Kansas State University Applied Park Science Lab

• How does interpretation influence the visitor/tourist experience?
• How do we effectively evaluate the long-term outcomes of visitor use in parks and protected areas?
• How do we accommodate the increasing use of parks and protected areas world-wide while at the same time providing for a high quality visitor experience and the conservation of natural resources?
• How do we gain greater public support for wildlife conservation at a global scale?
• How do we develop effective techniques for managing outdoor recreation?
• How can research integrate public perceptions, policy, and institutional constraints to inform the defensible management of natural resources?

Questions such as these that pertain to societal grand challenges surrounding natural resources are the primary focus of PMC researchers. Our program of research, education, and training is designed to provide graduate students a comprehensive toolbox to effectively address issues concerning parks and protected area management and increasing public understanding of the natural, cultural and recreational value of these resources world-wide.

The Applied Park Science Lab conducts a program of global research in national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges, state parks, zoos and aquariums.

Sample Lab Publications

• Sharp, R.L., Maples, J.N. & Gerlaugh, K.^* (2019). Factors influencing rock climbers knowledge of and reported behaviors related to Leave No Trace: Potential management implications. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning.
• Dagan, D.^*, Sharp, R.L., & Walendziak, N. (2019). Longitudinal variation in rock climbing impacts in the Red River Gorge area of the Daniel Boone National Forest. Journal of Forestry.
• Skibins, J.C., Sharp, R.L. & Sharp, J.A. (2019). Binge watching bears: Efficacy of real vs. virtual flagship exposure. Journal of Ecotourism.
• Loomis, J., Richardson, L., Huber, C., Skibins, J.C. & Sharp, R.L. (2018). A method to value nature-related webcam viewing: the value of virtual use with application to brown bear webcam viewing. Journal of Environmental Economics and Policy.
• Sharp, R.L., Bradley, M.J., Maples, J. (2017). A methodological evaluation of an environmental education survey: Is there a technological advantage? Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education and Leadership, 9(3).
• Skibins, J.C. & Sharp, R.L. (2017). Evaluation of the brown bear viewing experience at Katmai National Park and Preserve: Implications for management. Human Dimensions of Wildlife, 22(5).
• Larson, L.R., Stayton, B.^*, Sharp, R.L., Ahlers, A., & Downer, J.W. (2017). Colleges and universities: A prime target for R3 efforts. The Wildlife Professional, 11(4).
• Lakes, R.M.* & Sharp, R.L. (2015). Visitor perceptions of black bear management options in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, U.S.A. Human Dimensions of Wildlife, 20(2).
• Sharp, R.L., Lemieux, C. J., Thompson, J.L. & Dawson, J. (2014). Enhancing parks and protected area management in North America in an era of rapid climate change through integrated social science. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, 32(4), 1-18.