Understanding the Benefits of Nature-Based Tourism and Recreation in Florida

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
134	0599	3100	70%
605	0599	3010	30%

Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05

Outputs
To achieve the goals of the CRIS research proposal, research projects are designed to understand visitors to nature-based recreation areas in Florida, the role of nature-based tourism in community development, and tools and techniques to better manage environmental impacts of nature-based recreation. To better understand recreation visitors, UF researchers conducted surveys to the Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST). Researchers found results from similar year that the FNST hosts a fairly homogeneous group of hikers. Researchers refined the estimates of the number of people who use the trail throughout Florida. Specifically, researchers provided accurate visitation counts to several public natural areas, in which the trail transverses. In fact, research conducted along the Lake Okeechobee section showed higher than expected use. This new data motivated agencies to better manage for hikers of the FNST and develop facilities to accommodate them (e.g., signs and bridges). Research on the FNST will continue for two more years. To achieve the community development research goal, several research projects are in process and are yielding results. Research concluded on the Florida Department of Transportation to assess large-scale collaborative planning. Researchers examined the designation process of four key Florida scenic highways. Results show that people who participate in scenic byway designation programs require assistance from local government agencies and value the assistance of local non-government organizations. Also, research showed that highway corridor groups who worked closely with local governments and non-profit groups had greater chances of reaching scenic highway designation, maintaining activity in highway planning, and achieving scenic highway goals. Publications are in development based on these results. Research continued Jackson County to develop a Sustainable Tourism Development Plan for the county. Results show that county officials need to actively engage the countys youth and minority groups who generally do not support large-scale county efforts, like tourism development. To support the understanding of environmental and economic impacts of nature-based recreation, researchers are surveying users of off-highway vehicles. One project will examine the socio-economic impacts of OHV riders and link them to their preferences for management. A second project will specifically measure OHVs environmental impacts and users perceptions of impacts. Management recommendations will be made from this research.

Impacts
Research identified the number and type of visitors to the Florida National Scenic Trail, which runs the length of the state. Based on estimated use, the U.S. Forest Service funded a study to explore strategies to better market the trail to Florida residents. A marketing study is in development. The impacts from research conducted in Jackson County, Florida include the continued development of a sustainable tourism development plan for the County. Specifically, the plan will focus on working with County residents and build upon their identified motivation to use tourism as a development tool. Research examining collaborative planning Floridas scenic byways shows community residents require consistent attention and communication to ensure they actively take part in collaborative planning activities. Results helped to re-examine how the Florida Department of Transportation works with stakeholders to proposed scenic byways in the state.

Publications

Stein, T.V.; Anderson, D.H.; Pierskalla, C.D.; Nickerson, R.G.; and Clark, J.K. 2005. Benefits-based management as a research and planning framework for nature-based tourism and recreation. In: J.L. Innes, I.K. Edwards, and D.J. Wilford (eds.) Forests in the Balance: Linking Tradition and Technology. XXII IUFRO World Congress, August 8-13, 2005, Brisbane, Australia. Book of Abstracts. The International Forestry Review Vol. 7(5): 288-289.
Yates, G.; DeGraw, D.; and Stein, T. 2005. Scenic Highway Corridor Group Leaders Perceptions of the Florida Scenic Highway Program Process. Gainesville, FL. School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida.
Yates, G and Stein, T.V. 2005. Participant Perceptions of the Florida Scenic Highways Program Process in Four Designated Corridors. Gainesville, FL. School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida.
Floyd, M; Holland, S.; Kim, S.; Albritton, R.; and Stein, T. 2005. Jackson County Sustainable Development Plan: Survey of County Residents. Gainesville, FL: Department of Tourism, Recreation, and Sport Management and School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida

