Different groups, different perceptions: A context for understanding the management of backcountry use.

Abstract

A conceptual model is developed which depicts individual reality as a social construction. Land management policy is conceived as a series of negotiations and resolutions emerging from competing realities. The model is applied to studies of backcountry hikers and managers from the Grand Canyon National Park and the Saguaro National Monument. Results indicate that managers invariably conceptualize the resource (i.e., the Grand Canyon and the Rincon Mountains) from a different viewpoint than many recreators. Consequently there is a tendency to adopt plans and specify regulations which are not synchronized with the total recreational situation.