Progress 10/01/16 to 09/30/17
Outputs
Target Audience:Research related to recreation on public lands had agency managers and county decision makers 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. Research also focused on smaller projects for conservation areas that are also positioned to manage for recreation access. In these cases, research results were generated for land managers, agency decision-makers, policy makers, and stakeholders. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
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 they manage their outdoor recreation sites. Without this research the promotion would not have been a priority. Results for St. Johns River Water Management District and Hillsborough County were provided to managers through final meetings, trainings, and technical reports. 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. As stated earlier, meetings with St. Johns River WMD manaers and Hillsborough County managers were provided via technial reports and meetings. Results were also provided to St. Johns River stakeholders at the two stakeholder meetings discussed above and through reports. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Research on the FNST and Hillsborough County projects will continue. Specifically work will examine how marketing and promoting recreation opportunities to non-visitors might benefit larger populations and increase the value of these conservation and recreation areas.
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. n 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. Research on other areas in in Florida show that visitors have a high value for accessing and recreating on public lands. Research conducted for the St. Johns River Water Management District showed that although airboat ramps received high visitation during specific times of the year and week, there was little quantifiable evidence of direct conflict between recreation and commercial airboat operators. Visitors to the airboat ramp were satisfied with most facilities and services provided, but did acknowledge that the bathrooms needed to be better cleaned and maintained. Focus group meetings showed that long-term airboat operators due perceive conflict between recreation and commercial operators. Commercial operators understood that they were using a public resource and offered suggestions to mediate this conflict. Research in Hillsborough County showed visitors believed the areas did not need significant improvements and looked to the County to continue to provide access and continue to offer opportunities for "escape," "stress relief," and "view wildlife."
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Stein, T.V.; Ward, C.; Harris, L; Marshall, L; and Gullion, M. 2017. Hillsborough county Recreation Study. School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Paudyal, R. 2017. Motivational, Forest Management, and Climatic Factors Affecting Outdoor Recreation Participation and Experience in Florida. Ph.D. Dissertation. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Type:
Other
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Stein, T.V.; Fedler, T. and Tucker, K. 2017. Balancing commercial and recreation use for high use boat ramps. Conserved Forest Ecosytems: Outreach and Research Cooperative and School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.
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Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/17
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.Research also focused on smaller projects for conservation areas that are also positioned to manage for recreation access. In these cases, research results were generated for land managers, agency decision-makers, policy makers, and stakeholders. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
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. Through the development of technical reports on meetings that explained research findings to the project sponsors, managers were able to directly apply this research to the management of their lands. These training and professional development initiatives resulted in helping managers alter the way they manage their outdoor recreation sites. 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. As stated earlier, research results were provided to all agencies who sponsored the diversity of research projects that were part of this multi-state initiative though technical reports and meetings. Results were also provided to stakeholders at stakeholder meetings and through reports. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Since this is the final report for this project, future plans are not warranted. However, the project will continue, and visitor assessments will continue to achieve the goals of the next multi-state project.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
This project made major steps in accomplishing the multi-state project's lofty goals. Through on-going visitor assessments throughout Florida, research addressed all three of the projects goals. Specifically, research showed high visitation levels for many conservation lands throughout Florida. However, it also showed that many demographic groups are not using Florida's natural areas, and increased marketing and promotion efforts are required to provide valuable opportunities for a wider audience, as well as, develop marketing and promotion material to let diverse audiences know about these opportunities. Research related to children also proved to be a success. A five year project with the Kids in the Woods Program at Westwood Middle School in Gainesville, FL showed that middle school youth value environmental experiences, and these experiences have a positive effect on their motivation to learn science. However, the research showed that it did not have a direct effect on increasing their motivation and enthusiasm for participating in nature-based recreation, at least, not in the short-term. Future research is needed to identify if these types of programs have impacts in the long-term. Finally, a variety of the visitor studies reported in past progress reports addressed specific management issues dealing with crowding, conflict management, and issues associated with multiple use management and acceptance of recreation management strategies and tactics. Results showed that visitors appreciate access to conservation areas and are accepting of a diversity of management options, which might impede their recreation experience. However, communication with visitors is required to ensure this acceptance is sustained.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Stein, T.V.; Ward, C.; Harris, L; Marshall, L; and Gullion, M. 2017. Hillsborough county Recreation Study. School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Paudyal, R. 2017. Motivational, Forest Management, and Climatic Factors Affecting Outdoor Recreation Participation and Experience in Florida. Ph.D. Dissertation. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Stein, T.V.; Fedler, T. and Tucker, K. 2017. Balancing commercial and recreation use for high use boat ramps. Conserved Forest Ecosytems: Outreach and Research Cooperative and School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.