Progress 10/01/99 to 09/30/05

Outputs
To achieve the goals of the CRIS research proposal, research projects are designed to understand visitors to nature-based recreation areas in Florida, the role of nature-based tourism in community development, and tools and techniques to better manage environmental impacts of nature-based recreation. To better understand recreation visitors, UF researchers conducted a variety of studies over the life of the report that provided quantitative measures of users to Florida's public lands. The majority of this research focused on research funded by the U.S.D.A. Forest Service and included visitors to the Ocala National Forest and the Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST). All projects identified socio-demographic characteristics, motivations, and preferences for management. Researchers consistently found results that the Florida's public lands host a fairly homogeneous group of outdoor recreation visitors. Then tend to be Caucasian, middle to upper income, and travel as a couple or with families. Their primary reason for visiting public natural areas is to experience nature, learn new things, and relieve stress. For the Florida National Scenic Trail, researchers refined the estimates of the number of people who use the trail throughout Florida. Specifically, researchers provided accurate visitation counts to several public natural areas, in which the trail transverses. Research on the FNST will continue for one more year. To achieve the community development research goal, several research projects yielded important results. The majority of projects highlighted the need for local decision-makers and managers of public lands to incorporate the views, opinions, and attitudes of local residents into planning. Specifically, research concluded this last year with Jackson County to develop a Sustainable Tourism Development Plan showed that county officials need to actively engage the county's youth and minority groups who generally do not support large-scale county efforts, like tourism development. To support the understanding of environmental and economic impacts of nature-based recreation, researchers are surveying users of off-highway vehicles. One project examined the socio-economic impacts of OHV riders and link them to their preferences for management. A second project specifically measured OHV's environmental impacts and users' perceptions of impacts.

Impacts
Based on research that identified the number and desires of nature-based recreation visitors, agencies have gradually changed the type of recreation facilities and services offered. For example, agencies have installed more miles of trails and improved bridges based on Florida Trail research. Also, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), which did not have an employee devoted to nature-based recreation, has developed and expanded its recreation services since our research showed high demand for a diversity of recreation opportunities on FWC lands. Research conducted in Jackson County, Florida included the development of a sustainable tourism development plan for the County. The Jackson County Tourist Development Council is currently implementing aspects of the plan. Specifically, the TDC is forming citizen working groups to improve the management of a highly used spring run.

Publications

Albritton, R.; Stein, T.V.; Floyd, M.; and Holland, S. 2006. Surveying Jackson County Visitors: Visitor Assessment and Monitoring Handbook. School of Forest Resources and Conservation. Gainesville, FL.
Jacobson, S.K.; Gape, L; Sweeting, M.; and Stein, T.V. 2005. Using a nominal group process to plan educational outreach for a Bahamas park. Applied Environmental Education and Communication, 4(4): 305-316. Shrestha, R.K.; Stein, T.V. and Clark. J.K. In Press. Valuing nature-based recreation in public natural areas of the Apalachicola River region, Florida. Journal of Environmental Management.
Stein, T.V.; Albritton, R.; Wyman, M.; Floyd, M.; Holland, S.; and Best, M. 2006. Jackson County, Florida Sustainable Tourism Plan. School of Forest Resources and Conservation. Gainesville, FL.

Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/04

Outputs
To achieve the goals of the CRIS research proposal, research projects are designed to understand visitors to nature-based recreation areas in Florida, the role of nature-based tourism in community development, and tools and techniques to better manage environmental impacts of nature-based recreation. To better understand recreation visitors, UF researchers conducted surveys to the Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST). Researchers found that the FNST hosts a fairly homogeneous group of hikers. For the first time managers received accurate estimates of the number of people who use the trail throughout Florida. Specifically, researchers provided accurate visitation counts to several public natural areas, in which the trail transverses. This new data motivated agencies to better manage for hikers of the FNST and develop facilities to accommodate them (e.g., signs and bridges). Research on the FNST will continue for three more years. To achieve the community development research goal, several research projects are in process and are yielding results. Research continues to be conducted for the Florida Department of Transportation to assess large-scale collaborative planning. Researchers examined the designation process of all Florida scenic highways. Results show that leaders of designation processes lead motivated, active groups until designation of highways becomes official. After designation, highways struggle to maintain active highway community groups. Also, research showed that highway corridor groups who worked closely with local governments and non-profit groups had greater chances of reaching scenic highway designation, maintaining activity in highway planning, and achieving scenic highway goals. Based on the results of this study, research was extended for another six months to further explore factors, which lead to successful scenic highway designation processes. Also, researchers began a planning project in Jackson County, Florida to develop a sustainable tourism plan for the County. Two phases of this project were completed, which included a nominal group meeting with tourism stakeholders in the County and a phone survey, representative of all County residents. The nominal group meeting showed stakeholders place high importance in the economic benefits related to increasing tourism in the County, they also stressed the need to retain Jackson County youth, citing the tendency for younger residents to move out of the County. The County survey showed residents strongly support increases in all forms of tourism in Jackson County. Although they perceive some negative impacts, which might result from tourism, they strongly believe the potential benefits outweigh the costs. Finally, to better implement environmental, cultural, and historical resources into urban planning, researchers conducted a short survey of community leaders in Pinellas County, Florida. Data are currently being analyzed.

