Theses and Dissertations Collection

Increased participation in recreational activities on public lands challenges land managers to maintain the integrity of landscapes and meet the needs of recreationalists. Off-road vehicle (ORV) recreation is an increasingly-popular recreational activity that can offer social and economic benefits, but often to the cost of the environment. As popularity of ORVs continues to grow, many land management agencies are pursing strategies to mitigate associated conflicts. However, ORV studies have been scant in recent years. The research presented here addresses the lack of knowledge on ORV area management by exploring local resident and recreationalist perspectives about future regulations in a popular Idaho ORV recreation area. Results indicated that support was influenced by three primary factors: 1) views that increased visitation might change local Dunes culture, 2) concerns that SRP permits might allow government agencies to eventually over-regulate the Dunes, and 3) a desire to ensure that Dunes management decision-making is transparent and inclusive of local residents. We conclude by discussing management actions that land managers can take to ensure successful future development programs.