1 Improving the Role of the Recreationist in the Conservation of Parks and Protected Areas: a conceptual discussion of recreation-sensitive conservation

Abstract: Natural area recreationists enjoy a bittersweet relationship with resource management and environmental conservation initiatives. Although parks and protected areas exist, in part, for the enjoyment of the public, recreational activities have the potential to cause numerous negative impacts on the environment. Park managers have responded in a variety of ways such as through legislation enforcement, recreation management techniques, education, or by encouraging the public to participate in conservation programs. However, one aspect of public participation that has not received much attention is participation that explicitly recognizes the recreationist’s pursuit of their leisure activities in order to provide an appealing alternative for recreationists to participate in conservation efforts. Such recreation-sensitive conservation will require a shift in how the recreationist and their activities are viewed by both managers and recreationists. This paper will provide the conceptual background and rationale for continuing social research investigating how parks and protected area managers can enhance the role of the recreationist in conservation. 1