Identifying research needs for improved management of social impacts in wilderness recreation

Abstract

This paper summarizes the social impact research and information needs derived from a workshop of over 50 recreation management staff in the New Zealand Department of Conservation. The overall objective was to establish the basis for developing a research plan underpinning social impact management. After scoping the diversity of social impact issues, the workshop identified five main social impact themes that categorized social impacts as being caused by management actions, intergroup encounters and conflicts, intragroup encounters and conflicts, inappropriate uses and behaviors, and off site intrusions. Exploration of these social impact themes yielded numerous research questions, which were grouped under identifying demand characteristics, defining social values, understanding and managing recreation conflict, and evaluating management outcomes. A social impact research framework is proposed based on interactions between specifically defined places, physical and social human effects, and social values.

Parent Publication

• Wilderness science in a time of change conference-Volume 3: Wilderness as a place for scientific inquiry; 1999 May 23-27; Missoula, MT

Citation

Cessford, Gordon R. 2000. Identifying research needs for improved management of social impacts in wilderness recreation. In: McCool, Stephen F.; Cole, David N.; Borrie, William T.; O’Loughlin, Jennifer, comps. 2000. Wilderness science in a time of change conference—Volume 3: Wilderness as a place for scientific inquiry; 1999 May 23–27; Missoula, MT. Proceedings RMRS-P-15-VOL-3. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 231-238