B. L. Driver

The ROS planning system: Evolution, basic concepts, and research needed

Abstract This paper describes the evolution of the concept of the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS)—a largely resource‐based approach to providing recreational diversity. It explains the needs of the USDA Forest Service and USDI Bureau of Land Management for a recreation resource planning system and relates those needs to the development of the ROS system to guide recreation planning of large areas. The basic concepts and tenets of the ROS system are explained and needed research is outlined.

A Test of Concepts Inherent in Experience Based Setting Management for Outdoor Recreation Areas

This study examines assumptions of the concepts which form the basis for experience based setting management of outdoor recreation areas. To test the assumptions a sample of wilderness users was surveyed and divided into experience groups based on differences in the specific experiences they desire. These experience groups were then tested for differences in their activity and setting preferences. The study was conducted at the Bridger Wilderness, the Fitzpatrick Wilderness, and the Popo Agie Primitive Area in Wyoming during 1978–79. Data were collected by questionnaire, and responses were examined by object cluster analysis to group users on the basis of the types of experiences important to them. Results offer support for the concepts tested; three groups with different preferences for experiences were identified and were found to differ on the activities, setting, and management actions they prefer. Directions f or future research are given and recommendations concerning the usefulness of exper...