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“Wilderness and Technology”: Recent Research and Inter-generational Perspectives
Dr. Bob Dvorak
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Key Points
Examples of recent research and conversations
Understanding inter-generational perspectives and assumptions
Personal experiences with self and students

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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.)
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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
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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 to 4,453 in 2015
Smartphones with Half Mile and Gut Hook apps
Technology distancing themselves from sublime and transcendent
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6. 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
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7. 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?

8. Personal Perspective

9. 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

10. 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

11. Points to Ponder

12. Central Michigan University
Dr. Bob Dvorak
Central Michigan University
Other Resources
Wilderness protected areas : management guidelines for IUCN category 1b protected areas