Impacts
Research identified the number and type of visitors to the Florida National Scenic Trail, which runs the length of the state. Based on estimated use, the Florida Division of Forestry developed several new hiking bridges and signs to better serve visitors using the trail. Also, survey results motivated the U.S. Forest Service to explore strategies to better market the trail to Florida residents. A marketing study is scheduled to begin early, 2005. The impacts from research conducted in Jackson County, Florida include the development of a sustainable tourism development plan for the County. Specifically, the plan will focus on working with County residents and build upon their identified motivation to use tourism as a development tool. Research examining collaborative planning in the Apalachicola Region of Florida shows community residents require consistent attention and communication to ensure they actively take part in collaborative planning activities. Results will help to re-examine how the Florida Department of Transportation works with stakeholders to proposed scenic byways in the state

Publications

Stein, T.V.; Clark, J.K.; and Rickards J.L. 2004. Assessing natures role in ecotourism development in Florida: Perspectives of tourism professionals and government decision makers. Journal of Ecotourism, 2(3): 155-172.
Clark, J.K. and Stein, T.V. 2004. Applying the nominal group technique to recreation planning on public natural areas. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, 22(1): 1-22.
Pierskalla, C.D., Lee, M.E., Stein, T.V., Anderson, D.H., and Nickerson, R. 2004. Understanding Relationships Among Recreation Opportunities: A Meta-Analysis of Nine Studies. Leisure Sciences, 26: 1-18.

Progress 10/01/02 to 10/01/03

Outputs
To achieve the three goals of the CRIS research proposal, research projects are designed to understand visitors to nature-based recreation areas in Florida, the role of nature-based tourism in community development, and tools and techniques to better manage environmental impacts of nature-based recreation. To better understand recreation visitors, UF researchers conducted surveys to two important nature-based recreation areas in Florida: the Marjorie H. Carr Cross Florida Greenway (CFG) and Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST). Researchers found high visitation rates to fishing sites on the CFG and trails close to urban development for both the CFG and FNST. Research is concluded on the CFG and a report has been submitted. Research on the FNST will continue for four more years. To achieve the community development research goal, several research projects are in process and are yielding results. Research is complete on a survey of stakeholders to the CFG to determine their attitudes toward partnering with the Office of Greenways and Trails (OGT), which manages the Greenway. Results show that most of the respondents had little to no prior contact with OGT staff members. Participants believed improved communication with the agency was the most important tactic to develop and foster partnerships. Specifically, they would like to be kept informed of projects, events, and opportunities on the Greenway. A final report was developed based on this research and results were presented at international and national conferences. Research continues to be conducted in the Apalachicola Region of Florida to assess large-scale collaborative planning. Researchers continued to monitor and assess the designation process for the Big Bend Scenic Byway. UF researchers surveyed participants in the designation process and area stakeholders about the process and future tourism development in the region. Results show participation is waning in the counties due to the slow nature of the designation process. Two agency reports have been submitted and journal manuscripts are in development. To better manage for environmental impacts in nature-based recreation areas, UF researchers conducted a full inventory of recreation opportunities along the Cross Florida Greenway and developed a recreational zoning framework of the Greenway based on an ecological model conducted in cooperation with researchers in the Department of Landscape Architecture. Four recreation management zones were found to be most appropriate to direct future management of the CFG. The zones described a spectrum of recreation opportunities, which ranged from environmentally sensitive areas where recreation use would be low and have minimal environmental impacts to more stable site, which could sustain higher visitation and recreation development. The zones formed the framework for a recreation management plan for the CFG, which was completed September, 2003, and is currently being used by the OGT.

