2023 Year In Review

On behalf of the Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism at Utah State University, it’s my pleasure to share a brief year-in-review from our team. 2023 was an exceptional year for outdoor recreation and tourism within the state! We continue to ensure that the growth and management of outdoor recreation and tourism within Utah is done with the best data, research, and planning possible. Most notably this past year, the Institute was able to work closely with the Outdoor Adventure Commission to develop Utah’s Outdoor Recreation Strategic Plan, which outlines four cardinal directions to guide the future of outdoor recreation within the state.

In addition to assisting in developing the state’s strategic plan, our team led a comprehensive assessment of outdoor recreation within the Central Wasatch, worked with the state’s Division of Water Quality to assess recreationists and residents’ perceptions of water quality at Utah Lake, and led an assessment of the contributions of night sky recreation to the state’s economy. The peer-reviewed papers, technical reports, and news coverage from these efforts (as well as our many other projects) are outlined below.

The Institute remains committed to providing the best available data to inform outdoor recreation and tourism decisions within Utah, and beyond its borders. In the future, the need for data, research, and planning assistance will continue to grow in response to the increasing value, and demand for, outdoor recreation and tourism opportunities. Thank you for all of your support in 2023! We’re looking forward to forging new and stronger partnerships in the year ahead.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jordan W. Smith
Director, Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism
Professor, Department of Environment and Society
S. J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources
Utah State University

Peer Review Papers of Research from IORT Faculty, Staff, & Students

• Zhang, H., & Smith, J. W. (2023). A data-driven and generalizable model for classifying recreation opportunities at multiple spatial extents. Landscape and Urban Planning, 240, 1048766.
• Beeco, A., Wilkins, E. J., Miller, A. B., Lamborn, C. C., Anderson, S. J., Miller, Z. D., & Smith, J. W. (2023). Support for management actions to protect night sky quality: Insights from visitors to state and national park units in the U.S. Journal of Environmental Management, 118878.
• Depew, E., & Smith, J. W. (2023). Long-distance cycling routes: Economic impacts and best practices. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, 41(4), 68-78.
• Smart, L. S., Seekamp, E., Van Berkel, D., Vukomanovic, J., & Smith, J. W. (2023) Socio-spatial factors influence climate adaptation decisions of rural coastal landowners. Landscape Ecology.
• Smith, J. W., Yang, E., & Miller, A. B. (2023). Research note: An evaluation of potential locations for the Bears Ears National Monument Cultural Center. Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, 43, 100645.
• Lamborn, C. C., & Smith, J. W. (2023). Social and ecological impacts of fire to coastal fisheries: A study of the Kenai River Fishery (Alaska, USA). Marine and Coastal Fisheries, 15(3), e10240.
• Lamborn, C. C., Givens, J., Lant, C., Roper, B., Monz, C., & Smith, J. W. (2023). The social-ecological system of the Kenai River Fishery (Alaska, USA). Journal of Environmental Management, 331, 117314.
• Spernbauer, B. S., Monz, C., D’Antonio, A. & Smith, J. W. (2023). Factors influencing informal trail conditions: Implications for management and research in urban-proximate parks and protected areas. Landscape and Urban Planning, 231, 104661.
• Yang, E., & Smith, J. W. (2023). The spatial and temporal resilience of the outdoor recreation and tourism industries in the United States throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Tourism Management, 104661.
• Bixler, R. P., Epanchin-Niell, R. S., Brunson, M. W., Tarver, R. D., Sikes, B. A., McClure, M. & Aslan, C. E.. (2023). How social and ecological characteristics shape transaction costs in polycentric wildfire governance: Insights from the Sequoia-Kings Canyon Ecosystem, USA. Ecology and Society 28(1):34. 
• Otto, N., Brunson, M. W., & Aslan, C. E. (2023). Disturbance and invasive plant occurrence along high-elevation boundaries surrounding California protected areas. Natural Areas Journal 43:72-77.

