This textbook presents a comprehensive overview of the environmental impacts of various types of outdoor recreation, and how these can be best managed. As a field of study, recreational ecology is both multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary, and the authors seek to develop a deeper understanding of both the role and function of the factors that influence visitor numbers and their impact. An accessible and comprehensive textbook, it features numerous types of outdoor recreational activities including hill walking, rock climbing, mountain marathons, skiing, scuba diving and more. Drawn from several global case studies, the authors estimate the current and future numbers involved in outdoor recreation, and how best these numbers can be managed. Effective visitor impact management actions arise from collaboration between recreation ecologists, social scientists, experienced recreation managers, recreation stakeholders and the recreationalists themselves: as such, this book will be multi-disciplinary in scope. This practical and engaging textbook will be invaluable to students and scholars of outdoor recreation and adventure tourism as well as practitioners and managers working in the field.

Examines recreation-induced changes in the environments of outdoor areas attractive to people.

It is now widely recognized that recreation is as important as work. This revealing book analyzes leisure and outdoor recreation in terms of both their management and their wider importance to society. Specifically, it: clarifies the link between leisure, recreation, tourism and resource management reviews contemporary outdoor recreation management and concepts critically examines approaches to outdoor recreation planning and management in diverse recreational settings considers the future of outdoor recreation and the potential influences of economic, social, political and technological developments. Wide-ranging and topical, it considers such issues as motivation and choice, provision for people with special needs, the impact of outdoor recreation on the environment, and outdoor recreation in both urban and rural contexts. This comprehensively revised second edition has many sections rewritten and expanded to reflect contemporary development in leisure and outdoor recreation management in countries such as Australia, Canada, the UK, the US and New Zealand. With an extensive bibliography of more than 500 references and including further reading sections and review questions, it is an essential student purchase and one of the most comprehensive and international accounts of outdoor recreation management available.

This book provides recreation planners, public land managers, academicians, media, students, industry, and others interested in outdoor recreation with a resource describing trends in Americans' participation in outdoor recreation. This book is a professional information resource to be used in planning, decision making, marketing, and documentation. Includes descriptions of short-term and long-term trends from 1960 to 2001; participation in different groups of outdoor activities; participation and trends by type of outdoor resource or setting (e.g., forest, farm, marine); and comparisons across major metropolitan areas, across regions and states, and between enthusiasts and others.Subject Areas:Outdoor RecreationPublic Administration

Outdoor Recreation in America is back--fully revised and updated, with significant new material based on current statistics from a number of sources, including the latest U.S. Census Bureau and the latest National Survey on the Environment. Now in its sixth edition, this book continues to lead the way in its comprehensive coverage of issues in this growing field. First published in 1970, Outdoor Recreation in America has had a major impact in the classroom and in the field's scholarly and professional literature. Author Clayne R. Jensen is a noted authority and pioneer in the field, and in this latest edition he is joined by Steven P. Guthrie. Dr. Guthrie is a founder and past president of the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education and a member of the editorial committee for the Journal of Experiential Education. Together the authors take this classic text into the new century by: enabling readers to understand the value and challenges of preserving and properly using existing resources for present and future generations; providing a balanced perspective between the outdoor recreation interests of individuals and the management of natural resources used for recreational purposes; and presenting timely information and discussion questions to challenge students about American outdoor recreation. The following are significant additions to this edition: New data and figures; Greater emphasis on outdoor recreation leadership; Discussions of funding sources for natural resource protection and parks; Expanded chapters on wilderness, the national park system, national forests, and education for outdoor recreation and professional development; New or greatly revised chapters on concepts and terms, participation, history, the national park system, national forests, other land or water management agencies, state and local involvement, the role of private commercial and nonprofit providers, environmental quality, and concepts and challenges in resource management; Attention to information and trends for adventure education, programming, and leadership; outdoor environmental education; and interpretation; New student-friendly features including key points and discussion questions at the end of each chapter to help students grasp key concepts and expand their critical thinking on the issues. Part I presents the meaning, concepts, history, benefits, and values of outdoor recreation. It also looks at influences and trends in participation and explores the issues and impact that lifestyle trends have on outdoor recreation. Part II focuses on natural resources, including land, water, and wildlife, and considers concepts of resource management. Part III examines the roles of state and federal agencies, including the National Park Service, USDA Forest Service, federal land and water management systems, and numerous state agencies. Part IV details the impact of local government and the private and nonprofit sector on outdoor recreation. Part V provides a synthesis of the challenges for the 21st century in the area of resources, planning, environmental issues, and the role of outdoor education. Outdoor Recreation in America, Sixth Edition, is an essential introductory text for university courses in outdoor recreation and natural resource management. Written in a friendly style, the book includes more than 180 photos, maps, charts, graphs, diagrams, and tables. It provides both theoretical foundations and practical information so that students can gain an expansive awareness of, and insight into, the impact and role of outdoor recreation from its beginnings in America to the present.