Understanding recreational use of the Western Newfoundland Model Forest

Abstract

The recreational participation, environmental attitudes, and knowledge, of Western Newfoundland Model Forest residents were examined through the use of a mail survey. Environmental attitudes were measured with the New Environmental Paradigm scale, as well as questions about environmental issues inside the model forest. Attitudes and knowledge were used to discriminate between consumptive recreationists, nonconsumptive recreationists, and nonparticipants. Results indicated that consumptive recreationists were more knowledgeable about the model forest than either nonconsumptive recreationists or nonparticipants. While it was anticipated that consumptive recreationists would have less environmentally positive attitudes than the other two groups, no substantial differences were found. This socioeconomic study was the first of its kind to be carried out in the Western Newfoundland Model Forest, and implications of the findings for forestry management are discussed.