Building Connections among Lands, People and Communities: A Case Study of Benefits-Based Management Plan Development for the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area

Abstract

Purpose of Study This paper demonstrates how a Benefits-Based Management paradigm has been useful in guiding management plan development for an internationally significant natural resource – the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area (GGNCA) in Colorado. Through a program of survey research, a database on benefits desired by various stakeholder groups was created. It was utilized to assist in describing the current state of production of the GGNCA for recreation experiences, and as a basis for articulating the likely results of different planning scenarios for the resource. As a case example of the application of a Benefits-Based Management paradigm to recreation land use planning, we trace the conceptual flow between science and application as a collaborative planning process sought to articulate land use consequences and performance indicators for a public scoping process. Our ambition is to demonstrate the power of the benefits-based paradigm in successfully engaging the citizenry in vision-setting for significant natural resources, and communicating the results of complex land management decisions to stakeholders.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the Fourth Social Aspects and Recreation Research Symposium: February 4-6, 2004, San Francisco, California

Citation

Knopf, Richard C.; Andereck, Kathleen L.; Tucker, Karen; Bottomly, Bill; Virden, Randy J. 2004. Building Connections among Lands, People and Communities: A Case Study of Benefits-Based Management Plan Development for the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area. In: Proceedings of the Fourth Social Aspects and Recreation Research Symposium; 2004 February 4-6; San Francisco, California. San Francisco State University. 170-179