Recreation on Private Lands in the Northern

ForestRecommendations and Stakeholder Strategies

Lisa C. Chase

Director, Vermont Tourism Data Center NERR

Natural Resources Specialist, UVM Extension 3/29/09

Logic Model

Source: http://www.uwex.edu/ces/pdande/evaluation/evallogicmodel.html

Situation

Northern Forest residents and visitors are concerned about changes in private forestland ownership and accessibility.

Research MethodsInputs

Web forum

Mail survey of landowners

Second survey of large landowners

Limited liability recreation use statutes

OutputsOutputs

Participation

Woodland owners/managers

Tourism and recreation businesses

Recreation interests/groups

Environmental groups

OutputsOutputsActivities

Publications

Interactive website

Roundtables

Website www.privatelandaccess.org

Outputs - Website

RoundtablesOutputs – Activities

April 1, 2008 - Lake Placid, New York

May 8, 2008 - Lyndonville, Vermont

May 30, 2008 - Orono, Maine

November 18, 2008 - Plymouth, New Hampshire

Roundtables

Roundtables

Roundtables

Roundtables

Roundtables

Roundtables

OutcomesOutcomes – Short Term

Recreation on Private Lands Roundtables

Scale: 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree)Average: 4.31

Useful information was presented and discussed

OutcomesOutcomes – Short Term

Recreation on Private Lands Roundtables

Knowledge Gained by Participants

Perspectives of other participants: 83%

Landowner attitudes and behaviors: 59%

Limited liability recreation statues: 36%

Ideas for improving recreation on private lands: 66%

OutcomesOutcomes – Short Term

Recreation on Private Lands Roundtables

“It has been a good starting point to bring stakeholders together.”

“Fantastic to get all major players together.”

OutcomesOutcomes – Short Term

Recreation on Private Lands Roundtables

“Thanks! A lesson on the statistical approach.”

“Excellent thought-provoking session.”

“Thank you for the opportunity to learn about what others are thinking, and to get together with others in our area.  I think the day was very well spent, and that it produced some excellent ideas.”

OutcomesOutcomes – Medium Term (Projected)

Recreation on Private Lands Roundtables

Scale: 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree)Average: 4.21

I feel inspired to learn more and/or take action.

OutcomesOutcomes – Medium Term (Projected)

Recreation on Private Lands Roundtables

Suggestions and Intentions: Education

“We will promote informational outreach and NYFOA programming for the public.”

“Need ongoing dialogue between landowners and recreational users. Education/workshops for both groups.”

“More education at schools for younger kids, how to better connect agencies.”

OutcomesOutcomes – Medium Term (Projected)

Recreation on Private Lands Roundtables

Suggestions and Intentions: Access

“Develop recreation opportunities that do not degrade the resource, but do address the needs of underrepresented stakeholders.”

“Establishing a local hiking trail.”

“More [cooperative] management of [private lands for recreation], i.e., more North Maine Woods initiatives.”

OutcomesOutcomes – Medium Term (Projected)

Recreation on Private Lands Roundtables

Roundtable Follow-up

“Survey recreation & land managers in the same way that landowners were surveyed.”

“More input and lots more work.”

“Presentation of additional research results.”

“After all regional meetings, a gathering of all groups.”

OutcomesOutcomes – Medium Term (web survey)

Recreation on Private Lands Roundtables

n=17

OutcomesOutcomes – Medium Term (web survey)

Recreation on Private Lands Roundtables

Activities Influenced by Roundtable

OutcomesOutcomes – Long Term (Projected)

Increase in income from recreational enterprises.

Increase in acreage open to recreation.

Improved legislation regarding current use and taxation.

Better liability protection and coverage for lower cost.

Outcomes