Rocky Mountain Research Station Publications
RMRS Online Publication - Journal
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Wilderness visitor experiences: A selective
review of 50 years of research
Cole, David N. 2012. Wilderness visitor experiences: A selective review of 50 years of research. Park Science. 28(3). Online: http://www.nature.nps.gov/ParkScience/index.cfm?ArticleID=545&Page=1.
Two of the foremost conclusions from 50 years of research on wilderness visitors are that experiences are highly idiosyncratic and visitors are highly adaptable. The reasons people visit wilderness, their experiential aspirations, and their experiences in wilderness vary greatly among people and within people from visit to visit. Along with people's adaptability to the conditions they find in wilderness, this diversity challenges managers in their efforts to provide high-quality wilderness experiences. Despite the existence of extensive research literature, managers seeking to steward wilderness experiences still must make difficult decisions about who and what they are managing for.
Keywords: solitude, wilderness experience, wilderness visitors
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Publications: Wilderness visitor experiences: A selective review
of 50 years of research
Electronic Publish Date: March 22, 2012
Last Update: March
22, 2012