Impacts
Research identified the number and type of visitors to the Cross Florida Greenway and Florida National Scenic Trail. This information helps managers communicate with policy makers about the people their agencies serve and the funding levels needed to sustain quality recreation opportunities. Also, the Florida Office of Greenways and Trails (OGT) will use a recreation management framework, based on this research, to manage the Cross Florida Greenway. Finally, researchers provided OGT with guidelines to better work with stakeholders to develop effective and long-lasting partners. Research examining collaborative planning in the Apalachicola Region of Florida shows community residents require consistent attention and communication to ensure they actively take part in collaborative planning activities. Results will help to re-examine how the Florida Department of Transportation works with stakeholders to proposed scenic byways in the state.

Publications

Ariza, R.J. and Stein, T.V. 2003. Ecosystem-based management for the Cross Florida Greenway: Identifying methods to develop and foster partnerships. In: Making Ecosystem Based Management Work. Final Program for the Fifth International Conference of Science and the Management of Protected Areas, May 11-16, 2003. University of Victoria, Victoria, BC Canada. P. 38.
Ariza, R. and Stein, T.V. 2003. Cross Florida Greenway partnerships interorganizational cooperation. In: Krause, K. (Ed.) 2003 Southeastern Recreation Research Conference, February 19-21, 2003. Asheville, NC. P. 5.
Clark, J.K. and Stein, T.V. 2003. Incorporating the natural landscape within an assessment of community attchment. Forest Science, 49(6): 867-876.
Clark, J.K. and Stein, T.V. 2003. Visitor Use and Perceptions of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway: Technical Report. Gainesville, FL: School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida.
Clark, J.K. and Stein, T.V. 2003. The Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway: Recreation Plan. Gainesville, FL: School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida.
Jewett, A.; Stein, T.V.; Stephan, K.E.; and Lindgren, K.J. 2003. Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve visitor study. In: Krause, K. (Ed.) 2003 Southeastern Recreation Research Conference, February 19-21, 2003. Asheville, NC. P. 14.
Pennisi, L.; Confer, J.; and Stein, T.V. 2003. Attitudes of urban bat watchers. In: Krause, K. (Ed.) 2003 Southeastern Recreation Research Conference: Book of Abstracts February 19-21, 2003. Asheville, NC. P. 4.
Stein, T.V.; Denny, C.B.; and Pennisi, L.A. 2003. Using visitor motivations to provide learning opportunities at water-based recreation areas. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 11(5): 404-425.

Progress 10/01/01 to 10/01/02

Outputs
To achieve the three goals of my CRIS research proposal, research projects are designed to understand visitors to Florida's recreation areas, nature-based tourism's role in community development, and environmental impacts of nature-based recreation. To better understand recreation visitors, research was completed in Summer, 2002 on a study of Rookery Bay visitors in Naples, Florida. Final results were discussed in a report published by the Florida Sea Grant Office. Also, researchers are in process of developing a manuscript to be submitted to a refereed journal. To achieve the CRIS proposal's community development research goal, several research projects are in process and are yielding results. Data collection is complete for two surveys of stakeholders in Florida's Big Bend region. The surveys are part of the Big Bend Scenic Byway Study funded by the Florida Department of Transportation. The first survey consisted of a mail-back questionnaire mailed to members of the byway's Corridor Advocacy Group. Results show respondents are pleased with the process used to plan the byway, and they are participating in the process to provide benefits to the overall community. Most participants are not participating in the CAG to attain individual benefits. In particular, most participants said they would not economically benefit through increased tourism in the region, showing that individual economic rewards are not serving as motivators to participate. The Florida Office of Greenways and Trails is funding a research project to develop a recreation plan for the Cross Florida Greenway in Central Florida. UF researchers completed a survey of Greenway stakeholders to identify their attitudes towards developing partnerships with Greenway managers and how to best develop and sustain partnerships. Results show that most of the respondents had little to no prior contact with Greenway staff members. Most were interested in developing partnerships both for attaining working relationships with the agency and to obtain economic benefits through increased tourism. Participants believed improved communication with the agency was the most important tactic to develop and foster partnerships. Specifically, they would like to be kept informed of projects, events, and opportunities on the Greenway. As part of developing the recreation plan for the Greenway, UF researchers conducted a full inventory of recreation opportunities along the Greenway and developed a recreational zoning framework. A summary report was written and presented to the Office of Greenways and Trails in June, 2002. Finally, to identify environmental impacts of recreation, research was completed in October, which examined the increase of new trails and roads developed by off-highway vehicles (OHVs) in two areas of the Ocala National Forest. When compared with an inventory of roads for the two areas conducted in 2001, this inventory showed approximately a 15% increase in new roads created by OHV's.

