social-ecological systems

Recreation ecology has its foundations in the premise that recreationists have a negative impact on ecosystems, and are thus treated as an ecological stressor. However, ecology is the study of interactions between organisms and the environment, not just an organism's impacts on the environment. While we do not dispute the evidence that recreationists can negatively impact ecosystems, recreation can also have positive effects for conservation. Contextualizing interactions between recreation and ecology within broader multi-scale social-ecological systems can advance our scientific knowledge of these interactions to provide a basis for more effective management of protected areas that host recreation. In this paper, we propose the concept that recreation-ecosystem interactions are part of a system with a range of positive, negative, and neutral interactions with feedbacks of variable intensity occurring between multiple levels. We simplify this concept into a two-dimensional quadrant system to describe the spectrum of interactions within a range of social-ecological systems, which could be developed for countless natural and social systems. For example, the social portion of this system includes values such as cultural, health and well-being, tribal, and many others; examples of the ecological portion include vegetation, biodiversity, soils, and more. As an illustrative example, we develop the system for recreation-wildlife interactions. We also emphasize the importance of integrating recreation and wildlife research and management through approaches based on this framework. Future research in this area might be improved by considering this novel framework to balance the needs of humans and protect natural ecosystems in protected area management decisions. The framework aims to help outdoor recreation managers and researchers better - Address existing gaps in research and management, - Collaborate with those working in complementary fields , - Develop more integrative recreation planning and management tools, and - Resolve persistent problems in outdoor recreation management.

Editorial: Introduction to sustainably managing outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism as social-ecological complex adaptive systems

The goal of this special issue is to contribute to the development of frameworks and tools to facilitate the sustainable management of outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism as social-ecological complex adaptive systems addressed at multiple scales and fully integrated across disciplines.

Thinking like a system in the turbulent world of outdoor recreation management

The world is turbulent, everchanging, non-linear and uncertain. COVID-19 demonstrated this uncertainty at all social scales. A consequence of this situation is that surprises are a universal occurence. Systems thinking is a way of thinking about the wholes and making sense of what appears to be chaos. Systems thinking is oriented toward developing understanding how the parts of a system, which outdoor recreation and tourism form, relate to the system as a whole. But systems thinking is not enough to create action in this situation. We need to do three things: Dive deeper to better understand the mental models at play; Think differently to develop resolutions to challenges based on new mental models; and Act Holistically to ensure that new ideas and all voices are included and respected.

Recreation as a transformative experience: Synthesizing the literature on outdoor recreation and recreation ecosystem services into a systems framework

Outdoor recreation is a type of recreation that occurs in, and depends on, the natural environment. Ecosystem services are the benefits people receive from ecosystems. The outdoor recreation research (ORR) field has developed a detailed understanding of the recreation experience but has not developed a full understanding of the contribution of the natural environment to those experiences. Recreation Ecosystem Services (RES) is a newer area of research that highlights the contribution of the natural environment for recreation. The integration of these lines of research can improve our understanding of how the natural environment contributes to outdoor recreation benefits and outcomes. In this conceptual synthesis paper, we outline the evolution of outdoor recreation management to identify key theories and central concepts related to the biophysical setting in ORR. We then summarize contributions from RES, emphasizing the role of the natural environment in this research. Subsequently, we highlight key elements from systems theory and present the idea of transformation as a central element in outdoor recreation. We present a framework that captures central ideas from the ORR and RES fields and highlights the dynamic nature of transformative outdoor recreation experiences embedded in social-ecological complex adaptive systems. A more holistic systems view of outdoor recreation can help researchers and managers envision the bigger picture of how outdoor recreation land management contributes to recreation benefits and ecosystem services. If we understand the full complexity of the recreation system, we are better situated to address specific components in meaningful ways.

