Assessing and evaluating recreational uses of water resources: implications for an integrated management framework.

Abstract

To resolve conflicts over water, we need an understanding of human uses and values for water. In this study, we explore how water-based recreation affects and is affected by the water regime and water management and how key social trends might influence future water-based recreation. We found that although water is a critical component of many recreational experiences, our failure to understand current and anticipated water-based recreation use trends hampers our ability to effectively manage for recreation. Furthermore, we examined certain key drivers of social change, including population growth and migration, that will likely alter future recreation trends in the Pacific Northwest. We identified changes to the water resource, such as altered flow regimes, that have important consequences for the availability and quality of recreation opportunities. Although there are a variety of conflicts among recreationists and between recreation and other uses of water, we have a limited understanding of how to resolve them. Effective management will require examining the links between recreational opportunities and water management to minimize negative impacts to both recreation and the water regime.

Citation

Kakoyannis, Christina; Stankey, George H. 2002. Assessing and evaluating recreational uses of water resources: implications for an integrated management framework. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-536. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 59 p