Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/16
Outputs
Target Audience:This project focused on two different initiatives. First, research related to recreation on public lands had agency managers as the target audience. Research is developed to better understand their visitors and how to manage their visitors. Technical reports, workshops, and presentations on research findings are designed to change to improve their capacity to manage recreation on public lands. Currently this work is focused on lands where the Florida National Scenic Trail exists, but it also includes other publicly managed conservation areas throughout Florida. Second, work related to the impact of field-based environmental education plays in motivating sixth grade science students to participate in nature-based recreation focuses on middle school educators and recreation professionals. Journal articles, Extension publications, and presentations will be given to provide research results on the role field-based education can have for middle school students. Changes/Problems:We encountered no changes or problems associated with this project. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This project resulted in a variety of publications and presentations made to the Florida National Scenic Trail Coalition. These training and professional development initiatives resulted in helping managers alter the way the manage their outdoor recreation sites (particularly along the FNST, but in other areas as well) and to work to promote the opportunities. Without this research the promotion would not have been a priority. Results for the educational component of this project were directly presented to the science teachers at Westwood Middle School, and we have worked directly with them to improve the program and how it can be integrated into their existing science curricula. Based on this projects' findings, using nature for educational supplements educational opportunities, but it does not necessarily provide increased enthusiasm for nature-based recreation. Activities that allow more free play and adventure tended to have the highest impacts for long-term enthusiasm for nature, and researchers are working with educators to identify methods to provide teachers a good balance between free play and teaching. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The Florida National Scenic Trail Coalition was the most effective dissemination of results for research related to the FNST. However, results are also presented in conferences and symposia to managers in Florida, throughout the US and World. Direct communication with the middle school teachers is the most direct to disseminate findings. Also, research findings have been presented at academic conferences to encourage future research on this topic. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Over the time of this project, the US Forest Service developed the Florida National Scenic Trail Advisory Council. Data associated with recreation use of natural areas informed decision making for the Florida National Scenic Trail Advisory Council, and impacted members decisions on management priorities. The Council's primary objective is to strategically plan the Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST), and data provided through this survey is the only information the Council has on use of the Trail. This research also highlighted the various ways FNST visitors find out about the Trail and the role of social and traditional marketing methods. Information on these findings related to how to market and promote the FNST, as well as, the number and type of visitors was provided to the Advisory Council. Specific accomplishments were discussed in previous progress reports. In general, data showed that the FNST receives much less visitation that managers expected. Also, this visitation tended to be mostly Caucasian and older. The Council worked to expand its marketing and promotion initiatives over the project's timeframe because of this research. Results related to the field-based educational program at Westwood Middle School show that the program is viewed positively by all participants. Most research was completed towards the end of this project, and was discussed in the previous progress report. It will be summarized here. Teachers and students believe they learn much from the program, and educational assessments show specific information learned during the exercises is being retained; however, this varies based on the type of activity and what was taught. For example, findings show that students have the ability to identify more tree species after they participate in the activities than before taking part in the activity. A major research question was to determine if students with different demographic characteristics possessed different levels of motivation and enthusiasm for nature. Results showed that for many demographic characteristics tested, students did not differ. In particular, African American students showed similar attitudes towards field-based education activities, recreating with friends, and participating in summer camps as white students. Results clearly showed that if students had a pre-disposition for viewing nature and outdoor recreation favorably, they were more likely to look positively on a variety of outdoor recreation activities.
