Cruise-ship tourism is one of the fastest growing industry sectors, with itineraries that regular... more Cruise-ship tourism is one of the fastest growing industry sectors, with itineraries that regularly visit marine parks and protected areas. UNESCO Marine World Heritage (MWH) Sites feature some of the world’s most exceptional ecosystems, resulting in some cruise lines targeting these sites. To understand the extent of cruise ship visitation and determine perceptions of cruise ship sustainability within and across environmental, economic, and sociocultural dimensions, we conducted an online survey of 45 (out of 50) sites. The survey included responses about the characteristics of cruise ship visitation, strategies for sustainably managing ships, and ideas for encouraging sustainable practices. Among the 45 respondents, 30 (67%) indicated that their MWH site hosts cruise ships or cruise ship passengers, and 25 sites have cruise ships that enter the protected area marine waters. Most sites (62%) indicated an increase in cruise visitation over the last three years. While most sites regu...
National Scenic Trails (NSTs) connect people with the natural and cultural heritage of the United... more National Scenic Trails (NSTs) connect people with the natural and cultural heritage of the United States. Theses trails also provide important opportunities for agencies to engage partners in trail stewardship and sponsorship. Partnership engagement ultimately promotes trails that provide outdoor experiences and learning opportunities for visitors and trail users. In the founding legislation of the National Trails System Act of 1968, Congress acknowledged the integral role of volunteers and trail groups and set out “to encourage and assist volunteer citizen involvement in the planning, development, maintenance, and management… of trails” (P.L. 90-543). Early partners played a critical role in encouraging Congress to embrace the concept of national trails and identifying trail routes. Today, the National Trails System includes 11 NSTs, as well as 19 National Historic Trails, and nearly 1,300 National Recreation Trails in 50 states. The entire system engages hundreds of stewardship partners working at local, regional, and national scales. Federal agencies and trail organizations work together to plan and maintain the trails, develop outreach programs, and connect with the public.
A B S T R A C T The global rise in nature-based recreation and tourism brings an increasing need ... more A B S T R A C T The global rise in nature-based recreation and tourism brings an increasing need for research on visitor activity in protected areas. Understanding the nature, distribution, and intensity of visitor activity can lead to better management of protected areas, potentially improving visitor experience while reducing impacts on the environment. Although passive infrared cameras (i.e., " camera traps ") are now a standard monitoring tool for wildlife researchers, they are less commonly applied by recreation social scientists for visitor monitoring in natural areas. Because study objectives differ between these two applications, protocols for camera placement also vary. In this study we optimized camera traps to quantify human trail-based activity while meeting established wildlife-oriented protocols. The method streamlines the data collection process, thus making visitor monitoring data more accessible. We first determined the wildlife-appropriate camera position optimal for capturing human trail use through a field test, in which we varied the speed of biker movement, camera angle, and distance to the trail. The optimized camera protocol was 1–2 m from the trail edge, oriented 20° to the direction of movement, where the target is moving slower than 8 kph. We then experimentally tested this optimized camera protocol in a field setting along an unpaved, multi-use trail typical of many outdoor recreation locations. Two pairs of cameras were set following the optimized protocol while two pairs were set with a randomized protocol as the control. Compared with field observations, optimized camera traps recorded 82% of pedestrians (p < 0.05) and 75% of mountain bikers (p > 0.05). There was also a difference in performance between camera models, with the best model recording 86% and 97% of pedestrians and bikers, respectively. We conclude that camera traps can accurately quantify human trail-based activity while being set to wildlife science standards, reducing the cost of collecting visitor use data and producing high-resolution human-wildlife interaction data. Motion-triggered camera traps can be used to efficiently collect data on humans and wildlife through a single data collection process. Camera traps should be calibrated with field-based observation and positioned according to the following guidelines: located where traffic moves slower than 8 kph, oriented at a shallow angle to the direction of movement, and placed at knee-height on trees within 1-2m of the trail edge. It should be noted that camera traps might under-sample quickly moving visitors such as bicyclists. This cost-effective method can provide long-term data useful for monitoring both human trail-based activity and wildlife presence.
