Endangered outdoor recreation experiences: contextual development and lexicon

Just as some species of plants and animals are endangered, some outdoor recreation opportunities are ‘endangered’ in that opportunities to participate in certain activities are becoming scarce and may eventually be permanently lost. The existence of these experiences is threatened by both alterations in the physical environment and by changing social and cultural pressures. The objective of this paper is to propose the application of ecological terms and concepts to develop a conceptual framework for managers and planners dealing with ‘endangered’ outdoor recreation experiences. Potential applications of the lexicon and conceptual approach presented in this paper are: to identify threats to the existence of opportunities for specific recreational experiences, and to provide policy-makers and planners with a systematic approach to setting priorities and developing management strategies to maintain or expand these opportunities. Such an approach may help insure the perpetuation of a diverse array of recreational experiences.