Range Management and Scenic Beauty as Perceived by Dispersed Recreationists

Abstract

Land management agencies have developed considerable interest in the visual impacts of intensive range management. This study was designed to determine the impact of range management activities on dispersed recreationists and their concept of scenic beauty. We analyzed the ratings by 241 dispersed recreationists of selected range management activities and ecosystems on the Malheur National Forest in eastern Oregon during the summer of 1978. Features significantly related to dispersed recreationists' reactions to range management activities were primary recreational activity, place of residence, understanding of the purpose of a National Forest, and number of prior visits to the Malheur National Forest. Respondents reacted favorably to the range management activities examined. A majority, however, indicated that their use of recreational areas would be altered if management intensity increased or became more apparent.