outdoor recreation and invasive species at Presque Isle State Park
Open Access
- Author:
- Decker, Nicholas M
- Area of Honors:
- Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Science
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Dr. Andrew Justin Mowen, Thesis Supervisor
Dr. Andrew Justin Mowen, Thesis Honors Advisor
Alan R Graefe, Faculty Reader - Keywords:
- outdoor recreation
invasive species
park management - Abstract:
- Among the many challenges park managers face today, the impact of invasive species has been increasingly evident. Managing invasive species requires knowledge and skills in areas such as natural history, biology, chemistry, and economics, as well as human dimensions. More specifically, the publics’ views of invasive species’ role in their recreation pursuits is another fundamental element to successful invasive species management. However, few studies have assessed outdoor recreationists’ views on invasive species and invasive species management. This study investigated differences in park visitor perceptions of invasive species at Presque Isle State Park (PISP) based on their primary outdoor recreation activity (e.g. boating, birding, beach use, trail use) through an online survey. Results indicated that various outdoor recreation user groups at PISP reported different perceptions of the relationship between invasive species and their recreational experiences. However, their perceptions and opinions toward invasive species management (and specific management practices) were relatively homogenous across the outdoor recreation user groups. Study findings can be used to improve an already strong invasive species management program at PISP and provide direction for further research on this topic.