Impacts
This research examines the strategies and tactics useful in developing natural resources for recreation and tourism and describes and measures the impacts of these activities. Research shows Florida residents and visitors place high value in the state's natural landscapes and require public agencies to maintain effective communication strategies when planning public nature-based recreation areas.

Publications

Clark, J.K and Stein, T.V. 2002. Phase II: Initial Inventory of Recreation Opportunities and Potential Recreation Zones on the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway. Gainesville, FL: School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida.
Shrestha, R.; Alavalapati, J.R.R.; Stein, T.V.; Carter, D.R.; and Denny, C. B. 2002. Visitor preferences and values for water-based recreation: A case study from the Ocala National Forest, Florida. The Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics, 34(3): 547-559.
Stein, T.V. and Anderson, D.H. 2002. A benefits-based approach to landscape management in the Leech Lake watershed, Minnesota. Landscape and Urban Planning, 60(3): 151-161.
Stephan, K.E., Stein, T.V., and Lindgren, K.J. 2002. Rookery Bay Estuarine Research Reserve Visitor Study. TP-120. Gainesville, FL: Florida Sea Grant.

Progress 10/01/00 to 10/01/01

Outputs
Over the reporting period, several projects have been completed and several are still in progress. Research has completed for the 'Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Nature-Based Tourism Study.' Two Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) were identified to examine the Fish and Wildlife Commission's role in nature-based tourism. Community stakeholder and recreation visitor surveys were conducted. Results show that community stakeholders care deeply about these public lands and want to collaborate in the decision-making of those areas. The visitor study showed tourists and local visitors had similar preferences for recreation opportunities, but managers must communicate with the two groups in different ways in order to help them achieve desired recreation experiences. A final report was submitted to the Fish and Wildlife Commission in June, and two manuscripts have been submitted for publication to academic journals. The USDA Forest Service funded project, 'Silver Glen Springs Nature-Based Tourism Study' was completed in January and a final report submitted. Approximately 390 visitors to springs were interviewed in the Ocala National Forest, and results show visitors have a variety of motivations for visiting the springs that include experiencing nature, learning, and social bonding. Presentations have been made to visiting USFS personnel and one research manuscript is near completion. Also, using data from this study a manuscript has been accepted by the Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics. Research has continued for the study 'Developing a Recreation Management Strategy for Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Visitors.' Preliminary results were presented at the Coastal Zone '01 Conference in July. Research has begun for the 'Big Bend Scenic Byway Study' funded by the Florida Department of Transportation to examine Scenic Byway designation in the Apalachicola region of Florida. An economic analysis and inventory of existing tourism businesses in the region shows great disparity in tourism development between the four counties potentially affected by the byway and implies potential economic benefits can be gained to Wakulla and Franklin counties with increased nature-based tourism development. Current research includes a qualitative research project interviewing community stakeholders will be completed early in 2002. The Florida Office of Greenways and Trails has funded a research project to develop a recreation plan for the Cross Florida Greenway in Central Florida. UF researchers have completed to focus group interviews with Greenway stakeholders.

Impacts
Results from these projects are providing information to successfully develop nature-based tourism opportunities in Florida while benefiting visitors, local communities, and the environment. This research is striving to examine unique strategies and tactics to develop natural resources for recreation and tourism and describe and measure the impacts of these activities.

Publications

Denny, C.B. and T.V. Stein. 2001. Silver Glen Springs Nature-Based Tourism Study: Final Report. Gainesville, FL: School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida.
Pennington, J.K. and T.V. Stein. 2001. Providing Possibilities: Nature-Based Recreation on the Apalachicola River WEA and Babcock-Webb WMA: Final Report. Gainesville, FL: School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida.
Stein, T.V. and Pennington, J.K. 2001. Assessing Nature's Role in Tourism Development in Florida. In: R.N. Moisey, N.P. Nickerson, and K.L. Andereck (Eds.) 32nd Annual Conference Proceedings: Travel and Tourism Research Association. 2001 - A Tourism Odyssey,Ft. Meyers, FL, June 10-13, 2001. Boise, ID: Travel and Tourism Research Association. Pp. 176-189
Stein, T.V. 2001. Developing a Recreation Management Strategy for Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. In: Proceedings of the 12th Biennial Coastal Zone Conference, Cleveland, OH, July 15-19, 2001. NOAA/CSC20120-CD.CD-ROM: Charleston, SC: NOAA Coastal Services Center. 4 pp.

