Transcript Trends in Outdoor Recreation Implications and Strategies

Trends in Outdoor
Recreation
Implications and Strategies
Sid Stevenson, Ph.D.
Division of Recreation Resources
Kansas State University
Factors influencing
change
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Demographic
Economic
Psychographic
Participation (as impacted by D, E & P)
We can only react to Demographic and Economic
Impacts but we may be able to influence
Psychographic changes and Participation to some
degree
Demographic
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Boomers aren’t the only trend but they are
the most notable one
– The largest jump in participation rates are those
60 years of age and older!!
– The 2nd largest jump was 30-44 yr olds (which is
declining at a high rate in KS)
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In/Out Migration and Rural to Urban
continues at a high rate
– Over 50% of KS Counties lost population over
the last decade
– Suburban growth increasing at 5-10% annually
Economics
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Whether it is the result of 9/11 or the price of gas or KS School
Finance or the Chronic under funding of public recreation and
park services, the impacts on agencies and the user public is
substantial.
Reliance on fees has become permanent….a revenue necessity,
even at the Federal level
Partnerships and Collaboration are similarly driven by need
– Partners Outdoors 2006
– Multiple federal agencies and numerous NGOS met recently with the intent to
explore the TOOLS available to all suppliers to meet the future’s challenges
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Ironically lack of public access has spawned a new industry
…leased private land and recreation outfitters, making even
more land inaccessible to non affluent segments of the public.
It is not all bad news. Necessity has made us creative (WIHA,
Country Stampede, KS 4WD Association Cabins, Partnerships,
Coalitions, Volunteers). These partnerships will reward us in the
future with more supporters when we do go to the Legislature.
Psychographic
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Recreational interests are simply changing.
– X games - NASCAR –
– Technology (+ new equip, - new distractions)
– We have less free time and more competition for what
there is
– Some recently popular outdoor recreation activities may
have short lives as they are not broadly supported, other
than by an enthusiast core
– Younger generations are increasingly out of touch with
nature and natural resources, such as fish and wildlife
– Immigrants in increasing numbers cannot be expected to
share the same heritage and historical appreciation.
– Essentially people’s leisure portfolio is lacking
 Good attempts to change this Wow on the Water, etc…
Client preferences have changed
Private Campground
in SoCentral Colorado
The expected experience values still
exist but fewer people seek them
USFS Campground
.5 miles away
In your opinion, what has
most influence this change
in client preferences?
1.
2.
3.
4.
Affluence
Skills and appreciation for simplicity not
being passed from generation to
generation
Its all about social networking
Influence of technology
Change in participation of selected outdoor
recreation activities 2012
Enthusiasts (Understandably impacted by their large
investment. Do these squeaky wheels overly influence
our supply of experiences ??)
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Often
comprise
15% or less
of a user
group but can
account for
80% or more
of the total
participation
Selected Activity
days/yr
%of US
pop
% of US
days
Biking
30
7.4%
80.0%
Bird Watching
50
9.1%
91.0%
Alpine Skiing
6
2.6%
74.0%
Dev Camping
8
6.3%
76.0%
Canoeing
4
1.8%
73.0%
Hiking
10
7.1%
83.0%
Off Road Driving
14
4.5%
87.0%
Horseback riding
6
2.3%
94.0%
Would you describe yourself
as an outdoor enthusiast in
a particular pursuit?
1.
2.
3.
Yes, at one activity
Yes, at more than one activity
No
Outdoor Recreation in America
2003 highlights
Downward Trend appearing
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87% of American participated in an outdoor recreational
activity over the past twelve months …
However, beginning in 2001 and even more strongly in
2003, a long-time pattern of increasing outdoor recreation
participation changed into downward trend.
For 2003, only 6 tracked activities showed an increase in
participation (percentage of the public reporting
participation over the past twelve months) while 21 showed
a decline in participation.
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Only one activity, driving for pleasure, showed a substantial
increase (up 7 points from 2001). I’m sure that as well has
been impacted this year
Positive Trends
Which of the following do you feel is the
most likely to result in positive gains in
outdoor recreation participation
1.
2.
