Wilderness users in the Pacific Northwest: their characteristics, values, and management preferences /

Abstract

Self-registration of all users is now required on all Forest Service wilderness and primitive areas in Washington and Oregon. Tlie self-registration system provides better estimates of use and contributes to the safety of users. Tfiis study is based on a sample of 2,000 visitors drawn from self-registrations in the Eagle Cap, Glacier Peak, and Three Sisters Wilderness Areas. from a random sample of cards deposited at the 76 self-registration stations located within the three areas. Tests of the effectiveness and representativeness of the self-registration system suggest that about 75 percent of all wilderness visitors register, with the nonresponse concentrated among horseback riders, fishermen, hunters, solitary visitors, and frequent or long-time visitors to the area (Wenger 1964a; Wenger and Gregersen 1964). Conversion factors have been computed to account for the under-representation of such visitors when compiling estimates of use. Wilderness users are typically young to middle-aged adults, but older users are frequently encountered. Hikers near Cascade Pass in the Glacier Peak Wilderness.

Effects of fire management of southwestern natural resources

“…Earlier studies (Hall 1972, Hendee et al 1968) supported the idea that the general public viewed all forest fires as bad and supported vigorous suppression policies. But fire management is changing and so is public acceptance of fire policies.…”

Mount San Jacinto State Park Visitor Attributes, Preferences, and Perceptions

“…Their avoidance is the keystone of management" (Outdoor Recreation Resources Review Commission, 1962a, p. 113). Hendee, Catton, Marlow, and Brockman (1968) studied 1,950 Washington and Oregon wilderness users to determine visit and visitor attributes. Results indicated that Pacific Northwest wilderness visitors are generally more educated than the nation as a whole, travel in small groups, and make approximately five 2-3 day trips each year.…”

Projecting future use of the national forest wilderness system

“…Site-specific user oriented techniques rely on on-site interviews to forecast use at a specific site and may yield necessary information for efficient management of the site (Hendee ^ al., 1968). Without modification, this technique will not provide information useful in evaluating proposed sites.…”

“…In order to properly manage wilderness areas, managers must be sensitive to the aspects of wilderness valued by users (Hendee et , 1968). One way to obtain such information is to interview wilderness users on site.…”

“…Normally, only responses of persons 25 years and older are recorded. In most wilderness areas studied, the majority of users have some college education and many have completed four years of college and have some post-graduate training (Burch and Wenger, 1967;Hendee et al, 1968;Lucas, 1964;Lucas, 1970;Lucas and Oltman, 1971;Merriam and Ammons, 1967;O.R.R.R.C., 1962b) (Appendix 2).…”