Heterogeneity of recreationists in a park and protected area
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Abstract
Limited information and resources have caused many parks and protected areas (PPAs) to functionally manage recreationists as a single homogeneous group, despite potential negative social and ecological consequences. We aimed to evaluate the homogeneity of recreationists at the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) by 1) quantifying frequencies of consumptive (i.e., hunting), intermediate-consumptive (i.e., fishing), and non-consumptive recreational-activity groups (e.g., wildlife viewing), and 2) evaluating sociodemographic differences among these groups. We used onsite surveys to determine that Valentine NWR supports heterogeneous groups of recreationists. The intermediate-consumptive group was most frequent (77% of all parties). All three recreational-activity groups varied in party size, distance traveled, household income, population type (urban or rural residence), and vehicle type (two-wheel or four-wheel drive). Tracking and accounting for diverse recreationists will equip managers with the ability to sustain recreational activities while also preserving ecological systems.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Heterogeneity of recreationists in a park and protected area |
| Series title | PLoS ONE |
| DOI | 10.1371/journal.pone.0268303 |
| Volume | 17 |
| Issue | 5 |
| Year Published | 2022 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | PLOS |
| Contributing office(s) | Coop Res Unit Atlanta |
| Description | e0268303, 10 p. |
| Country | United States |
| State | Nebraska |
| County | Cherry County |
| Other Geospatial | Valentine National Wildlife Refuge |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |