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Experiential Benefits, Place Meanings, and Environmental Setting Preferences Between Proximate and Distant Visitors to a National Scenic Trail

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Abstract

Effective management of conserved natural areas often requires a good understanding of recreation visitors who possess various values for those areas. This study examined differences in experiential benefits sought, place meanings, and environmental setting preferences between proximate and distant visitors to a publicly managed national scenic trail, which transects a variety of conserved public lands. Data were collected using on-site post-hike interviews with visitors at low, moderate, and high use trailheads. Proximate visitors sought mental and physical health more strongly than distant visitors, while distant visitors sought environmental exploration more strongly than proximate visitors. No significant difference in family bonding and achievement benefits existed between the two groups. Meanings related to place dependence, family identity, community identity, and place identity were more strongly ascribed by proximate visitors, and both groups rated ecological integrity meanings highly. Distant visitors showed stronger tendencies toward preferring a lesser level of trail development, lower level of encounters with other groups, and higher level of natural landscapes, which indicated an inclination toward natural settings. These findings indicate a managerially relevant role of the degree of proximity to environmental resources on individuals’ recreation behaviors, meanings ascribed to the resources and setting conditions. Understanding differences and similarities between groups dichotomized by proximity to natural resources should advance more effective management of recreation and benefit opportunities for diverse visitor groups.

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Acknowledgments

This research was funded by the US Forest Service, National Forests in Florida (03-CS-11080500-003). The authors thank research assistants for their assistance in data collection.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 304 Hardin Hall, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA

    Namyun Kil

  2. Department of Tourism, Recreation and Sport Management, University of Florida, P.O. Box 118209, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA

    Stephen M. Holland

  3. School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, P.O. Box 110410, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA

    Taylor V. Stein

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  1. Namyun Kil
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Correspondence to Namyun Kil.

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Kil, N., Holland, S.M. & Stein, T.V. Experiential Benefits, Place Meanings, and Environmental Setting Preferences Between Proximate and Distant Visitors to a National Scenic Trail. Environmental Management 55, 1109–1123 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-015-0445-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-015-0445-9

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