Management of a river recreation resource: the Lower Kananaskis River--a case study

Abstract

This study examined recreational use of the Lower Kananaskis River in Southwestern Alberta, Canada. Surveys and participant observations helped develop a better understanding of current use levels and interviews with key policy leaders explored management issues and concerns. Users suggested the need for improvements to river infrastructure both on and off the river. Policy leaders were more critical of the current management structure of the river than users; they indicated that park management has shown low levels of understanding of--and has been unresponsive to--the expressed needs of both users and community leaders. With the continued growth of the area, new management demands can be expected in the future. To assist in the development of management capability, the research developed an adaptive outdoor recreation management framework.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the 2007 northeastern recreation research symposium

Citation

Rae, Kimberley; Eagles, Paul F.J. 2008. Management of a river recreation resource: the Lower Kananaskis River--a case study. In: LeBlanc, Cherie; Vogt, Christine, comps. Proceedings of the 2007 northeastern recreation research symposium; 2007 April 15-17; Bolton Landing, NY. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-23. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 224-231.