Perceived constraints by non-traditional users on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the constraints that non-traditional users face, along with the negotiation strategies that are employed in order to start, continue, or increase participation in recreation on a national forest. Non-traditional users were defined as respondents who were not Caucasian. Additionally, both constraints and negotiation strategies were examined to see if they predict participation for non-traditional users. The study took place on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in Washington, during the summer of 2005. A quantitative survey method was used, with a total of 235 surveys collected. More than half of the respondents were classified as non-traditional users. The findings of the study suggest that non-traditional users were more constrained than traditional respondents. A majority of the significant constraints items were found in the structural domain, which are constraints items that can be influenced or changed by forest managers. Items related to information and awareness, along with cultural reasons, were significantly more constraining for non-traditional users. Although non-traditional users perceived more constraints than traditional users, the same results were not evident for the negotiation strategies. Overall, traditional users employed more strategies than non-traditional users.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the 2006 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium

Citation

Covelli, Elizabeth A.; Burns, Robert C.; Graefe, Alan. 2007. Perceived constraints by non-traditional users on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. In: Burns, R.; Robinson, K., comps. Proceedings of the 2006 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium; 2006 April 9-11; Bolton Landing, NY. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-14. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 422-429.