Date of Award
January 2017
Degree Type
Open Access Dissertation
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Department
Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
First Advisor
Sherwood Thompson
Department Affiliation
Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
Second Advisor
James N. Maples
Department Affiliation
Anthropology, Sociology, and Social Work
Third Advisor
Ryan L. Sharp
Department Affiliation
Recreation and Park Administration
Abstract
Rock Climbing is becoming a very popular and mainstream outdoor activity. With the growth in rock climbing comes an increase in the numbers of visitors that this sport attracts. The increase in visitor usage undoubtedly leads to an impact on the natural environment surrounding these rock climbing areas. Rock climbers acknowledge the impacts that are being made and are taking initiative to lessen their impacts while they are visiting rock climbing areas such as the Red River Gorge in rural southeast Kentucky. We know that rock climbers make a substantial economic impact while visiting and this dissertation looks at the environmental knowledge and background on leave no trace practices and principles. This research investigates the knowledge and behavior of minimal impact practices of rock climbers in the Red River Gorge while rock climbing. Specifically looking at the more knowledge one has on minimizing their environmental impact the greater chance of their behaviors being minimal and becoming environmental stewards of the land.
Copyright
Copyright 2017 Brian Gregory Clark
Recommended Citation
Clark, Brian Gregory, "Behaviors, Knowledge, And Education Of Leave No Trace Principles In The Red River Gorge Rock Climbing Community" (2017). Online Theses and Dissertations. 516.
https://encompass.eku.edu/etd/516
