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On-site wildland activity choices among African Americans and White Americans in the rural south: implications for management

Informally Refereed

Abstract

Johnson and Bowker compare wildland activity choices for a sample of rural African Americans and Whites who visited wildland settings in and around the Apalachicola National Forest. The authors also look at intra-racial (same race, different gender) variations for activity participation. This research extends previous research focused on the visit/not visit wildland question by examining activity choice by race and gender for those who do visit. Results show no racial differences for consumptive activities like fishing and hunting; however, African Americans are significantly less likely than Whites to participate in most forms of nonconsumptive activities like camping and hiking. Greater gender differences in activity participation were found for Whites than for African Americans. The authors discuss management implications and ways forest managers may attract more African Americans to participate in forest-based outdoor recreation. This includes target marketing strategies that promote fishing and group activities on the Apalachicola National Forest.

Citation

Johnson, Cassandra Y.; Bowker, J. Michael. 1999. On-site wildland activity choices among African Americans and White Americans in the rural south: implications for management. Journal of Parks and Recreation Administration. 17(1): 21-39.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/1369