Publications
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Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16
Outputs
Target Audience:Natural resource land managers were the primary audience for the research conducted over the past year. Most research is designed to directly assist managers in making recreation management decisions on public lands.? Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project has allowed me to better instruct my university courses, where students actively visit research sites and learn about current trends in recreation use and the latest knowledge concerning the management of recreation users in conserved forests. Specifically, approximately 15 undergraduate and graduate students have received research experience working on these projects. They have been involved in all elements of research from data collection to reporting. Also, much of the projects' findings have been used in the Natural Areas Training Academy's Visitor and Volunteers Workshop. Specifically, information on assessing visitor use through visitor counters and surveys is taught in this workshop. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results are regularly reported to agency leaders who fund the research. After each phase of research for Hillsborough County, reports were provided to the Environmental Lands Department. A final technical report was submitted in the fall, which was used specifically for their strategic planning process. Research related to the Florida National Scenic Trail is reported at regular Coalition meetings. In fact, UF researchers conducted several presentations at the state wide coalition meeting in June, 2016 that highlighted the results of the research. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Research is going to continue to assess visitors. However, future research looks to broaden to non-visitors and examine how improved public relations and social media can better connect potential Florida citizens and tourists to natural areas. There are plans to report results at the January and June, 2017 FNST Coalition meetings, 2017 International Symposium for Society and Natural Resources, 125th Anniversary Congress of the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) and the 2017 Society of American Foresters National Convention.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
To achieve the goals of the CRIS research proposal, research projects are designed to improve our understanding of the dynamic relationship between humans and natural resources. In 2016, research took a more local level approach and examined specific recreation areas along the National Florida Scenic Trail and examined county conservation lands in several areas of Florida. Research projects examined the socio-demographics, motivations, attitudes and beliefs, and desires of visitors, 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 to local conservation areas, UF researchers conducted a variety of studies 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 to assess all recreation visitation to the National Forests in Florida (Ocala, Osceola, and Apalachicola). Almost 300 survey visits were conducted and over 1000 visitors were interviewed. Data were sent to the USFS national office, where it is analyzed and integrated with data from throughout the US. UF will receive reports in 2017 and our lab will use that data for future research. As has been conducted over the last decade, researchers continued to assess visitors to the Ocala National Forest and the Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST). The Florida National Scenic Trail is a 1300 mile national scenic trail running the length of Florida and is not more than an hour from a Florida resident; therefore, it is one of the most significant nature-based recreation resources in Florida. Since the FNST runs through a variety of state and federal lands, research focused on specific sites to learn more about visitors to a diversity of areas. Approximately 13 visitor counters were placed along FNST segments and University of Florida researchers conducted visitor interviews at specific trailheads throughout the state. Researchers provided accurate visitation counts to several public natural areas, in which the trail transverses through dissemination of the technical report. Using this research, the National Forests in Florida developed an FNST Coalition composted of organizations and agencies to jointly plan the length of the FNST. Research also began to examine how Hillsborough County Conservation and Environmental Lands Management Department. Three nominal group meetings were conducted that provided baseline data on potential new recreation opportunities for Hillsborough County lands. Reports were submitted to the Lands Management Department, and results were also integrated into future stakeholder, visitor, and non-visitor surveys. All Hillsborough County research was integrated into the Department strategic planning document currently in development and to be finalized December, 2016.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Stein, T.V.; Marshall, L. and Gullion, M. 2016. Hillsborough County Stakeholder Survey Final Report. School of Forest Resources and Conservation. University of Florida. Gainesville, FL.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Harris, L. and Stein, T.V. 2016. Report of Hillsborough County Conservation and Environmental Lands Management Department Nature-based Recreation and Tourism Study: Phase I, Nominal Group Interviews. School of Forest Resources and Conservation. University of Florida. Gainesville, FL.
