Pacific Southwest Research Station

Education

B.S., Sociology, 1980, University of California, Riverside.
M.A., Sociology, 1982, University of California, Riverside.
Ph.D., Sociology, 1986, University of California, Riverside.

Research Interests/Duties

I am continuing long-term data collection from recreation day users of national forests. This work often focuses on use by various racial and ethnic groups. Other outdoor recreation research focuses on sustainable recreation, physical activity in recreation settings, and youth participation. Fire social science research I am conducting examines impacts to recreation visitation from fire and fire management actions.

Current Emphases, Studies, Projects

• Day use studies
• Physical activity measurement instrument
• Sustainable outdoor recreation
• Fire and outdoor recreation

Selected Publications

Chavez, D.J. Youth day in Los Angeles: Getting outdoors with technology. Children, Youth and Environments 19(1) 102-124, 2009.

Chavez, D.J.; Absher, J.D.; Winter, P.L. Fire social science research from the Pacific Southwest Research Station: studies supported by National Fire Plan funds. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-209. Albany, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest research Station. 251 p., 2008.

Chavez, D.J.; Fehr, J. Planning for youth days: planting the SEED to get youth outdoors in nature. 2300-Recreation Mgmt, 0923 1801-SDTDC. San Dimas, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Technology & Development Program. 35 p., 2009.

Chavez, D.J.; Winter, P.L.; Absher, J.D. Recreation visitor research: studies of diversity. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-210. Albany, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest research Station. 216 p., 2008.