Most of us participate in some form of outdoor recreation: hiking, hunting, riding all-terrain vehicles, or simply enjoying nature. Managing for outdoor recreation on public lands is mandated by federal law and an integral part of natural resource management. In this class, we'll learn why and how agencies manage recreation at the federal level, the management frameworks that guide this work, and apply management principles to an actual federal property in Minnesota.
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the principles and practices of outdoor recreation management. Specific objectives are to:
1)compare and contrast federal recreation land management policies & organizations,
2)develop and demonstrate an understanding of conceptual frameworks for recreation resource and visitor use management,
3)evaluate visitor caused impacts to resources and to visitor experiences,
4)understand and apply management tools designed to reduce recreation- related impacts and conflicts, and
5)demonstrate an understanding of course material through exams & applied assignments.