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Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15
Outputs
Target Audience:Natural resource land managers were the primary audience for the research conducted over the past year. Most research is designed to directly assist managers in making recreation management decisions on public lands. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project has allowed me to better instruct my university courses, where students actively visit research sites and learn about current trends in recreation use and the latest knowledge concerning the management of recreation users in conserved forests. Also, much of the projects' findings have been used in the Natural Areas Training Academy's Visitor and Volunteers Workshop. Specifically, information on assessing visitor use through visitor counters and surveys is taught in this workshop. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results are regularly reported to agency leaders who fund the research. Specifically, research related to the Florida National Scenic Trail is reported at regular Coalition meetings. In fact, UF researchers conducted several presentations at the state wide coalition meeting in June, 2015 that highlighted the results of the research. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Research is going to continue to assess visitors. However, future research looks to broaden to non-visitors and examine how improved public relations and social media can better connect potential Florida citizens and tourists to natural areas. There are plans to report results at the January and June, 2016 FNST Coalition meetings, 2016 International Symposium for Society and Natural Resources, and the Society of American Foresters National Conventi
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
To achieve the goals of the CRIS research proposal, research projects are designed to improve our understanding of the dynamic relationship between humans and natural resources. In 2015, research focused on visitors to nature-based recreation areas in Florida as well as private forest landowners in northern Florida. Research projects examined the socio-demographics, motivations, attitudes and beliefs, and desires of visitors, the role of nature-based tourism in community development, and tools and techniques to better manage environmental impacts of nature-based recreation. In coordination with the Gilchrist County Tourist Development Commission, UF researchers conducted a tourism assessment of the Santa Fe and Suwannee rivers for the potential of becoming a recognized blueway and tourism attraction. Results show that rivers provide valuable opportunities for long water-based recreation, but the rivers currently do not have enough appropriate facilities along the length of the Blueway that would welcome a diversity of canoe and kayak paddlers. The county must work with public land management agencies to increase and improve access locations of paddlers, sign the entire length of the Blueway, and provide more educational and recreational facilities to enhance family experiences. To better understand recreation visitors, UF researchers conducted a variety of studies 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). The Florida National Scenic Trail is a 1300 mile national scenic trail running the length of Florida and is not more than an hour from a Florida resident; therefore, it is one of the most significant nature-based recreation resources in Florida. Since the FNST runs through a variety of state and federal lands, research focused on specific sites to learn more about visitors to a diversity of areas. Approximately 13 visitor counters were placed along FNST segments and University of Florida researchers conducted visitor interviews at specific trailheads throughout the state. All projects identified socio-demographic characteristics, motivations, and preferences for management. Researchers provided accurate visitation counts to several public natural areas, in which the trail transverses through dissemination of the technical report. Using this research, the National Forests in Florida developed an FNST Coalition composted of organizations and agencies to jointly plan the length of the FNST.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Friedl, S. E., Ober, H. K., Stein, T. V. & Andreu, M. G. 2015. Modernizing training options for natural areas managers. Journal of Extension. 53(5)
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Francesconi, W.; Nair, P.K.R.; Stein, T.V.; Levey, D.J.; Daniels, J.C.; and Cullen Jr., L. 2014. Agroforestry information dissemination and the social learning theory in Pontal do Paranapanema, Sao Paulo, Brazil. The International Journal of Environmental Sustainability, 9: 1-15
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Haselier, K.; Stein, T.V.; Glover, K.; Noriega, F.; Behr, D.; Dye, S.; Heffernan, K.; Oqvist, E.L.; White, B.; and Yan, D. 2015. Gilchrist Blueway Tourism Assessment. School of Forest Resources and Conservation. University of Florida. Gainesville, FL.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Wan, B.; Paudyal, R.; Huntley, C.; and Stein, T.V. 2015. Florida National Scenic Trail Visitor Assessment Annual Report 2012. School of Forest Resources and Conservation. Gainesville, FL.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Wan, B.; Paudyal, R.; Godfrey, R.; Colonna, A.; Huntley, C.; and Stein, T.V. 2015. Florida National Scenic Trail Visitor Assessment Annual Report 2013. School of Forest Resources and Conservation. Gainesville, FL.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Wan, B.; Bild, E. ; Godfrey, R.; Colonna, A.; Huntley, C.; Paudyal, R. ; and Stein, T.V. 2015. Florida National Scenic Trail Visitor Assessment Annual Report 2014. School of Forest Resources and Conservation. Gainesville, FL.
