Photo Courtesy of http://pixabay.com “Wilderness and Technology”: Recent Research and Inter-generational Perspectives Dr. Bob Dvorak Photo Courtesy of http://pixabay.com

Photos Courtesy of http://pixabay.com Key Points Examples of recent research and conversations Understanding inter-generational perspectives and assumptions Personal experiences with self and students

Photo Courtesy of http://pixabay.com Recent Research International Journal of Wilderness April 2016 Steve Martin & Jessica Blackwell Examines Personal Locator Beacons in Sequoia- Kings Canyon Wilderness PLB users = technology creates sense of safety in wilderness Non-PLB users felt is was a “false sense of security” Carrying a PLB had some evidence of influencing decisions (e.g. where to go, traveling alone, etc.) Photo Courtesy of http://pixabay.com Photo Courtesy of www.Coastalboating.net

Photo Courtesy of http://pixabay.com Recent Research International Journal of Wilderness December 2016 Tom Carlson, John Shultis, & Joe Van Horn Lack of current policy from the four U.S. land management agencies Issues related to sharing detailed trip information (e.g. GPS info) Ongoing concern for influencing perception of risk and associated behavior Further research and policy development needed Photo Courtesy of http://pixabay.com Photo Courtesy of www.Coastalboating.net

Photos Courtesy of http://pixabay.com Recent Research International Journal of Wilderness Upcoming June 2017 Dan Dustin, Larry Beck, & Jeff Rose Reflections from hiking Pacific Crest Trail in 2016 PCT use increased from 1,879 in 2013 to 4,453 in 2015 Smartphones with Half Mile and Gut Hook apps Technology distancing themselves from sublime and transcendent Photos Courtesy of http://pixabay.com

Generational Differences Millennials: a convenient target Communication technology (e.g. Twitter, Instagram) Innovation in non-profits (e.g. web presence, Kickstarter, blogs) From Guidebook to App Different Mode of Experience, Same Values Photos Courtesy of http://pixabay.com

Generational Differences Aging global population Wilderness trend studies suggest aging visitor profile Aging population identifies as female, while wilderness users identify as male How will wilderness activities change? Implications for future generations and management strategies?

Personal Perspective

Personal Perspective Study Abroad: New Zealand 2016 15 CMU Honors students 2 people with “SLR” cameras, rest cell phones Wi-Fi in Abel Tasman National Park backcountry Boost chargers Checking in with family

Personal Perspective Study Abroad: New Zealand 2016 Risk management requirements PLB, cell phone, weather radio Opportunities to “plug” back in “Status updates” Marketing, promotion, GoPro

Points to Ponder

Central Michigan University Dr. Bob Dvorak Central Michigan University dvora1rg@cmich.edu Other Resources www.ijw.org www.wildernessstewardship.org Wilderness protected areas : management guidelines for IUCN category 1b protected areas https://portals.iucn.org/library/node/46541