ABSTRACT This article presents a monitoring protocol for dog leash compliance designed with publi... more ABSTRACT This article presents a monitoring protocol for dog leash compliance designed with public participation, mobile technology and flexible platforms in mind. We describe the protocol development and illustrate data utility by comparing results across three trail surface types. Implemented at an urban nature park in North Carolina, pilot tests indicated a high level of inter-observer reliability (&gt;86%) for all variables. The consistency was improved further by refining the measures and the observation procedure. A total of 169 dogs were observed during the study period with an overall compliance rate of 87%. Significantly lower compliance was found on the woodchip and unpaved trail sections (71–74%) than the paved section (99%). Our results suggest this approach may serve as a reliable protocol for monitoring a common and important impact issue. Lessons learned are shared to stimulate further advancements and applications of technology in participatory monitoring of this and other indicators of sustainable recreation.
Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, 2020
To respond to changing demands for outdoor experiences on public lands, managers and researchers ... more To respond to changing demands for outdoor experiences on public lands, managers and researchers specializing in outdoor recreation and tourism are calling for a shift in the way we think about, study, and manage recreation. New and updated conceptual frameworks and management tools are needed to guide agency decision-makers as they face complex and dynamic outdoor recreation management challenges. This article introduces a research strategy that seeks to align management needs with actionable research on sustainable recreation and tourism. We describe eight Research Focus Areas (RFAs) proposed in the strategy. These RFAs were identified and developed through a collaborative process involving researchers and practitioners from government, academia, industry, and non-profit sectors. We emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary, interagency collaboration to solve modern challenges in outdoor recreation management from the site to landscape scale.
Cruise-ship tourism is one of the fastest growing industry sectors, with itineraries that regular... more Cruise-ship tourism is one of the fastest growing industry sectors, with itineraries that regularly visit marine parks and protected areas. UNESCO Marine World Heritage (MWH) Sites feature some of the world’s most exceptional ecosystems, resulting in some cruise lines targeting these sites. To understand the extent of cruise ship visitation and determine perceptions of cruise ship sustainability within and across environmental, economic, and sociocultural dimensions, we conducted an online survey of 45 (out of 50) sites. The survey included responses about the characteristics of cruise ship visitation, strategies for sustainably managing ships, and ideas for encouraging sustainable practices. Among the 45 respondents, 30 (67%) indicated that their MWH site hosts cruise ships or cruise ship passengers, and 25 sites have cruise ships that enter the protected area marine waters. Most sites (62%) indicated an increase in cruise visitation over the last three years. While most sites regulate ballast water (73%) and wastewater (73%) discharge, common concerns focused on ship air emissions and wildlife interactions. Lack of funds generated by cruise ships toward community infrastructure was noted. MWH site managers expressed interest in developing site networks to facilitate sharing of ideas as a first step for increasing sustainability across all sites.
Public lands provide opportunities and settings for people to experience nature and the outdoors.... more Public lands provide opportunities and settings for people to experience nature and the outdoors. These outdoor experiences are important for human health and well-being and result in visitor spending that benefits local communities. This report shows that new research, tools, and frameworks are needed to help us find new ways to conceptualize outdoor recreation and enhance the ability of public land managers to provide outdoor experiences while protecting natural and cultural resources. The report originated from a set of 17 working papers that were developed as part of an initiative among researchers, managers, and policymakers to “ignite the science of outdoor recreation.” These papers were presented at a 2018 science workshop in Golden, Colorado, that convened 88 outdoor recreation professionals to explore high-priority issues, information needs, and research directions. Their intent was to stimulate further questions, catalyze new thinking about recreation, and prompt institutional changes in how outdoor recreation and tourism are planned and managed on public lands.
