Improving our understanding of recreation and tourism.

Abstract

Over the past century, American society has hanged in many ways that affect the management of natural resources for recreation and tourism. The nation's population is more racially and ethnically diverse. Baby boomers are reaching retirement age and many have money to travel. The nation's population has more than tripled, causing our once rural country to become urbanized. This movement toward a more fragmented rural land base has changed values and attitudes toward natural resources and recreation. While shifting from a dominant, utilitarian focus on commodity production to one that embraces other values including aesthetics and recreation, America stretches the per capita footprint ever larger. New uses and expectations often have led to contention and conflict.

Citation

Kruger, Linda E.; Alexander, Susan J. 2004. Improving our understanding of recreation and tourism. Western Forester. September/October: 8-9