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Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14
Outputs
Target Audience: Natural resource land managers were the primary audience for the research conducted over the past year. Most research is designed to directly assist managers in making recreation management decisions on public lands. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The project has allowed me to better instruct my university courses, where students actively visit research sites and learn about current trends in recreation use and the latest knowledge concerning the management of recreation users in conserved forests. Also, much of the projects' findings have been used in the Natural Areas Training Academy's Visitor and Volunteers Workshop. Specifically, information on assessing visitor use through visitor counters and surveys is taught in this workshop. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results are regularly reported to agency leaders who fund the research. Specifically, research related to the Florida National Scenic Trail is reported at regular Coalition meetings. In fact, UF researchers conducted several presentations at the state wide coalition meeting in June, 2014 that highlighted the results of the research. Finally, seven agency reports were written that report the results of visitation to each Florida public agency that manages a section of the FNST. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Research is going to continue to assess visitors. However, future research looks to broaden to non-visitors and examine how improved public relations and social media can better connect potential Florida citizens and tourists to natural areas. There are plans to report results at the June, 2015 FNST Coalition meeting, 2015 International Symposium for Society and Natural Resources, and the Society of American Foresters National Convention.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
To achieve the goals of the CRIS research proposal, research projects are designed to improve our understanding of the dynamic relationship between humans and natural resources. In 2014, research focused on visitors to nature-based recreation areas in Florida as well as private forest landowners in northern Florida. Specifically, research examined community residents perceptions and attitudes towards prescribed fire, so Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) managers can better integrate fire into wildland urban interface communities. Results showed that community residents have a high degree of knowledge concerning the role of fire in natural ecosystems, but they do desire better communication with local managers when fire is occurring. The FWC is in the process of improving their communication plans to assist their managers interactions with local residents regarding fire. Research projects also examined the socio-demographics, motivations, attitudes and beliefs, and desires of visitors, 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 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). The Florida National Scenic Trail is a 1300 mile national scenic trail running the length of Florida and is not more than an hour from a Florida resident; therefore, it is one of the most significant nature-based recreation resources in Florida. Since the FNST runs through a variety of state and federal lands, research focused on specific sites to learn more about visitors to a diversity of areas. Approximately 13 visitor counters were placed along FNST segments and University of Florida researchers conducted visitor interviews at specific trailheads throughout the state. All projects identified socio-demographic characteristics, motivations, and preferences for management. Researchers provided accurate visitation counts to several public natural areas, in which the trail transverses through dissemination of the technical report. Using this research, the National Forests in Florida developed an FNST Coalition composted of organizations and agencies to jointly plan the length of the FNST. Research from this study highlight the most popular parts of the Trail; as well as, the sections of the trail, which do not receive great use. Based on last year's research a "Public Relations" subcommittee was formed. This year the committee used this study's results to promote the FNST to audiences who have been shown do not regularly use the FNST. Social media, brochures, and on-site communications is occurring more using this study's findings.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Kil, N., Holland, S. M., & Stein, T. V. (2014). Place meanings and participatory planning intentions. Society and Natural Resources, 27, 475-491. Refereed
Kil, NY; Holland, SM; Stein, TV. 2014. Structural relationships between environmental attitudes, recreation motivations, and environmentally responsible behaviors. Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism 7-8: 16-25. Refereed
Kil, N.; Stein, T.V. and Holland, S. 2014. Influences of wildland-urban interface and wildland hiking areas on experiential recreation outcomes and environmental setting preferences. Landscape and Urban Planning, 127: 1-12. Refereed
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Kil, NY; Holland, SM; Stein, TV. 2014. Structural relationships between environmental attitudes, recreation motivations, and environmentally responsible behaviors. Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism 7-8: 16-25.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Kil, N.; Stein, T.V. and Holland, S. 2014. Influences of wildland-urban interface and wildland hiking areas on experiential recreation outcomes and environmental setting preferences. Landscape and Urban Planning, 127: 1-12.
