Social factors shaping the formation of a multi-stakeholder trails network group for the Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia

Abstract

This paper reports the results and management implications of a longitudinal research study examining the social factors affecting the formation of a trails network advisory group for the Monongahela National Forest (MNF) in West Virginia. A collaborative process of creating an MNF trails network with input from local users and stakeholders has been largely unsuccessful to date and the process itself has caused conflicts between land managers and forest users. Based on interviews with U.S. Forest Service personnel and local stakeholders, this paper focuses on social factors influencing the formation of a trails advisory committee made up of local residents and other interested parties.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the 2008 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium

Citation

Robinson, Karen; Selin, Steven; Pierskalla, Chad. 2009. Social factors shaping the formation of a multi-stakeholder trails network group for the Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia. In: Klenosky, David B.; Fisher, Cherie LeBlanc, eds. Proceedings of the 2008 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium; 2008 March 30 - April 1; Bolton Landing, NY. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-42. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 102-109.