Wildland recreation, recreation behavior

Benefits of Leisure and Recreation

A benefit is defined as an improved condition or the prevention of a worse condition. Benefits of leisure and recreation engagements can be realized by individuals (e.g., improved physical and psychological well-being), groups of individuals (strengthened bonds among family and friends), communities (economic gain from tourism), society (the cumulative effects of individual and group benefits), and the environment (a result of a stronger environmental ethic among individuals).

While the benefits of some leisure activities involving physical exercise have been well documented, less is known about benefits gained from recreation in wildland recreation settings managed by federal agencies such as the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Forest Service.

We are involved in pilot efforts to document various types of benefits and determine the factors that contribute to their realization. We then use this information in cooperation with land managers to develop benefits-based management objectives for recreation management whereby managers potentially can facilitate realization of desired visitor benefits while protecting resources to provide for the enjoyment of future visitors.

Contact Information

Education

B.S., Utah State University, 1975
M.S., Oregon State University, 1982
Ph.D., Oregon State University, 1991

Selected Publications

Muleady-Mecham, N. E.; M. E. Lee; and B. D. Burch. 2004. A public opinion survey on wildland fire in Grand Canyon National Park. George Wright Society Forum 21(4):12-21.

Perez-Verdin, G., M. E. Lee, and D. J. Chavez. 2004. Planning for outdoor recreation in a protected area in southern Durango, Mexico: Analysis of local residents' perceptions. Society and Natural Resources 17(10):897-910.

Pierskalla, C. D., M. E. Lee, T. V. Stein, D. H. Anderson, and R. Nickerson. 2003. Understanding relationships among recreation opportunities: A meta-analysis of nine studies. Leisure Sciences 26(2):163-180.

Lee, M. E. and R. Miller. 2003. Managing elk in the wildland-urban interface: Attitudes of Flagstaff, Arizona residents. Wildlife Society Bulletin 31(1):185-191.

Besculides, A., M. E. Lee, and P. J. McCormick. 2002. Cultural benefits of tourism to Hispanic and non-Hispanic residents. Annals of Tourism Research 29(2):303-319.

Behan, J. R.; M. T. Richards, and M. E. Lee. 2001. Effects of tour jeeps in a wildland setting on non-motorized recreationist benefits. J. Park and Recreation Admin. 19(2):1-19.

Anderson, D. H., R. Nickerson, T. V. Stein, and M. E. Lee. 2000. Planning to provide community and visitor benefits from public lands. Pp. 197-212 in, Gartner, W. C. and D. W. Lime, eds. Trends in outdoor recreation, leisure and tourism. New York: CABI Publishing.

Last Updated ( Monday, 19 October 2009 )