Seeing the forest for the trees: A social-ecological systems approach to managing outdoor recreation visitation in parks and protected areas

Parks and protected areas visitation in the United States has increased substantially over past several decades, dramatically within few years. This expansion raises concerns regarding influence of social, situational, ecological factors upon visitor behaviors, decision-making, overall experiences. study investigated relationship between three influencing visitors’ coping behaviors satisfaction on White Mountain National Forest (WMNF) New Hampshire. A mail-back online survey method was used to collect data from WMNF visitors June September 2020 (n = 642). Structural equation modeling binary logistic regression analyses suggest social (e.g., crowding conflict), situational litter access), weather seasonality) were significant predictors decision-making WMNF. Moreover, a majority sample consistently employed behavioral adaptations such as resource temporal substitution, some instances, permanently abandoned their recreation experiences altogether, all an effort maintain satisfaction. demonstrates that addition factors, should also be integrated when assessing broader human-nature relationship. research advances social-ecological systems framework suggests importance considering interconnectivity natural resources sustainably managing parks areas. found are driving need for substitution Resource most common, with approximate 95% probability engagement. Results indicate able effectively cope impacts, partially unable conflict related impacts. These findings conflict, followed by crowding, prioritized managers. Additionally, managers work adjacent communities stakeholders communication engagement strategies, especially proximate sites prone conflict.