Recreation Issues

Outdoor Recreation Is Important million Americans, nearly 50 percent of Americans ages six and older participated in outdoor recreation in percent of outdoor enthusiasts participated in outdoor activities at least once a week 24 percent go outside two times per week or more

Urban Forestry The participation rate among Americans who live in communities with designated walking and biking trails is higher than those without easy access – Local venues – Destination venues

Gender Girls’ participation in outdoor recreation is lower than boys’ Many youth and adolescents are motivated to get outside simply because they think “outdoor activities are cool.”

OR Is Healthy An outdoor lifestyle appears to provide unique fitness and health benefits. On average, outdoor participants rate their fitness levels at 6.4 on a 10-point scale versus 5.1 for non-participants. Participants’ perspectives on their own health was even higher with a rating of 7.5 versus 6.5 for non-participants.

Relationship of OR and Natural Resource Characteristics Terrain – mountains Cover type – mature forests and meadows Water availability – fishable and swimmable Ownership – public, private, or mixed

Regional Characteristics Accessibility – population of potential recreators Travel – ease and cost Economic conditions – impacts amount and type of activities Income of recreators – type of activities demanded, equity issues

Types of Recreation and Forest Management Passive – Resorts, spas, etc. – Driving tours – Casinos

Types of Recreation and Forest Management Active – Winter – Skiing, snow shoeing – Snow mobiles Active – Summer – Hike and bike – ORV – High adventure – Fishing – Hunting (Fall)

Private Land OR a major objective for family forest owners – Evaluate tradeoffs with other objectives – Safety issue in mature stands – Wildlife habitat, especially for birds, is primary Public access to private land – How to control invited users – Legal liability in cases of attractive nuisances – Hunting leases generate income

Public Land Recreational use policy – Control of Level of use Access – Providing infrastructure – Operation of concentrated and dispersed recreation sites – Sanitation and safety – Search and rescue

Economic impact High end, – highly developed (Vail, Aspen, etc.) – Economic profile of visitors Wealthy Land prices are high Cost of living is high – Housing – Food

Economic impact Low end, – Little development (UP Mich, Southern IN) – Middle class – Blue collar

Impact on Environment Air quality – wood smoke, – vehicle exhaust (depends on terrain) Water quality and health of streams Garbage disposal Road construction