Estimating recreation use in Bent Creek Experimental Forest

Abstract

Dispersed recreation is an important use of national forests, including in experimental forests where long-term research is conducted to evaluate effects of environment and disturbances on ecosystems. Recreation has markedly increased in Bent Creek Experimental Forest since it was established in 1925. The objective of this investigation was to quantify visitors, their activities, and associated vehicular traffic to provide a baseline for evaluating the effects of recreation on the experimental forest environment and to identify potential research opportunities. In a core study conducted from 2005 to 2007, one person in each of 4,170 vehicles entering the experimental forest was interviewed to determine visitor numbers and intended recreational activities. A followup telephone subsample of 1,106 interviewed visitors was conducted to determine their demographics and travel expenses. Visitation averaged 145,570 people annually. The predominant recreation activities were hiking and bicycling. A typical visitor was a white male between 26 and 40 years of age with a bachelor’s degree, who had travelled less than 10 miles one way. Average cost per visit was between $18 and $36. Vehicle occupancy averaged 1.57 people and 0.24 pet dogs. Significant temporal influences affecting the rate of hourly traffic volume included season of year, day of week and time of day, but not whether the day was a holiday. Vehicle traffic was reduced in fall when deer hunting was permitted. Study results suggest that the large population of visitors using the experimental forest offers opportunities for social science research on ecosystem disturbances related to recreation. Data from the core study were archived and are available for further use.

Citation

McNab, H.W.; O’Shields, J.K.; Bowker, M.; Zarnoch, S.J. 2023. Estimating recreation use in Bent Creek Experimental Forest. Res. Pap. SRS-67. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Southern Research Station. 47 p.