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Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Target Audience: Natural resource land managers were the primary audience for the research conducted over the past year. Most research is designed to directly assist managers in making recreation management decisions on public lands. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The project has allowed me to better instruct my university courses, where students actively visit research sites and learn about current trends in recreation use and the latest knowledge concerning the management of recreation users in conserved forests. Also, much of the projects’ findings have been used in the Natural Areas Training Academy’s Visitor and Volunteers Workshop. Specifically, information on assessing visitor use through visitor counters and surveys is taught in this workshop. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results are regularly reported to agency leaders who fund the research. Specifically, research related to the Florida National Scenic Trail is reported at regular Coalition meetings. Also, seven agency reports are in development that report the results of visitation to each Florida public agency that manages a section of the FNST. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Research is going to continue to assess visitors. However, future research looks to broaden to non-visitors and examine how improved public relations and social media can better connect potential Florida citizens and tourists to natural areas. There are plans to report results at the June, 2014 FNST Coalition meeting and IUFRO World Congress.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
To achieve the goals of the CRIS research proposal, research projects are designed to improve our understanding of the dynamic relationship between humans and natural resources. In 2013, research focused on visitors to nature-based recreation areas in Florida as well as private forest landowners in northern Florida. Specifically, research projects examined the socio-demographics, motivations, attitudes and beliefs, and desires of visitors, 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 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). The Florida National Scenic Trail is a 1000 mile national scenic trail running the length of Florida and is not more than an hour from an Florida resident; therefore, it is one of the most significant nature-based recreation resources in Florida. Since the FNST runs through a variety of state and federal lands, research focused on specific sites to learn more about visitors to a diversity of areas. Approximately 13 visitor counters were placed along FNST segments and University of Florida researchers conducted visitor interviews at specific trailheads throughout the state. All projects identified socio-demographic characteristics, motivations, and preferences for management. Researchers provided accurate visitation counts to several public natural areas, in which the trail transverses through dissemination of the technical report. Using this research, the National Forests in Florida developed an FNST Coalition composted of organizations and agencies to jointly plan the length of the FNST. Research from this study highlight the most popular parts of the Trail; as well as, the sections of the trail, which do not receive great use. Based on this study’s research a “Public Relations” subcommittee has been formed and will examine how the Forest Service and other organizations can promote the FNST to audiences who have been shown do not regularly use the FNST. Researchers consistently found that Florida’s public lands host a fairly homogeneous group of outdoor recreation visitors. They tend to be Caucasian, middle to upper income, and travel as a couple or individuals. They also do not travel far from their homes to get to the FNST. Their primary reason for visiting public natural areas is to experience nature, learn new things, and improve physical fitness. For the Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST), specifically, researchers refined the estimates of the number of people to 353,150 who use the trail throughout Florida, which is a slight increase from 2012 estimates. Based on these findings, agencies have gradually changed the type of recreation facilities and services offered. As opposed to past years, managers are working to improve the efficiency of managing the FNST. They are working with a newly developed coalition (FNST Advisory Coalition) of FNST partners to apply these findings to potential “re-routes” and changing management. Also, the US Forest Service and Florida Trail Association would like to increase use of the FNST. This study’s results have been used in to major planning efforts of the trail over the last year: the second Florida National Scenic Trail Symposium attended by over 100 people and the on-going FNST Advisory Coalition composed of agency leaders who manage land that the FNST uses.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Kil, NY; Holland, S.M.; Stein, T.V. 2013. Place meanings and participatory planning intentions. Society and Natural Resources: An International Journal, DOI: 10.1080/08941920.2013.842274.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Stein, T.V.; Kil, N.Y.; Frank, A.; Adams, A.E.; Adams, D.C.; and Escobedo, F.J. 2013. Public land management agencies and nonindustrial private forest landowners perceptions towards ecosystem services. FOR 312. School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Florida Cooperative Extension Service. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr380.
