An integrated team of managers, practitioners, and researchers has formed to find ways to bolster our collective research capacity and improve alignment around priority research needs for outdoor recreation and nature-based experiences. We work across many agencies, universities, and community-based organizations to identify the most important areas for future investment to enhance the quality and opportunity for people to connect with nature on our public lands.
Research strategy: Our group recently published a research strategy: A Research Strategy for Enhancing Sustainable Recreation and Tourism on Public Lands
Working papers: Our group recently published a compendium of 17 brief working papers in a general technical report: Igniting Research for Outdoor Recreation: Linking Science, Policy, and Action
Special issues: We are currently editing two special journal issues on recreation and tourism research. Read more here.
Community of Practice: Become part of our growing community of practice related to research, science discovery, applications, and information exchange for outdoor recreation, nature-based experiences, human health and well-being, and human ecology. Learn how to join our effort here!
Identify High Impact R&D Projects – An integrated team of managers and researchers will investigate information needs and identify short-term, priority projects that can be addressed through targeted funding across deputy areas (R&D-NFS-S&PF). Projects selected would be high-impact and implementable on the ground, with a strong extension focus (generating tools and frameworks). We seek 2 to 3 recreation leaders to help us prioritize agency needs.
Re-imagining ROS: Framework for Managing Outdoor Experiences – An integrated team of managers and researchers will explore the need for a new management and planning framework to enhance our ability to provide a diversity of outdoor experiences on public lands while benefiting natural resources, local economies, and socio-cultural connections. This may involve a remodel of the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum or construction of a novel tool or framework.
We need your help! If you are interested in assisting with either of the above future needs, please contact:
USFS R&D: Lee Cerveny at lee.cerveny@usda.gov
Relevant events such as meetings and conferences where community members can reconnect and broaden our effort are posted on the calendar below.
Recreation on public lands is a vast topic addressed by many agencies, organizations, and individuals. Peruse the websites listed below for further resources.
Reclink - A platform hosting discussion for public land recreation professionals.
HDgov Human Dimensions - HDgov is a multi-agency website for all things human dimensions of natural resources.
Interagency Visitor Use Management Coucil - A collaboration of six federal agencies on visitor use management in public lands.
Bureau of Land Management Recreation and Visitor Services - Get to know the recreation opportunities available on BLM lands.
Contact for additions, updates, comments or suggestions: lee.cerveny@usda.gov