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Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16
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. 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:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Results from this project relate directly the work the Florida National Scenic Trail Coalition is conducting, and the research is presented to a variety of professionals who use and manage the FNST and the various public lands in which the trail traverses. 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. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The 2016 Florida National Scenic Trail Coalition was the most effective dissemination of results for research related to the FNST. Direct communication with the middle school teachers and various conferences serve as the disseminating mechanisms for the environmental education component of the program. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Data collection will continue for the FNST study, and focus on developing marketing and promotion tools for the FNST. Research will then examine the effectiveness of those tools. Data collection for the environmental education component concluded in 2016, but data analysis will continue to better investigate students' perceptions of the program and how demographics relate to enthusiasm and motivation for nature.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Data associated with recreation use of natural areas informed decision making for the Florida National Scenic Trail Advisory Council, administered by the U.S. Forest Service. 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. Results related to the field-based educational program at Westwood Middle School show that the program is viewed positively by all participants. 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
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Paudyal, R. and Stein, T.V. 2016. How do season and weather patterns affect recreation participation in Florida? Paper presented at the 2016 International Symposium on Society and Resource Management. June 22-26. Houghton, MI.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Rostock, T. and Stein, T.V. 2016. Minority youths attitudes towards and perceptions of nature and nature-based recreation. Southeastern Recreation Research Symposium, March 21-23, 2016. Asheville, NC.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Stein, T.V. ; Ward, C.; Paudyal, R.; Findlay, D.; and Rostock, T. 2016. Understanding Nature-Based Recreation through the Eyes of Youth from Diverse Backgrounds. Paper presented at the 2016 Society of American Foresters National Convention. November 2-6. Madison, WI
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Stein, T.V. ; Gullion, M.; Paudyal, R. Harris, L.; and Northrop, R. 2016. Identifying New Recreation Opportunities for Conserved Areas in the Wildland-Urban Interface. Paper presented at the 2016 Society of American Foresters National Convention. November 2-6. Madison, WI
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Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15
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. 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:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Results from this project relate directly the work the Florida National Scenic Trail Coalition is conducting, and the research is presented to a variety of professionals who use and manage the FNST and the various public lands in which the trail traverses. 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. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The 2015 Florida National Scenic Trail Coalition was the most effective dissemination of results for research related to the FNST. Direct communication with the middle school teachers and various conferences serve as the disseminating mechanisms for the environmental education component of the program. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Research will continue for both research components throughout 2016. For the FNST, new study sites will be explored that will expand our knowledge of the various types of visitors who use the trail and the ecosystems in which they use. The environmental education component will conclude in 2016, and pre- and post-surveys will show areas where the program succeeded, failed, and can be improved.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Data associated with recreation use of natural areas informed decision making for the Florida National Scenic Trail Advisory Council, administered by the U.S. Forest Service. 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. Results related to the field-based educational program are still being assessed. However, preliminary findings of the second year, showed that the program is succeeding as an educational tool. The majority of students enjoy the activities and learn more about wildlife, hydrology, and tree ecology. However, the program does not show measurable impacts in students' motivation and enthusiasm to participate in outdoor recreation on their own initiative. The program implemented those changes, and research will continue into 2016.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Kil, NY; Holland, S.M.; and Stein, T.V. 2015. Experiential Benefits, Place Meanings, and Environmental setting preferences between proximate and distant visitors to a national scenic trail. Environmental Management. 55(5): 1109-1123.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Paudyal, R. and Stein, T.V. 2015. Trail uses trend and its association with temporal and meteorological patterns in Ocala section of Florida Trail. Paper presented at the 2015 International Symposium on Society and Resource Management. June 13-18. Charleston, SC
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Stein, T.V. and Paudyal, R. 2015. Why Take a Hike on a Long Distance Trail? Integrating Tourism and Recreation through Research. Invited Seminar at the School for Natural and Built Environments, University of South Australia. August 21. Mawson Lakes, Australia.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Stein, T.V. 2015. Integrating Tourism and Recreation on a Long Distance Trail through Social Science Research. Invited Seminar at the Department of Ecology and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences. October 14. Aas, Norway.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Findlay, D. and Stein, T.V. 2015. Assessing the Impacts of an Outdoor-based Learning Program on Students Attitudes Towards Recreation. Paper presented at the 2015 Society of American Foresters National Convention. November 3-7. Baton Rouge, LA.
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Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14
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. 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:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Results from this project relate directly the 2014 Florida National Scenic Trail Symposium presented to a variety of professionals who use and manage the FNST and the various public lands in which the trail traverses. 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. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The 2014 Florida National Scenic Trail Symposium was the most effective dissemination of results for research related to the FNST. Direct communication with the middle school teachers and various conferences serve as the disseminating mechanisms for the environmental education component of the program. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Research will continue for both research components throughout 2015. For the FNST, new study sites will be explored that will expand our knowledge of the various types of visitors who use the trail and the ecosystems in which they use. The environmental education component will conclude in 2015, and pre- and post-surveys will show areas where the program succeeded, failed, and can be improved.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Data associated with recreation use of natural areas informed decision making for the Florida National Scenic Trail Advisory Council, administered by the U.S. Forest Service. 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. Results related to the field-based educational program are still be assessed. However, preliminary findings of the first year, showed areas that could be improved. The program implemented those changes, and research will continue into 2015.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Findlay, D. and T.V. Stein. 2014. The importance of childhood based nature experiences and adult environmental attitudes and behaviors. Presented at the 2014 Southeastern Recreation Research Conference. Asheville, NC.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Colonna, A. and T.V. Stein. 2014. Future Stewardship: The Perceptions and Attitudes of College-aged students about the Natural Environment. Presented at the 2014 Southeastern Recreation Research Conference. Asheville, NC.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Paudyal, R. and T.V. Stein. 2014. Site Importance and Subgroups of Florida National Scenic Trail Visitors: Profiling Demographics, Trip Characteristics, and Recreation Experience Preference. Presented at the 2014 Southeastern Recreation Research Conference. Asheville, NC.
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