3.
4.
Focus on gateway activities that lead to
other activity
Focus on parent/child activities to be
passed along
Expand outdoor skills training at all
levels but particularly in schools
Other
PARTICIPATION
In Decline…
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Concerns about travel post September 11, 2001 are likely to have
contributed to this decline but other factors, including leisure
time opportunities on the Internet and increased offerings
through cable and satellite TV channels are also likely factors, as
are Demographic changes.
There was also a significant reported decline in frequency of
participation in outdoor recreational activities. There was a 5
point drop between 2001 and 2003 in the percentage of the
public reporting participation in recreational activities several
times per week (26% versus 21%) and a 7 point drop in those
reporting participation several times per month (29% versus
22%).
The drop in frequency of participation was especially noteworthy
among young adults, a trend first noted in the 2001 survey. It is
noteworthy that this group reports high access to the Internet.
18-29 year olds are now less likely to be frequent recreation
participants (19%) than Americans between the ages of 30 and
44 (24%) or those 45 to 59 (22%). Four in 10 young adults are
likely to engage in recreation either less than monthly or never.
Challenges:
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Declines in participation in so many recreational activities and
the overall frequency of participation clearly put the benefits
arising from recreation participation at risk and
Challenges leisure services suppliers to either adapt to or
reverse the trend
Kansas Health Stats
Problem and Opportunity
Executive
Order 13266
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HealthierUS is not widely known
Despite the mandate for land and water
management agency involvement, we have
not capitalized on the full potential of
collaboration…
Resulting in some missed opportunities…
The framework for unprecedented
coordination
America’s Public Lands and Waters:
The Gateway to Better Health?
Opportunity
National Trails
Day
“Recreational Activity”
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The physical and mental health
benefits of “recreational activity” are
well documented
Natural Cure for the Blues
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80% - 90% of outdoor
participants
– Enjoy the feeling of
accomplishment
– Feel the natural setting allows them
to escape the pressures of
everyday life
– Believe it keeps then feeling young
– Feel it allows them to connect
– with themselves
*Exploring the Active Lifestyle, Prepared for Outdoor Industry Foundation by Harris Interactive, Copyright 2004.
Natural cure for other ailments:
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93% of Americans believe that outdoor recreation
can improve Health
79% …can improve Education
75% …reduce Childhood Obesity
71% …reduce Juvenile Crime
66% …reduce Underage Drinking
64% …reduce Illegal Drug Use
With the vast majority of Americans
feeling positively relative to the
contribution of outdoor recreation to
health and other social issues why
the lack of funding ?
1.
2.
3.
The profession still needs to communicate this information to lawmakers
The profession is too fragmented…too many groups and entities that are
difficult to organized efficiently
Recreation is still not quite considered an essential human service
Marketing the Outdoor
Recreation BENEFIT of better
health should result in:
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Increased utilization of
refuges, lakes, trails,
and parks
Enhanced stewardship
of public lands
Positive public image
Encouraging the public
to see land and water
management agencies
in a different, and very
positive light
It’s not just about caring for the
public lands…
It’s about caring for the
people who use them
Gateway to Better Health
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Hiking,
biking and
camping
have the
greatest
longevity of
the human
powered
outdoor
activities*
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People who enjoy
these activities are
more likely to try
–
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–
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Climbing
Downhill skiing
Snowboarding
Kayaking
Cross-country
skiing
– Trail running
– Snow shoeing
– Volunteering
*Exploring the Active Lifestyle, Prepared for Outdoor Industry
Foundation by Harris Interactive, Copyright 2004.
Enjoyment is the Key
It would appear that, in the next few decades, the
greatest potential to increase human movement in
daily life will be by increasing participation in
physical activity which is inherently part of a
pleasurable leisure experience and has meaning
aside from exercise.
In other words, leisure, play,
recreation, sport, contact
with nature, etc.
Addressing the lack of fitness with parks may be a
niche….but I wouldn’t bring back the fitness trail just yet
Secret to Success?
Start Young!