Progress 10/01/99 to 09/30/00

Outputs
Over the reporting period, several projects have generated results and most are still in progress. Research has moved into phase two for the 'Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Nature-Based Tourism Study.' For phase one, seven Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) were identified to examine the Fish and Wildlife Commission's role in nature-based tourism. Focus group interviews were completed at each site with area stakeholders. Results show that stakeholders will only support recreation management if the FWC maintains control of visitation and recreation does not result in unacceptable impacts to the resource. For phase two, two areas were selected to examine visitors and community stakeholders. Approximately, 400 visitors to natural areas were interviewed using an on-site interview and mail-back questionnaire. Data are currently being analyzed and a final report will be submitted in December. Approximately 390 visitors to springs were interviewed in the Ocala National Forest for the 'Silver Glen Springs Nature-Based Tourism Study.' Results show visitors have a variety of motivations for visiting the springs that include experiencing nature, learning, and social bonding. A presentation was made to visiting U.S.D.A. Forest Service leaders in November. Data collection identifying the potential role of Hamilton County African American residents in nature-based tourism development concluded in September. Twenty-four people were interviewed between April and July. Also, 17 people took part in a two-hour focus group September 11 in Jasper, FL to talk about recreation and community development in the County. Preliminary results show residents are interested in heritage tourism and see a role for the African American community in its development. They believe it is particularly valuable as a cultural preservation tool as well as a way to bring jobs into the county. Research was completed in an analysis of Florida nature-based tourism in September. Approximately 800 areas were identified in the state as nature-based tourism sites. Also, a tourism professional from every county in the state took part in an interview to help identify nature-based tourism sites in their county as well as determine their attitudes toward ecotourism. Results show professionals focus on the economic impacts of nature-based tourism development. Results of each study were presented in Bellingham, Washington at the International Symposium for Society and Resource Management. Several projects are in the beginning stages. Visitors are currently being interviewed in Rookery Bay National Estuarine Reserve for the study 'Developing a Recreation Management Strategy for Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve' funded by Florida Sea Grant and Friends of Rookery Bay. A meeting was conducted with Rookery Bay managers and researchers to identify research questions in March. A study examining Scenic Byway designation in the Apalachicola region of Florida is beginning.

Impacts
Results from these projects are providing information to successfully develop nature-based tourism opportunities in Florida while benefiting visitors, local communities, and the environment. This research is striving to examine unique strategies and tactics to develop natural resources for recreation and tourism and describe and measure the impacts of these activities.

