R. Harvey Lemelin

Finding Beauty in the Dragon: The Role of Dragonflies in Recreation and Tourism

In some Asian countries such as China and in Japan, Odonota (dragonflies, damselflies) have a long history of being involved in recreation and leisure activities. In contemporary Japan, dragonfly enthusiasts, much like birders elsewhere, pride themselves on recognizing many different types of Odonata. In fact, numerous symposia, festivals, and sanctuaries provide Japanese dragonfly enthusiasts with the opportunity to practice and perfect their skills (Primack et al., 2000). Dragonfly gatherings (e.g., counts, educational outings) in North America and Europe are also increasing in popularity. Facilitating the growth of these recreation activities, but more specifically the viewing of dragonflies, are the availability of books and field guides (Corbet, 1999; DuBois, 2005; Dunkle, 2000; Mead, 2003; Nikula et al., 2002), associations (e.g., Dragonfly Society of the Americas, Worldwide Dragonfly Association), and websites (e.g., Digital Dragonflies). This article examines discussion surrounding insect-human relationships while highlighting the contribution of one particular insect order – Odonata (Mitchell & Lasswell 2005; Moore 1997), and the role of this flagship species in socio-cultural norms (Samways 2005) in recreational and tourism activities.

Effect of Environmental Context on the Experience of Polar Bear Viewers in Churchill, Manitoba

Despite the recent growth of wildlife viewing, research on the human dimensions of wildlife tourism in protected areas has been limited. This is surprising because if no monitoring is done, then understanding and responding appropriately to both the benefits and impacts of wildlife tourism in protected areas is almost impossible. In this study, data were gathered on the character of organised outings made by wildlife viewers visiting Churchill, Manitoba to see polar bears in situ. The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of selected environmental factors, such as numbers of wildlife seen, amount of wildlife activity, and overall visibility, on the social dynamics and experience of the wildlife tourists. Results indicate that the number of polar bears seen is the only factor directly related to viewer attentiveness and group dynamics, and importantly, on-site satisfaction with the experience.

Managing forest road access on public lands: a conceptual model of conflict.

Conflicts around the provision, maintenance, and removal of forest road access abound in resource management. These conflicts arise since road access benefits some people while negatively affecting others. Through qualitative interviews with key stakeholders from two northern Ontario, Canada, communities, we examined issues around road access. Conflict emerged as the core category from the interviews, with conflicts primarily arising between tourism operators and local (road-based) recreationists. Social, physical, and managerial contexts are primary drivers of differences in conflict observed within the two communities. Contextual difference in scarcity and allocation of surface water between road-based recreation and remote tourism (i.e., train or float plane accessible tourism establishments) led to much greater conflict in the Dubreuilville than in the Ignace area. Conflict in the two communities also arises from goal interference, social values differences, and perceptions of inequities of past decisions (i.e., distributive inequity) and decision-making processes (i.e., procedural inequity).

Running to Stand Still: The Story of a Victim, A Survivor, A Wounded Healer—A Narrative of Male Sexual Abuse from the Inside

This article provides a sociological introspection pertaining to male sexual abuse from a wounded healers (Etherington, 2000) perspective. Inspired from postmodern narrative and ethnographic works (Ellis & Bochner, 1992; Richardson, 1997), the author layers this account (Rambo-Ronai, 1995) with therapeutic writing (Etherington, 2000) and poetry and prose (Richardson, 1997). This style provides the narrator with the flexibility to move between various temporal and spatial settings and report various internal and external monologues. Also addressed are common misconceptions often associated with male survivors of sexual abuse. The final section highlights the evolution of the author from a victim to a survivor and then to a wounded healer.This article provides a sociological introspection pertaining to male sexual abuse from a wounded healers (Etherington, 2000) perspective. Inspired from postmodern narrative and ethnographic works (Ellis & Bochner, 1992; Richardson, 1997), the author layers this account (Rambo-Ronai, 1995) with therapeutic writing (Etherington, 2000) and poetry and prose (Richardson, 1997). This style provides the narrator with the flexibility to move between various temporal and spatial settings and report various internal and external monologues. Also addressed are common misconceptions often associated with male survivors of sexual abuse. The final section highlights the evolution of the author from a victim to a survivor and then to a wounded healer.

Developing Community Capacities through Scenario Planning for Natural Resource Management: A Case Study of Polar Bears

Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) were listed as a threatened species in Ontario in 2009 as a precautionary measure based on the expectation that their sea ice habitat will decline. The authors studied the Swampy Cree community at Fort Severn, which traditionally harvests this species, to assess community adaptive and governance capacities and designed and discussed four future scenarios regarding potential uses and management strategies for polar bears. The goal of the scenario planning exercise was to broaden community discussions of how to interact with the government regarding polar bear management. Community actions subsequent to the exercise were more proactive, indicating that the exercise successfully encouraged new thinking. We conclude that (1) scenarios create space for the discussion of options that were previously discounted, and (2) scenario planning is a useful tool for the empowerment of communities for the development of adaptive governance.

Exploring the Acceptability of Spatial Simulation Models of Outdoor Recreation for Use by Participants in Public Participation Processes

The use of spatial simulation models in public participation processes through multiple facilitated group sessions is explored in northern Ontario, Canada. Participants evaluated the acceptability of an agent-based model of recreational fishing while working through hypothetical management scenarios. Four main concepts are linked to acceptability: credibility, comprehensiveness, comprehension, and utility. These concepts were generally consistent across sessions. However, differences were observed in themes related to the concepts for some contexts. Consequently, recreation researchers and managers who want to use spatial simulation models with various publics should focus not only on the models content and display of information but also on how the model is communicated.