A Test of Concepts Inherent in Experience Based Setting Management for Outdoor Recreation Areas

form the basis fo r experience based setting management o f outdoor recreation areas. To test the assumptions a sample o f wilderness users was surveyed and divided into experience groups based on differences in the specific experiences they desire. These experience groups were then tested fo r differences in their activity and setting preferences. The study was conducted at the Bridget Wilderness, the Fitzpatrick Wilderness, and the Popo Agie Primitive Area in Wyoming during 1978-79. Data were collected by questionnaire, and responses were examined by object cluster analysis to group users on the basis o f the types o f experiences important to them. Results offer supportfor the con­ cepts tested; three groups with different preferences fo r experiences were iden­ tified and were found to differ on the activities, setting, and management ac­ tions they prefer. Directions forfuture research are given and recommendations concerning the usefulness o f experience based information to recreation plan­