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90% of active adult
participants started between
the ages of 5 and 18*
The average age Americans
start their favorite activity is
18 years old.*
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Personal challenges and health
benefits are what keep people
active throughout their lives*
If a person becomes involved in
one activity, there is a strong
inclination that they will be
interested in other activities,
thus raising their activity
throughout their life.*
*Exploring the Active Lifestyle, Prepared for Outdoor Industry Foundation by Harris Interactive, Copyright 2004.
KDWP strategy
for Wildlife side
Volunteering
Those who volunteer on
environmental projects
are nearly 3 times (2.7)
more likely to be meeting
recommended levels of
physical activity
NRPA and No Child left
inside
Children’s Outdoor Bill of
Rights
Environmental Education
Plan for Kansas
Volunteering (an emerging recreation
experience) aided by agency need
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Willingness to volunteer on federal lands is strong with
21% of all Americans expressing a personal interest in being a
public lands volunteer. Of those interested, 24% reported
actual volunteer activities on public lands over the past year.
Volunteerism interest is higher among active recreationists in
general and much higher among participants in certain
activities, notably canoers/kayakers (57%), wildlife viewers
(46%) and RVers
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Those most concerned about the environment are especially
active in recreation. 82% of Greenback Greens and 75% of
True-Blue Greens reported participation in outdoor recreation
at least monthly, versus 57% of the public overall.
Technology
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The 2003 data shows a continuing growth in
ownership and use of electronic communications
and leisure options by the American public. Roper
believes this phenomena has been detrimental to
outdoor recreation participation.
Strategies include utilizing technology as a catalyst
to increase participation..
– Including the use of new technologies (GPS, IPODs and
PDAs)
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NPS Pocket Ranger project utilized interpretive information
downloaded to PDAs to enhance outdoor experiences
Online Reservations
KS Recreation Amenity Inventory
Other participation impacting
Issues noted by the public
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Reports of incompatibilities between activities, including competition for
limited resources, are becoming more common.
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Habitat and open space are seen as integral to the recreation estate, directly
contributing to traditional natural resource-based recreation (hunting, fishing)
and emerging recreation (photography, observation). Access to tallgrass
prairie is particularly limited. (Most parks have like experiences)
–
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Some people are skeptical about management conclusions that recreational
activities are incompatible with wildlife and habitat values.
Trails only at Konza and TPNP.
Lack of physical access to land a more critical issue than lack of supply
The public cites a lack of adequate maintenance and operation (M&O) of
public land and facilities as a critical issue, and desires an on-the-ground
management presence especially on state and federal lands.
Fees taking their toll. Of those who have visited a federal recreation site
recently, most are willing to pay more in fees than they were charged. But
this willingness has decreased from earlier studies, likely reflecting more and
higher fees at federal sites.
Loss of Open Space by Sprawl
Kansas, Mo, Washington State, Okla SCORPS
Loss of Open Space
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The American Farmland Trust (AFT)
(2002) has found that the nation is
losing two acres of prime farmland
every minute.
Kansas lost an average of over 13,000
acres of rural land annually over the
last two decades
People were hesitant to give up green space
and pushed an alternate site for the Manhattan
ks aquatic center….. the value of accessible
park/green space is notable.
LOSS OF ACCESS: Over the last 15 years this group of enthusiasts lost
access to 70% of the acreage it utilized in the past due to land use and
land ownership changes (including leasing) …while we could say this is
a wildlife issue I believe the inter-relationship between outdoor
activities results in a decline in participation across the board. It will
be very interesting to see how a Secretary of the Interior from REI
might have a different view…that of making access a priority.
Regarding Reports of User Conflicts-Incompatibility
…Pets or Pests ??
While we are talking about health…
Wyoming: Snowmobiling fees/permits have
created a special interest monster – to the
detriment of other recreational trail users.
Sports specific facilities reduce conflict
but can we continue to afford them??
Maintenance Backlog continues to be a huge issue.
Dilemma = Put more money in sinking ships or in proven
growth areas. Recreation is a component of Critical Mass
of Attraction. Removing amenities will accelerate loss..
New revenue sources…
Present their own…new set of
problems…
Traditional park visitors now avoid
the Black Hills for three weeks in
August.