REM 431 - Visitor Management in Conservation Areas

This course is for students studying Recreation & Tourism Management or Environmental Studies, and for any student who is interested in working for federal, state or non-profit agencies where managing recreational visitors is part of their work. Students will examine various avenues for managing recreational use in conservation areas. Visitor education, recommendations for types of use and regulation will be examined as options for managing recreational use. Strategies for modifying visitor behavior, based on social psychological models, will be studied to help students understand the diversity of approaches they may take in designing signage, in locating rangers and in working with volunteers. The course will include fieldwork which allows students to explore ways to control use with physical structures, trail design for screening and the use of physical barriers for visitor redirection.

Prerequisites: REM 121, and junior standing, or permission of instructor.

Course Typically Offered Every Fall

Credits: 3