University Presentation Showcase: Graduate Division
The Growing Relationship of Recreation and Conservation: The Need for Balance
Presenter Hometown
Ravenna, KY
Major
Recreation and Park Administration
Department
Recreation and Park Administration
Degree
Graduate
Mentor
Brian Clark
Mentor Department
Recreation and Park Administration
Recommended Citation
Lemmon, Zachary, "The Growing Relationship of Recreation and Conservation: The Need for Balance" (2022). University Presentation Showcase Event. 6.
https://encompass.eku.edu/swps/2022/graduate/6
Abstract
Research Shows that outdoor recreation is more popular than ever. In general, this increase in use of natural areas also leads to an increased impact on them (Monz et al. 2013). As a society, we have become more conscientious of the effects our actions and activities have on the environment, and recreational activities are no exception to this. This creates a negative cycle, however, as heavy use will deteriorate the quality of an area and in turn, negatively affect the appeal of recreation for said area. Thus, these two aspects are directly correlated with each other, a relationship that could be seen as a give and take. The protection of our natural areas and wildlife is of vital importance, especially for sensitive areas or species. At the same time, the economic aspects and tourism of these areas cannot be understated or forgotten from the discussion. Recreation ecology serves to understand how recreation interacts with and affects the natural world and the species that call it home. Through this field of study, professionals better understand the relationship between conservation and recreation in order to create ways to balance the needs of both. This study will look at how this relationship is handled in the Red River Gorge as well as future considerations.
Presentation format
Poster
The Growing Relationship of Recreation and Conservation: The Need for Balance
Research Shows that outdoor recreation is more popular than ever. In general, this increase in use of natural areas also leads to an increased impact on them (Monz et al. 2013). As a society, we have become more conscientious of the effects our actions and activities have on the environment, and recreational activities are no exception to this. This creates a negative cycle, however, as heavy use will deteriorate the quality of an area and in turn, negatively affect the appeal of recreation for said area. Thus, these two aspects are directly correlated with each other, a relationship that could be seen as a give and take. The protection of our natural areas and wildlife is of vital importance, especially for sensitive areas or species. At the same time, the economic aspects and tourism of these areas cannot be understated or forgotten from the discussion. Recreation ecology serves to understand how recreation interacts with and affects the natural world and the species that call it home. Through this field of study, professionals better understand the relationship between conservation and recreation in order to create ways to balance the needs of both. This study will look at how this relationship is handled in the Red River Gorge as well as future considerations.
