Recreation on Private Lands in the Northern Forest Recommendations and Stakeholder Strategies Lisa C. Chase Director, Vermont Tourism Data Center ISSRM Natural Resources Specialist, UVM Extension June 12, 2008 Heard several interesting findings from our research. So what? How can this information be used to lead to positive changes on the ground?

Logic Model To better understand outcomes and how to achieve them, Extension uses the Logic model, originally developed in the 1970s by Joseph Wholey. In its simplest form, the logic model analyzes projects into three categories or steps: inputs, outputs, and outcomes. Source: http://www.uwex.edu/ces/pdande/evaluation/evallogicmodel.html

Situation Northern Forest residents and visitors are concerned about changes in private forestland ownership and accessibility. As Walt, John, and Shawn discussed, 85% of NF is privately held and access to that land is critical for maintaining long-held cultural traditions and for stimulating rural economies.

Research Methods Inputs Web forum Mail survey of landowners Second survey of large landowners Limited liability recreation use statutes

Outputs Outputs Woodland owners/managers Participation Woodland owners/managers Tourism and recreation businesses Recreation interests/groups Environmental groups

Outputs Outputs Publications Interactive website Roundtables Activities Publications Interactive website Roundtables

Website www.privatelandaccess.org Outputs - Website

Roundtables Outputs – Activities April 1, 2008 - Lake Placid, New York May 8, 2008 - Lyndonville, Vermont May 30, 2008 - Orono, Maine September 15, 2008 - Berlin, New Hampshire

Roundtables

Roundtables

Roundtables

Roundtables

Roundtables

Roundtables

Outcomes Outcomes – Short Term Recreation on Private Lands Roundtables Scale: 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree) Average: 4.30

Knowledge Gained by Participants Outcomes Outcomes – Short Term Recreation on Private Lands Roundtables Knowledge Gained by Participants Perspectives of other participants: 81% Landowner attitudes and behaviors: 51% Limited liability recreation statues: 33% Ideas for improving recreation on private lands: 64%

Recreation on Private Lands Roundtables Outcomes Outcomes – Short Term Recreation on Private Lands Roundtables “It has been a good starting point to bring stakeholders together.” “Fantastic to get all major players together.”

Recreation on Private Lands Roundtables Outcomes Outcomes – Short Term Recreation on Private Lands Roundtables “Thanks! A lesson on the statistical approach.” “Excellent thought-provoking session.” “Thank you for the opportunity to learn about what others are thinking, and to get together with others in our area.  I think the day was very well spent, and that it produced some excellent ideas.”

Outcomes Outcomes – Medium Term (Projected) Recreation on Private Lands Roundtables Scale: 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree) Average: 4.15

Suggestions and Intentions: Education Outcomes Outcomes – Medium Term (Projected) Recreation on Private Lands Roundtables Suggestions and Intentions: Education “We will promote informational outreach and NYFOA programming for the public.” “Need ongoing dialogue between landowners and recreational users. Education/workshops for both groups.” “More education at schools for younger kids, how to better connect agencies.”

Suggestions and Intentions: Access Outcomes Outcomes – Medium Term (Projected) Recreation on Private Lands Roundtables Suggestions and Intentions: Access “Develop recreation opportunities that do not degrade the resource, but do address the needs of underrepresented stakeholders.” “Establishing a local hiking trail.” “More [cooperative] management of [private lands for recreation], i.e., more North Maine Woods initiatives.”

Outcomes Outcomes – Medium Term (Projected) Roundtable Follow-up Recreation on Private Lands Roundtables Roundtable Follow-up “Survey recreation & land managers in the same way that landowners were surveyed.” “More input and lots more work.” “Presentation of additional research results.” “After all regional meetings, a gathering of all groups.”

Outcomes – Long Term (Projected) Increase in income from recreational enterprises. Increase in acreage open to recreation. Improved legislation regarding current use and taxation. Better liability protection and coverage for lower cost.

Outcomes Long-term outcomes: Improved management of private lands, less parcelization and fragmentation, more recreational access to maintain cultural traditions and support rural economies.