Changes in national park visitation (2000-2008) and interest in outdoor activities (1993-2008)

Abstract

This paper addresses Pergams and Zaradic's (2006) assertions that recent national park visitation has declined sharply and that these declines are directly related to the increased use of electronic media and passive forms of entertainment. We analyzed two large, national datasets that have used consistently replicated methods of annual data collection over a lengthy period. Although we found evidence of some decline in national park visitation between 2000 and 2008, the declines were not dramatic. Analysis of data between 1993 and 2008 showed no evidence of declining interest in travel, outdoor recreation, and media-related activities among people who are interested in wildlife and the environment.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the 2009 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium

Citation

Warnick, Rodney B.; Schuett, Michael A.; Kuentzel, Walt; More, Thomas A. 2010. Changes in national park visitation (2000-2008) and interest in outdoor activities (1993-2008). In: Watts, Clifton E., Jr.; Fisher, Cherie LeBlanc, eds. Proceedings of the 2009 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-66. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 204-213.