Joanne F. Tynon

Small-Scale Urban Nature Parks: Why Should We Care?

Small-scale urban natural parks have the potential to contribute to the health and well-being of urban communities. Although recreation researchers have seldom focused on such areas, recreation research theory can be successfully applied to urban natural parks, especially if augmented by the application of social capital and social networks theory. Social capital and networks theories will aid recreation researchers and policy makers in understanding the processes and benefits associated with urban green space. This understanding may be important relative to low income urban community members who may not participate regularly in nature-based recreation.

Rangeland Privatization and the Maasai Experience: Social Capital and the Implications for Traditional Resource Management in Southern Kenya

Using qualitative research methods we examined how group ranch privatization and settlement of individual Maasai households across the landscape have affected traditional livestock herding and social capital mechanisms of Maasai livestock herders. This process has altered decision-making processes, social networks, and cooperation of Maasai herders and limited access to water and pasture. It has disturbed community cohesion and created conflicts over resource access between neighboring landowners and communities. While subdivision has given secure land tenure to many Maasai, they can now sell land to outsiders, who may come with other traditions and land uses that conflict with Maasai traditions. Despite shifting from communal to individual decision making regarding livestock and natural resource management, many Maasai landowners are adapting some customary practices and adopting new, more individualistic and commerical practices, often blending both in new networks and arrangements that reflect the continuing importance of social capital and the reciprocal use of natural resources.

Interpersonal and Social Values Conflict among Coastal Recreation Activity Groups in Hawaii

Abstract We report on user conflicts at six Hawaiian beaches and compare the extent to which evaluations of coastal recreation conflicts differ among groups. This information can be used to help understand current recreation users at coastal sites in Hawaii. Exploratory factor analyses supported a multidimensional interpersonal conflict factor based on four activity subgroups and a multidimensional social values conflict factor based on three activity subgroups. In this study, interpersonal and social values conflicts of Hawaii recreationists align themselves by recreation activity group and not by behavior. ANOVAs and t-tests were used to assess the conflict differences according to gender, residency status, location, age, and recreation activities. A discussion follows regarding the implications of our findings on managing conflict and users.

Adapting a Tourism Crime Typology: Classifying Outdoor Recreation Crime

Using a qualitative approach, the authors tested a crime typology developed for tourism destinations in a U.S. National Forest recreation setting. Specific objectives were to classify the attributes of crime and violence, examine the effects of crime and violence on visitor demand, and suggest methods of prevention and recovery. A key modification to the crime typology prior to data collection was to anchor it to crime And violence-activity categories revealed from an earlier study. Several recommendations are given, with the understanding that they derived from the first run of the crime typology in a U.S. National Forest setting. These include refinements of key typology measures of motivations, victims, severity, frequency, and riots.

A synthesis of five nationwide studies: perceptions of law enforcement and investigations in the USDA Forest Service

This is the synthesis of a series of studies to evaluate perceptions of U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service (USFS) law enforcement and investigations (LEI). Five groups were evaluated: four groups of employees from different positions within LEI, and a group of customers of LEI, the line officers of the National Forest System (NFS). The groups responded to questions within 10 topic areas: demographics, area of responsibility, enforcement level and cooperation, roles, existing issues, priorities, customers, natural resources, success stories, and successful LEI program. There were more similarities among the groups than dissimilarities. In fact, there were similar responses among all groups to questions within each of the 10 major topic areas. There were also dissimilarities found between LEI groups and NFS line officers as well as dissimilarities within LEI groups. Findings from these studies suggest LEI and NFS have the opportunity to strengthen the law enforcement program in the USFS. By highlighting areas of similarity between the groups and building further consensus based on that beginning, they can also examine existing differences and work toward understanding the position each group has on those areas.

Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer Report: Nationwide Study

This study is the first in a series of studies to evaluate perceptions of USDA Forest Service law enforcement personnel of the roles, responsibilities, and issues entailed in their jobs. An email survey was administered to 404 law enforcement officers (LEOs) in national forests across the United States. In all, 294 were completed and returned. In response to the safety of forest visitors many respondents believed that forest visitors are safe from other visitors and are physically safe from site features. The LEOs reported feeling hampered in their jobs, however, by the large size and remoteness of the patrol areas, coupled with a lack of resources (e.g., personnel, equipment, and backup). Key characteristics of successes experienced by LEOs included adequate resources, collaboration, and communication. Nationally, LEOs characterized a successful law enforcement program as one that has sufficient resources, is understood by those engaged in or affected by the program, is staffed by highly qualified individuals, and has good leadership.

Forest Service National Forest System perceptions of law enforcement and investigations: nationwide study

This is the fifth in a series of studies to evaluate perceptions of the roles, responsibilities, and issues entailed in the jobs of U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service law enforcement and investigations (LEI) personnel. An e-mail survey was administered to the 537 Forest Service forest supervisors and district rangers (National Forest System [NFS] line officers) across the United States. Two-hundred and seventy-six completed and returned the questionnaire. Interaction, collaboration, and teamwork were important to the NFS line officer respondents—they reported the need for frequent interactions and had general agreement on priorities with LEI. Budget was a major concern for the NFS line officer respondents as was the shortage of law enforcement officers and forest protection officers. Natural resource protection was seen as important and was thought to be a priority, along with budget and safety. A successful LEI program was characterized as one that is understood by those engaged in or affected by the program and that has sufficient personnel and good communication.

Forest Service Special Agent in Charge Report: Nationwide Study

This study is the second in a series of studies to evaluate perceptions of USDA Forest Service law enforcement personnel of the roles, responsibilities, and issues entailed in their jobs. An e-mail survey was administered to the nine Forest Service special agents in charge (SACs) across the United States. All nine completed and returned the survey. Communication with others in the Forest Service was important to the SACs, as evidenced by their efforts to communicate at group meetings, their use of the phone and e-mail, talking face-to-face with others, and being available to communicate. A major concern for the SACs was the shortage of law enforcement officers and forest protection officers. Forest Service SACs ranked their highest job priorities as protecting National Forest System employees and forest users, followed by protecting forest resources and public property. Nationally, a successful program was characterized as one with sufficient resources that is understood by those engaged in or affected by the program, staffed by highly qualified individuals, and under good leadership.

Forest Service Patrol Captains and Patrol Commanders Report: Nationwide Study

This is the third in a series of studies to evaluate perceptions of USDA Forest Service law enforcement personnel of the roles, responsibilities, and issues entailed in their jobs. An e-mail survey was administered to the 79 Forest Service patrol captains and patrol commanders (PCs) across the United States. Seventy completed and returned the questionnaire. Communication with others in the Forest Service was important to the PC respondents, as evidenced by their efforts to communicate at group meetings, talking face-to-face with others, their use of e-mail and the phone, and being available to communicate. A major concern for the PC respondents was the shortage of law enforcement officers and forest protection officers. Forest Service PC respondents ranked their highest job priorities as protecting National Forest System employees and forest users, followed by protecting forest resources and public property. Nationally, a successful program was characterized as one with sufficient resources that is understood by those engaged in or affected by the program, and one that is under good leadership.

Forest Service Special Agents, Assistant Special Agents in Charge, Senior Special Agents, and Supervisory Special Agents Report: Nationwide Study

This is the fourth in a series of studies to evaluate perceptions of U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service law enforcement personnel of the roles, responsibilities, and issues related to their jobs. An e-mail survey was administered to the 89 Forest Service special agents, assistant special agents in charge, senior special agents, and supervisory special agents (SAs) across the United States. Seventy completed and returned the questionnaire. Communication with others in the Forest Service was important to the SA respondents, as evidenced by their efforts to communicate at group meetings, and their use of e-mail and the phone. A major concern for the SA respondents was the shortage of SAs and law enforcement officers. Forest Service SA respondents ranked their highest job priorities as protecting National Forest System employees and forest users, followed by protecting forest resources and public property. Nationally, a successful program was characterized as one with sufficient resources that is understood by those engaged in or affected by the program.