Publications

Anderson, D.H.; Nickerson, R.G.; and Stein, T.V. 2000. Planning to Provide Community and Visitor Benefits. In: Gartner, W.C. and Lime, D.W. (Eds.) Trends in Outdoor Recreation, Leisure, and Tourism. Wallingford, UK: CABI Publishing.
Denny, C. 2000. Do They Want To Learn? Investigating Visitors' Preferences and Motivations for Recreation Opportunities in the Ocala National Forest, Florida. Gainesville, FL: School of Forest Resources, University of Florida.
Denny, C. and Stein, T.V. 2000. Examining the learning benefits of developed nature-based recreation. In: Book of Abstracts: 8th International Symposium on Society and Resource Management. July 17-22, 2000. Bellingham, WA. Pp. 81. General Technical Report PNW-GTR-497. Portland OR: Pacific Northwest Research Station, USDA Forest Service.
Denny, C. and Stein, T.V. 2000. The ecoheritage tourism program certification program. In: Book of Abstracts: 8th International Symposium on Society and Resource Management. July 17-22, 2000. Bellingham, WA. Pp. 81-82. General Technical Report PNW-GTR-497. Portland OR: Pacific Northwest Research Station, USDA Forest Service.
Hale-Gallardo, J. and Stein, T.V. 2000. Applying ethnographic field methodology to minority research in eco-heritage tourism. In: Book of Abstracts: 8th International Symposium on Society and Resource Management. July 17-22, 2000. Bellingham, WA. Pp. 130. General Technical Report PNW-GTR-497. Portland OR: Pacific Northwest Research Station, USDA Forest Service.
Pennington, J.K. and Stein, T.V. 2000. Building a better foundation: Understanding community relationships with protected lands to ensure successful management efforts. In: Book of Abstracts: 8th International Symposium on Society and Resource Management. July 17-22, 2000. Bellingham, WA. Pp. 249. General Technical Report PNW-GTR-497. Portland OR: Pacific Northwest Research Station, USDA Forest Service.
Pierskalla, C.D.; Anderson, D.H.; Lee, M.E.; Nickerson, R.; and Stein, T.V. 2000. Identifying relationships among recreation activities, settings, and benefits: A meta-analysis of ten studies. In: Book of Abstracts: 8th International Symposium on Society and Resource Management. July 17-22, 2000. Bellingham, WA. Pp. 252. General Technical Report PNW-GTR-497. Portland OR: Pacific Northwest Research Station, USDA Forest Service.
Rickards, J. and Stein, T.V. 2000. The state of nature-based tourism in Florida. In: Book of Abstracts: 8th International Symposium on Society and Resource Management. July 17-22, 2000. Bellingham, WA. Pp. 262. General Technical Report PNW-GTR-497. Portland OR: Pacific Northwest Research Station, USDA Forest Service.
Stein, T.V. and Hale-Gallardo, J. 2000. Identifying eco/heritage tourism economic opportunities for African Americans in rural Florida. In: Book of Abstracts: 8th International Symposium on Society and Resource Management. July 17-22, 2000. Bellingham, WA. Pp. 302-303. General Technical Report PNW-GTR-497. Portland OR: Pacific Northwest Research Station, USDA Forest Service.
Stein, T.V. and Pennington, J.K. 2000. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Nature-Based Tourism Study Stakeholder Meetings. Final Report. Gainesville, FL: School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida.

Progress 10/01/98 to 09/30/99

Outputs
Research began to identify nature-based tourism facilities at Silver Glen Springs in the Ocala National Forest, FL. A literature review was assembled and presented at the Society of American Foresters National Convention in Portland, OR. Research is moving into the second phase of the study. In Fall, 1999, nature-based tourism experts provided several alternatives for nature-based tourism development at the Springs. Results show nature-based tourism developers believe environmental education and interpretation will be an important part of future tourism development in the area. Also, results show that a diverse mix of development within the natural surroundings will provide for increased opportunities for learning, social bonding, and adventure. A questionnaire is in development and will be distributed to visitors in January. Data collection is almost complete for the 'Florida Nature-Based Tourism Information Web Page.' An inventory of nature-based sites used for recreation and tourism was conducted in Spring and Summer, 1999. Also, county tourism development professionals were asked their perception of the future growth of nature-based tourism in their county using a mail and phone survey. The inventory showed most nature-based tourism sites were managed by local and state land management agencies. County tourism professionals generally believed growth of the industry would have a positive impact on their counties - citing mostly economic reasons. Seven Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) have been identified as pilot studies to examine the Fish and Wildlife Commission's role in nature-based tourism. A focus group interview guide and drafts of questionnaires to be used in the research are developed. Research is beginning on the study 'Identifying Eco/Heritage Tourism Economic Opportunities for African-Americans in Hamilton County, Florida.' Approximately 20 local African-American residents have been identified and an ethnographic interview guide has been developed to attain descriptive information on African-American residents' perceptions of their natural surroundings and the potential nature/heritage-based tourism industry in their county. A literature review has been assembled and presented at the National Watchable Wildlife Conference.

Impacts
Results from this project will provide information on how to successfully develop nature-based tourism opportunities in the state while benefiting visitors, local communities, and the environment.

Publications

Stein, Taylor V., D.H. Anderson, and T. Kelly. 1999. Using stakeholders' values to apply ecosystem management in an Upper Midwest landscape. Environmental Management 24(3): 399-413.
Stein, Taylor V., D.H. Anderson, and D. Thompson. 1999. Identifying and managing for community benefits in Minnesota state parks. Journal of Park and Recreation Management 17(4):1-19.