Treesearch

The angler specialization concept was reviewed and compared to other theoretical frameworks that are more based in multi-determinate behavioral approaches and cognitive processes. Personal investment theory and expectancy theory are suggested as more theoretically appropriate to measure angler specialization.

We segmented a sample of sport fishermen into six unique age cohorts for the purposes of determining if significant differences existed on four recreation related dimensions. No significant differences for activity or non activity-specific elements of the experience were found. Some differences were found for mediated interaction and resource dependency, and clear differences were found for support of various management' rules and regulations. Predictions and results were framed in terms of recreation specialization.

Timber stands harvested using different silvicultural regimes were evaluated for acceptability as places for hiking, camping, and scenic viewing. "New Forestry" stands were more acceptable than stands managed using traditional practices. Stands were rated differently for different uses, with camping quality judged lower than hiking or scenic quality.

Opportunity for provision of Parks Service benefit to Atlantic Canadians was investigated by mapping travel behaviour into a matrix in terms of origin, season, purpose, distance, time, and destination. Findings identified potential for benefit in several activity areas, particularly within residents' own province.

Scientific research and the popular literature have emphasized the biological value of tag-and-release fishing. Relatively few publications, however, have examined the anglers' beliefs about the importance of this activity. This paper summarizes sport fishermen's behavior and attitudes related to tag-and-release programs. The data were collected from three sport fishing forums, a shark tournament, and a mailed survey to offshore marlin and tuna anglers. Almost all participants believed that tag-and-release fishing is important for conservation and research. The primary reasons for not...

Although trapping has a long history in North America, it is currently the focus of heated debate. Part of this debate concerns the reasons for trapping: is it a sport, a business, or a subsistence activity? Unfortunately, we know little about trappers, their attitudes, motivations, and personal characteristics. This paper presents the results of two trapper surveys--one in New York and one in Vermont. The results show great similarity across the trappers of both states. Muskrat and mink were the most common target species and most trappers in both states utilized foothold traps. The...

The Camp Initiatives Program was developed to increase revenue and visitation through a series of policy changes. During the summer of 1990, the program was evaluated at six Maryland State Parks and found to increase revenue and visitation by 3% and 16%, respectively. More intensive marketing efforts, implementation of a computerized reservation system, increased community relations, and status of interpretive programs were specifically addressed as management recommendations. With minor policy revisions, the Camp Initiatives Program will continue to enhance the visitor experience and meet...

This paper reports the findings of a joint project of the University of Vermont and the Vermont Department of Forests and Parks. The goal of the project was to develop a reliable system for monitoring camper satisfaction. Camper complaints were translated into demerits based upon the rated importance of the complaint. The summation of demerits was correlated with the camper exit grade and written comments to determine the threshold of major dissatisfaction.

This report describes results of a survey to determine Vermont residents' opinions about their state park system. Over 400 responses were obtained from current park users and nearly 300 came from non-users. Results suggest that both day and overnight state park users are quite satisfied with the quality of services and facilities at the Vermont park they had most recently visited. Non-users also had positive feelings about the system as a whole. User fees were not felt to be a problem for users, or deterents for non-use of the parks. One very useful aspect of the study was that over 200...

One of the arguments against higher fees at publicly-provided recreational facilities is that higher fees may force low-income users to reduce their use of facilities more than high-income users, or force them to stop using the facilities altogether if they cannot afford the higher fee. Measuring the impact of higher fees on current users with different income levels is an important factor to consider when contemplating fee increases. In this paper we develop a conceptual framework that can be used to determine whether higher fees have a differential impact on current users with different...