On-site communication measures as a tool in outdoor recreation management: a systematic map protocol

BackgroundCommunication is a central tool in managing the balance between outdoor recreation and environmental protection. Several studies have evaluated different communication measures in nature area case studies, but rarely are these measures compared across contexts. We systematically map the literature guided by the question, what is the evidence base of on-site communication in outdoor recreation to change human behavior towards a more sustainable direction? Taking vulnerable natural areas as our starting point, we map distribution and abundance of communication measures, study design and outcome-related themes.MethodsThe target population for our mapping review (hereafter review) are outdoor recreationists and nature-based tourists who visit natural or near-natural settings. We will examine the studies that have crafted written, oral and visual intervention measures to change behavior by using persuasion, education and information instead of legal restrictions or bans. Some examples of challenges addressed with communication measures are proper waste disposal, using designated trails, minimizing wear and tear at campsites, avoid disturbing wildlife, and encouraging appropriate and safe behavior. No geographic restrictions will be applied but we will focus on protected areas. We will search publication databases for peer-reviewed published articles using internet and specialist searches to identify grey literature in English. We will screen first by title, followed by abstract and finally full text. For each article selected for full-text screening, metadata will be extracted on key variables of interest.The extracted data from the coding will be used to group and compare the studies to reveal knowledge gaps and knowledge clusters. We will briefly describe findings from the included studies. The review will help identify what type of human behavior researchers have addressed with communication in nature management and conservation. In addition it will highlight which communication measures are frequently used in each behavioral context. It will identify which frameworks and communication theories have been the basis for designing intervention measures and provide support to practitioners and researchers in future framing and implementation of communication measures in natural settings.

From backyards to the backcountry: Exploring outdoor recreation coping strategies and experiences during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand.

This paper explores the impacts that the New Zealand government's lockdown measures to contain the COVID-19 virus during 2020 had on the activity and experiences of outdoor recreationists in New Zealand. Concepts related to coping strategies such as rationalisation, displacement and substitution, have been used frequently to explain the behavioural changes and processes involved in outdoor recreation when disruptions arise such as crowding and recreational conflict. However, such concepts have rarely been applied to rapid on-set disruptors such as pandemics. This paper adopts coping strategy theory to help document the strategies adopted by outdoor recreationists in response to the national lockdown in 2020. Based on a qualitative analysis of twenty interviews with outdoor recreationists in New Zealand, various coping mechanisms such as temporal, activity, and spatial displacement are identified. These include increased appreciation for outdoor settings, discovery of local activities and microadventures, and increased walking activity across the restricted, reaction and reset periods. Outdoor recreation coping strategies may contribute to increased resilience to disruptive and rapid on-set events and enhance understanding of how recreationists respond and adapt to disruption. This research presents a unique insight of coping strategies adopted in response to the national lockdown that may have implications for participation and management of outdoor recreation in New Zealand in the coming years. This paper also offers a new perspective on the behaviourist tradition in the field of outdoor recreation which may be fruitful for future research examining rapid on-set disruptions and crises.

Developing a Capacity Building, Operational Model of a Sustainable Recreation Program

Integrating sustainability concepts, tools, and best practices across the outdoor recreation and park profession has gained momentum over the past three decades. However, missing from the professional and scientific literature have been action-oriented and evaluative research focused on “how” sustainability is being operationalized in the field. Through a qualitative research design focused on the 11 National Forests of the Southwestern Region of the USDA Forest Service, we developed an operational model for how sustainable recreation is being implemented at the Forest level through the Sustainable Recreation Strategy. Data collection included document analysis, stakeholder interviews, and personal observation. Document analysis included a content analysis methodology of 11 Forest-level Sustainable Recreation Action Plans, the principal planning process used to implement the vision and goals set forth by the Regional Sustainable Recreation Strategy. Evidence from the study was used to develop a grounded operational model with three foundational areas of Program, Agency, and Community. Foundational areas were further elaborated into component areas—Program into workforce, communications, outdoor recreation management, financial management, and information management systems—Agency into leadership support, administrative support, and integrated resource management—and Community into partnerships, volunteer program, and conservation education. Operational models such as this can help recreation managers, agency leaders, and policymakers adjust systems, structures, and roles to build program capacity and accelerate program transition towards sustainability.

