Understanding non-traditional forest recreation: The role of constraints and negotiation strategies among racial and ethnic minorities

This study examined and compared the perceived constraints and use of constraint negotiation strategies of non-traditional national forest recreationists (those who reported their race and ethnicity to be other than Caucasian). The study provides insight into the reasons why ethnic groups might not participate in forest recreation as often as Caucasian users. Data were collected through an on-site survey of visitors at the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest (MBSNF), an urban-proximate forest near Seattle, Washington, USA. Non-traditional users were divided into two groups: Asians and other subcultures. Overall, Asians tended to be more constrained than the “other” non-traditional users, who in turn were more constrained than the traditional Caucasian visitors. Cultural and information-related reasons were more constraining for non-traditional users. Constraint negotiation strategies most commonly employed by the non-traditional users involved time management approaches such as planning ahead, setting aside time for outdoor recreation activities, and trying to fit recreation around other commitments. Managers of forest recreation sites near urban areas should be aware of the different cultures visiting the forests, and make concerted efforts to encourage different ethnic and racial groups to visit. Efforts focusing on better information and transportation options may be most effective in helping non-traditional users to pursue forest recreation opportunities.Management implicationsThis study provides valuable information to outdoor recreation managers who wish to understand diverse user groups. Historically, ethnic and racial minorities have not recreated in the US outdoor recreation areas at the same rate as Caucasian (traditional users). With a growing, diverse US population, it is imperative to land agency managers that they remain relevant to this non-traditional segment of our society. Managers can engage non-traditional users by understanding the socio-demographic makeup of existing and potential recreation users. In addition, it is important that managers understand what constrains existing and potential users, and how various segments of our society differ in their perceived constraints. Finally, outdoor recreation managers should strive to understand the most effective methods of engaging various and diverse outdoor recreation users and potential users. Managers will have the opportunity to learn about what is most important to non-traditional users, and how non-traditional users differ greatly, and must be thought of as distinctly different and important stakeholders.