Tradeoffs Among Resource, Social, and Managerial Conditions on Mountain Summits of the Northern Forest

Abstract

This research examined the relative importance of indicators and standards of quality at three mountain summits in the Northern Forest. The three summits ranged from low to high levels of use, development, and management. Computer-generated photographs were used to present a range of resource, social, and managerial conditions in a stated choice survey. Results suggest that visitors prefer minimal resource impact, few other people, and low intensity management. However, when faced with tradeoffs, respondents accept more intensive management to help ensure resource protection. Findings also suggest that a range of recreation opportunities should be provided at mountain summits in the Northern Forest.

Keywords:

• outdoor recreation
• stated choice
• indicators and standards of quality
• mountain summits

Acknowledgments

This article was produced in partial fulfillment of the first author's Master's thesis at the University of Vermont. Appreciation is extended to the first author's thesis committee, including Drs. Robert Manning, Ruth Mickey, and Curt Ventriss. Dr. Steven Lawson, Resource Systems Group, and Dr. Len Hunt, Centre for Northern Forest Ecosystem Research, were also very helpful in the statistical modeling and experimental design associated with this research. Funding was provided by the Northeastern States Research Cooperative.