Recreation on the upper Yellowstone River : a study of use and place

McBride, Megan K., M.S., May 2005 Recreation Management Recreation on the Upper Yellowstone River: A Study of Use and Place Committee Chair: Norma P. Nickerson ' The concept of place and how individuals relate to recreation areas has been an aspect of considerable interest within recreation literature. Past research has used this concept to unify groups of people through their attachment to place. However, there is a push within research to recognize that multiple interpretations of space exist, and therefore, how individuals view a particular place may differ from person to person. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of recreationists' attachment to place, both the shared understandings and the divergent views of a recreation area. Also, this study hopes to shed more light on the concept of special places. Finally, it was the intention of this study to learn more about recreationists using the upper Yellowstone River. The quantitative survey, looking at individuals' recreation activities, satisfaction levels, attachment to place and level of concern regarding growth along the upper Yellowstone River, was completed by 307 individuals. The analysis of the quantitative section consisted of reporting means and frequencies of activities, satisfaction levels and demographics. A factor analysis was performed in order to determine the dimensions of place attachment along the River. Also, as a means of understanding the concept of place, 20 recreationists participated in in-depth interviews. Interviews were taperecorded and transcribed and finally analyzed using a hermeneutic theoretical framework. This analysis revealed four important dimensions: descriptions, change, special place and management. The results show that recreationists participate in a variety of activities and are very satisfied with their recreation experience. The place attachment dimension resulted in two factors: place identity and place dependence. The place identity dimension was stronger than place dependence among recreationists, indicating a strong emotional attachment to the River. Looking at special places revealed the multi-dimensional nature of what makes a place special. Further, analysis revealed concern among recreationists in terms of development. Findings indicated that individuals' emotional connection to the watershed is being changed and challenged through increasing development along the banks of the upper Yellowstone River. This study proposes that the issue of development and its affects on recreationists' attachment to place be further studied.