Cruise-ship tourism is one of the fastest growing industry sectors, with itineraries that regular... more Cruise-ship tourism is one of the fastest growing industry sectors, with itineraries that regularly visit marine parks and protected areas. UNESCO Marine World Heritage (MWH) Sites feature some of the world’s most exceptional ecosystems, resulting in some cruise lines targeting these sites. To understand the extent of cruise ship visitation and determine perceptions of cruise ship sustainability within and across environmental, economic, and sociocultural dimensions, we conducted an online survey of 45 (out of 50) sites. The survey included responses about the characteristics of cruise ship visitation, strategies for sustainably managing ships, and ideas for encouraging sustainable practices. Among the 45 respondents, 30 (67%) indicated that their MWH site hosts cruise ships or cruise ship passengers, and 25 sites have cruise ships that enter the protected area marine waters. Most sites (62%) indicated an increase in cruise visitation over the last three years. While most sites regu...
National Scenic Trails (NSTs) connect people with the natural and cultural heritage of the United... more National Scenic Trails (NSTs) connect people with the natural and cultural heritage of the United States. Theses trails also provide important opportunities for agencies to engage partners in trail stewardship and sponsorship. Partnership engagement ultimately promotes trails that provide outdoor experiences and learning opportunities for visitors and trail users. In the founding legislation of the National Trails System Act of 1968, Congress acknowledged the integral role of volunteers and trail groups and set out “to encourage and assist volunteer citizen involvement in the planning, development, maintenance, and management… of trails” (P.L. 90-543). Early partners played a critical role in encouraging Congress to embrace the concept of national trails and identifying trail routes. Today, the National Trails System includes 11 NSTs, as well as 19 National Historic Trails, and nearly 1,300 National Recreation Trails in 50 states. The entire system engages hundreds of stewardship partners working at local, regional, and national scales. Federal agencies and trail organizations work together to plan and maintain the trails, develop outreach programs, and connect with the public.
A B S T R A C T The global rise in nature-based recreation and tourism brings an increasing need ... more A B S T R A C T The global rise in nature-based recreation and tourism brings an increasing need for research on visitor activity in protected areas. Understanding the nature, distribution, and intensity of visitor activity can lead to better management of protected areas, potentially improving visitor experience while reducing impacts on the environment. Although passive infrared cameras (i.e., " camera traps ") are now a standard monitoring tool for wildlife researchers, they are less commonly applied by recreation social scientists for visitor monitoring in natural areas. Because study objectives differ between these two applications, protocols for camera placement also vary. In this study we optimized camera traps to quantify human trail-based activity while meeting established wildlife-oriented protocols. The method streamlines the data collection process, thus making visitor monitoring data more accessible. We first determined the wildlife-appropriate camera position optimal for capturing human trail use through a field test, in which we varied the speed of biker movement, camera angle, and distance to the trail. The optimized camera protocol was 1–2 m from the trail edge, oriented 20° to the direction of movement, where the target is moving slower than 8 kph. We then experimentally tested this optimized camera protocol in a field setting along an unpaved, multi-use trail typical of many outdoor recreation locations. Two pairs of cameras were set following the optimized protocol while two pairs were set with a randomized protocol as the control. Compared with field observations, optimized camera traps recorded 82% of pedestrians (p < 0.05) and 75% of mountain bikers (p > 0.05). There was also a difference in performance between camera models, with the best model recording 86% and 97% of pedestrians and bikers, respectively. We conclude that camera traps can accurately quantify human trail-based activity while being set to wildlife science standards, reducing the cost of collecting visitor use data and producing high-resolution human-wildlife interaction data. Motion-triggered camera traps can be used to efficiently collect data on humans and wildlife through a single data collection process. Camera traps should be calibrated with field-based observation and positioned according to the following guidelines: located where traffic moves slower than 8 kph, oriented at a shallow angle to the direction of movement, and placed at knee-height on trees within 1-2m of the trail edge. It should be noted that camera traps might under-sample quickly moving visitors such as bicyclists. This cost-effective method can provide long-term data useful for monitoring both human trail-based activity and wildlife presence.
