Allocating recreation with fairness at the forefront: A research-based planning and management guidebook

Abstract

Recreation managers across the U.S. from both federal, state, and local agencies are often faced with the complex task of distributing recreational opportunities in areas where use is limited for one reason or another. Whether these opportunities are for limited campsites, backcountry hiking, multi-night river floats, or vehicle entry to an area with limited parking, managers must determine how to fairly and equitably distribute, or allocate, these opportunities among the public. Calls for an allocation framework were first voiced as use limits began to be implemented at an increasing rate in the 1970s (Behan, 1976), and continued in the 1990s, with Shelby (1991) stating, “The single greatest improvement in use allocation policy would be introduction of a rational planning or decision-making framework. The crucial step is to formulate the public policy goals and objectives a use-allocation system should accomplish and then use them as criteria for judging the effectiveness of different alternatives. Such an approach is no more than good professional practice”.

Citation

Phillips, Kelsey E.; Rice, William L.; Armatas, Christopher A.; Pitas, Nick; Zou, Suiwen (Sharon). 2024. Allocating recreation with fairness at the forefront: A research-based planning and management guidebook. Missoula, MT: University of Montana, Wildland and Recreation Management Research Laboratory. 31 p.