Public lands and private recreation enterprise: policy issues from a historical perspective.

Tom Quinn

doi:10.2737/PNW-GTR-556

Treesearch

Public lands and private recreation enterprise: policy issues from a historical perspective.

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Tom Quinn

Year:

2002

Type:

General Technical Report

Station:

Pacific Northwest Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2737/PNW-GTR-556

Source:

Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-556. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 31 p

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Abstract

This paper highlights a number of the historical events and circumstances influencing the role of recreation enterprises on public lands in the United States. From the earliest debates over national park designations through the current debate on the ethics of recreation fees, the influence of recreation service providers has been pervasive. This history is traced with particular attention to the balance between protecting public interests while offering opportunities for profit to the private sector. It is suggested that the former has frequently been sacrificed owing to political pressures or inadequate agency oversight.

Keywords

National Park Service, USDA Forest Service, concessions, recreation, public lands, public good, public utilities

Citation

Quinn, Tom. 2002. Public lands and private recreation enterprise: policy issues from a historical perspective. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-556. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 31 p