Managing outdoor recreation in California: visitor contact studies

Chavez, Deborah J. 2001. Managing outdoor recreation in California: visitor contact studies 1989-1998. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-180. Albany, CA: Pacific Southwest Research Station, Forest Service, U. S. Department of Agriculture; 100 p. Findings from 30 outdoor recreation visitor contact studies that were conducted in California between 1989 and 1998 are summarized. Analyses focus on recreationist profiles, patterns of participation, beliefs and opinions, communication patterns, and depreciative behaviors. Although the “typical” respondent to the survey sites was white, there were many sites where significant numbers of racial and ethnic minorities were recreating. Visitors chose the areas because the mountains and deserts are important to them. Some sites had moderately sized visitor groups; others had large groups, though the sites they were visiting did not necessarily have the facilities and amenities needed to serve them. Management guidelines and future research needs for outdoor recreation are highlighted. Retrieval Terms: adaptive management, cultural diversity, outdoor recreation, recreation management, recreation participation, California