AN EXPERIENTIAL ASSESSMENT OF THE ARIZONA LANDSCAPE.

Abstract

This study presents a systematic assessment of landscape experiences in the state of Arizona through the use of mail survey techniques. It investigates how residents perceive and experience the everyday nonurban landscape and identifies where valued landscape experiences occur, what activities are associated with those locations and why those places and activities are highly valued. Geographic and socio-economic differences in landscape experiences are explored among survey respondents and information is provided to resource managers for predicting valued outdoor activities and environmental experiences. The overall aims of this research were to develop ways of studying environmental experiences that would: (1) identify the places, the activities, and the reasons for engaging in those activities related to outdoor experiences; (2) indicate the relationships among these three components; and (3) assess the probable influence of personal background characteristics and place of residence variables upon these judgments, choices, and relationships. Findings suggest considerable agreement among respondents on the components of valued landscape experiences and show that different landscape types are supportive of different outdoor activities and of different kinds of experiences. Also revealed was a tendency by respondents to select items occupying positions at the beginning of reponse listings. Analyses also indicate few significant relationships between components of valued landscape experiences and socio-economic characteristics of respondents and between components of valued landscape experiences place of residence variables including geographic location, community size, and familiarity with or awareness of specific landscapes.