A Review of Trends and Knowledge Gaps in Latinx Outdoor Recreation on Federal and State Public Lands

The Latinx population in the United States, estimated to compose 28% of the country’s population by 2050, has a long history of public land use. Yet while research on Latinx outdoor recreation in urban green spaces has increased over the past 20 years, research on Latinx outdoor recreation on federal and state public lands has waned. This study synthesizes the literature on public land use and outdoor recreation on federal and state public lands by the Latinx population in the United States to assess the state of knowledge and to strategically identify research needs in Latinx public land use and outdoor recreation. Our analysis reveals that while institutional barriers such as policies, practices, and procedures that favor some ethnic groups over others continue to exist, barriers to access, such as distance to sites, available free time, and knowledge about how to use public lands may be shifting, offering clues that may help guide informed approaches to outdoor recreation management.

Who Started, Stopped, and Continued Participating in Outdoor Recreation during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States? Results from a National Panel Study

The COVID-19 pandemic has been proposed as a catalyst for many U.S. residents to re-engage in outdoor recreation or engage in outdoor recreation for the first time. This manuscript describes the results of a representative U.S. national panel study aimed at better understanding the socio-demographic profile (gender, ethnicity, community type, income, and age) of those participants new to outdoor recreation since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In doing so, we address how these new outdoor recreationists differ from (1) those who frequently participated in outdoor recreation prior to the pandemic and continue to participate in outdoor recreation, (2) those who did not frequently participate in outdoor recreation prior to the pandemic and remain un-engaged, and (3) those who frequently participated in outdoor recreation prior to the pandemic but stopped their frequent participation following the onset of the pandemic. Results from this U.S. national study suggest that 35.8% of respondents indicated that they did not participate regularly in outdoor recreation prior to the pandemic or during the pandemic, 30.4% indicated that they did participate regularly in outdoor recreation prior to the pandemic and continued to do so regularly during the pandemic, and 13.5% indicated that they did participate regularly in outdoor recreation prior to the pandemic, but did not continue to do so during the pandemic. More than 20% of the sample indicated that they were new outdoor recreationists. The majority of respondents in all categories, including those that were new to outdoor recreation amidst the pandemic, identified as being white, however these new outdoor recreationists were also the least ethnically diverse. The previously but no longer outdoor recreationist respondents were significantly more ethnically diverse than the other three groups, and they tended to live in more urbanized settings. Discussion of these results includes implications for outdoor recreation managers, and researchers who seek to better understand who the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced with regard to outdoor recreation participation. Implications regarding social justice, access and equity to public places that facilitate outdoor recreation, and health-related policies are discussed.

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.

Covid-19 and outdoor recreation management: Increased participation, connection to nature, and a look to climate adaptation.

Outdoor recreation management perspectives were investigated based on the general perception of increased public outdoor recreation participation during the Covid-19 pandemic and supported by survey research at local, regional, and national levels in Sweden. There is an interest in how outdoor recreation professionals perceived outdoor recreation by the public during the pandemic and whether professionals could identify specific implications from the Covid-19/outdoor recreation experience. Climate adaptation literature supports the idea that current global challenge coupled with projections for ongoing challenge requires a pro-active approach; this turn to climate adaptation for potential consideration or guidance is based on characteristics that the Covid-19 pandemic shares with climate change. Outdoor recreational professionals' review of a recent public survey and subsequent semi-structured interviews with this group were conducted to obtain outdoor recreation professionals' detailed perceptions on survey outcomes. Results show that the professionals confirm a rapid and significant increase in outdoor recreation participation. Further, professionals identified critical trends in the increase of new or inexperienced outdoor recreation participants. A positive and proactive list of implications emerged as themes of the interviews. A review and synthesis of the themes support the national goals for outdoor recreation in Sweden. Further, results indicate a current opportunity for outdoor recreation to address concerns for diminishing nature experience and support connectedness to nature. The connectedness to nature outcome further strengthens the comparison with climate adaptation strategy given the potential relationship between connectedness to nature and pro-environmental behavior.