ABSTRACT This article presents a monitoring protocol for dog leash compliance designed with publi... more ABSTRACT This article presents a monitoring protocol for dog leash compliance designed with public participation, mobile technology and flexible platforms in mind. We describe the protocol development and illustrate data utility by comparing results across three trail surface types. Implemented at an urban nature park in North Carolina, pilot tests indicated a high level of inter-observer reliability (&gt;86%) for all variables. The consistency was improved further by refining the measures and the observation procedure. A total of 169 dogs were observed during the study period with an overall compliance rate of 87%. Significantly lower compliance was found on the woodchip and unpaved trail sections (71–74%) than the paved section (99%). Our results suggest this approach may serve as a reliable protocol for monitoring a common and important impact issue. Lessons learned are shared to stimulate further advancements and applications of technology in participatory monitoring of this and other indicators of sustainable recreation.
Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, 2020
To respond to changing demands for outdoor experiences on public lands, managers and researchers ... more To respond to changing demands for outdoor experiences on public lands, managers and researchers specializing in outdoor recreation and tourism are calling for a shift in the way we think about, study, and manage recreation. New and updated conceptual frameworks and management tools are needed to guide agency decision-makers as they face complex and dynamic outdoor recreation management challenges. This article introduces a research strategy that seeks to align management needs with actionable research on sustainable recreation and tourism. We describe eight Research Focus Areas (RFAs) proposed in the strategy. These RFAs were identified and developed through a collaborative process involving researchers and practitioners from government, academia, industry, and non-profit sectors. We emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary, interagency collaboration to solve modern challenges in outdoor recreation management from the site to landscape scale.
Cruise-ship tourism is one of the fastest growing industry sectors, with itineraries that regular... more Cruise-ship tourism is one of the fastest growing industry sectors, with itineraries that regularly visit marine parks and protected areas. UNESCO Marine World Heritage (MWH) Sites feature some of the world’s most exceptional ecosystems, resulting in some cruise lines targeting these sites. To understand the extent of cruise ship visitation and determine perceptions of cruise ship sustainability within and across environmental, economic, and sociocultural dimensions, we conducted an online survey of 45 (out of 50) sites. The survey included responses about the characteristics of cruise ship visitation, strategies for sustainably managing ships, and ideas for encouraging sustainable practices. Among the 45 respondents, 30 (67%) indicated that their MWH site hosts cruise ships or cruise ship passengers, and 25 sites have cruise ships that enter the protected area marine waters. Most sites (62%) indicated an increase in cruise visitation over the last three years. While most sites regulate ballast water (73%) and wastewater (73%) discharge, common concerns focused on ship air emissions and wildlife interactions. Lack of funds generated by cruise ships toward community infrastructure was noted. MWH site managers expressed interest in developing site networks to facilitate sharing of ideas as a first step for increasing sustainability across all sites.
Public lands provide opportunities and settings for people to experience nature and the outdoors.... more Public lands provide opportunities and settings for people to experience nature and the outdoors. These outdoor experiences are important for human health and well-being and result in visitor spending that benefits local communities. This report shows that new research, tools, and frameworks are needed to help us find new ways to conceptualize outdoor recreation and enhance the ability of public land managers to provide outdoor experiences while protecting natural and cultural resources. The report originated from a set of 17 working papers that were developed as part of an initiative among researchers, managers, and policymakers to “ignite the science of outdoor recreation.” These papers were presented at a 2018 science workshop in Golden, Colorado, that convened 88 outdoor recreation professionals to explore high-priority issues, information needs, and research directions. Their intent was to stimulate further questions, catalyze new thinking about recreation, and prompt institutional changes in how outdoor recreation and tourism are planned and managed on public lands.
Uploads
Papers by Anna Miller
Peer Reviewed Articles by Anna Miller
Books by Anna Miller