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Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: To achieve the goals of the CRIS research proposal, research projects are designed to improve our understanding of the dynamic relationship between humans and natural resources. In 2012, research focused on visitors to nature-based recreation areas in Florida as well as private forest landowners in northern Florida. Specifically, research projects examined the socio-demographics, motivations, attitudes and beliefs, and desires of visitors, 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 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). the Florida National Scenic Trail is a 1400 mile national scenic trail running the length of Florida and is not more than an hour from an Florida resident; therefore, it is one of the most significant nature-based recreation resources in Florida. Since the FNST runs through a variety of state and federal lands, research focused on specific sites to learn more about visitors to a diversity of areas. Approximately 13 visitor counters were placed along FNST segments and University of Florida researchers conducted visitor interviews at specific trailheads throughout the state. All projects identified socio-demographic characteristics, motivations, and preferences for management. Researchers provided accurate visitation counts to several public natural areas, in which the trail transverses through dissemination of the technical report. Using this research, the National Forests in Florida developed an FNST Coalition composted of organizations and agencies to jointly plan the length of the FNST. Research from this study highlight the most popular parts of the Trail; as well as, the sections of the trail, which do not receive great use. Based on this study's research a "Public Relations" subcommittee has been formed and will examine how the Forest Service and other organizations can promote the FNST to audiences who have been shown do not regularly use the FNST. PARTICIPANTS: Most research conducted as part of this project is conducted with a variety of partners. The National Forests in Florida, U.S. Forest Service plays the biggest role. Personnel with the USFS assist in developing survey instruments, choosing study locations, and reviewing results. Specifically related to the Florida Trail study, the Florida Trail Association plays a big role in this project. Since the Florida National Scenic Trail runs through a variety of public lands, researchers collaborate with land managers from National Park Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Florida State Parks, Florida Division of Forestry, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Greenways and Trails, St Johns River Water Management District, and Suwannee River Water Management District. Finally, the Florida Outdoor Recreation Coalition is a partner in this research. TARGET AUDIENCES: Natural resource land managers were the primary audience for the research conducted over the past year. Most research is designed to directly assist managers in making recreation management decisions on public lands. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Researchers consistently found that Florida's public lands host a fairly homogeneous group of outdoor recreation visitors. They tend to be Caucasian, middle to upper income, and travel as a couple or individuals. They also do not travel far from their homes to get to the FNST. Their primary reason for visiting public natural areas is to experience nature, learn new things, and improve physical fitness. For the Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST), specifically, researchers refined the estimates of the number of people to 352,217 who use the trail throughout Florida. Based on these findings, agencies have gradually changed the type of recreation facilities and services offered. As opposed to past years, managers are working to improve the efficiency of managing the FNST. They are considering "re-routing" the FNST to existing public natural areas, as opposed to acquiring new properties. This study's results inform the process of this re-routing. Also, the US Forest Service and Florida Trail Association would like to increase use of the FNST. This study's results have been used in to major planning efforts of the trail over the last year: Florida National Scenic Trail Symposium attended by over 100 people and the on-going FNST Advisory Coalition composed of agency leaders who manage land that the FNST uses.
Publications
- Hochmair, H.H.; Cucinella, J.; and Stein, T.V. 2012. Identification of environmental, managerial, and socio-demographic correlates of hiker volume on the Florida National Scenic Trail. American Journal of Health Promotion.
- Kil, NY; Stein, T.V.; Holland, S.M.; and Anderson, D.H. 2012. Understanding place meanings in planning and managing the wildland-urban interface: The case of the Florida Trail hikers. Landscape and Urban Planning, 107: 370-379.
- Kil, NY; Holland, S.M.; and Stein, T.V. 2012. Identifying differences between off-highway vehicle (OHV) and non-OHV user groups: An activity typology for recreation resource planning. Environmental Management, 50(3): 365-380.
- Kil, NY; Holland, S.M.; Stein, T.V.; and Ko, Y.J. 2012. Place attachment as a mediator of the relationship between nature-based recreation benefits and future visit intentions. Journal of Sustainable Tourism 20(4): 603-626.
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