 

Technical Reports

• Smith, J. W., & Lamborn, C. C. (2023). Outdoor recreation use of the Central Wasatch: Results from the 2021-2022 visitor use survey. Logan, UT: Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, Utah State University.
• Smith, J. W., Miller, A. B., & Lamborn, C. C. (2023). Recreationists and nearby residents’ perceptions of water quality at Utah Lake. Logan, UT: Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, Utah State University.
• Smith, J. W., Powell, J., Trout, C., Trauntvein, N., Hall, R., & Freimund, W. (2023). Collaborative development of Utah’s outdoor recreation strategic plan: Process and findings from 14 regional workshops. Logan, UT: Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, Utah State University.
• Smith, J. W., Trauntvein, N., & Trout, C. (2023). Insights into the characteristics of outdoor recreationists in Utah from a statewide survey. Logan, UT: Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, Utah State University.
• Trout, C., & Smith, J. W. (2023). Outdoor recreation across the western United States: A comparative analysis focused on state agencies, policies, programs, and resources. Logan, UT: Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, Utah State University.
• Smith, J. W., & Trout, C. (2023). An overview of state funding for outdoor recreation and tourism in Utah. Logan, UT: Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, Utah State University.
• Smith, J. W., Lamborn, C. C., Rempel, W., & Miller, Z. D. (2023). Characteristics of anglers and angling preferences in Utah: Results from the 2021-2022 Utah angler survey. Logan, UT: Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, Utah State University.
• Smith, J. W., Spernbauer, B., & Lamborn, C. C. (2023). Outdoor recreation use and indicators of the ecological, physical, and social characteristics of recreation settings in the Central Wasatch: Phase 2 trail use report. Logan, UT: Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, Utah State University.
• Smith, J. W., Stoner, L., Rumore, D., Katcher, J., & Powell, J. (2023). Red Emerald Resilience Training Program: Preparing Utah’s tourism industry for a post-pandemic world. Logan, UT: Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, Utah State University.
•  Smith, J. W., Miller, Z. D., Miller, A. B., Lamborn, C. C., Beeco, A., & Anderson, S. (2023). Characteristics, management preferences, and spending profiles of night sky recreationists in Utah. Logan, UT: Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, Utah State University.
• Sodja, E. (2023). Planning for a GNARly Future: Reimagining planning to empower your community - Summary report. Logan, UT: The Gateway & Natural Amenity Region Initiative,  Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, Utah State University.

 

News Coverage of Research from IORT Faculty, Staff, & Students

• Batura, S. (2023, October 12). Community survey finds pessimism, but opportunity. Livingston Enterprise.
• Sodja, E., Gilbert, L. (2023, September 13). Trouble in Paradise: Tackling the Challenges of Living in Utah’s Outdoor Recreation Communities. Utah State University Alumni Magazine.
• Alaska Fire Science Consortium. (2023, September 1). Fire impacts on Kenai River salmon fishing. akfiresciencehighlights.com 
• Western Governors’ Association (2023, June 18). Highlights and Photos from WGA’s 2023 Annual Meeting. Western Governors’ Association News
• Condos, D. (2023, May 12). Utah is working on a recreation plan to ease crowding, climate and other pressures. KUER.org
• Houk, R. (2023, May 3). Earth notes: Colorado Plateau Dark Sky Cooperative. KNAU News Talk - Arizona Public Radio
• Bagley, J. (2023, May 1). It pays for small towns to invest in trail systems. UtahBusiness.
• Ciaramella, E. (2023, April 17). How to enjoy nature responsibly. Salt Lake Tribune.
• Boyce, R. (2023, April 7). Defending the dark: Utah’s dark sky advocates protect Utah’s shining natural resource. KSL.com
• Gilbert, L. (2023, February 16). Uncharted waters: Mapping real complexity on the Kenai River Fishery. Utah State University Today.
• Jag, J. (2023, January 24). Outdoor recreation is a hot topic in the 2023 legislative session. Salt Lake Tribune.

 

Professional Education, Training, & Webinars

• Gateway and Natural Amenity Region Initiative. (2023, January 26). Planning for a GNARly future: REENGAGE: Mobilize community through proactive engagement. Shake up public outreach efforts and brainstorm with other communities. Gateway and Natural Amenity Region Initiative, Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, Utah State University.
• Gateway and Natural Amenity Region Initiative. (2023, February 23). Planning for a GNARly future: REDEFINE: Solutions beyond boundaries. Craft regional solutions for regional problems. Gateway and Natural Amenity Region Initiative, Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, Utah State University. 
• Gateway and Natural Amenity Region Initiative. (2023, March 30). Planning for a GNARly future: REIMAGINE: Planning, not plans. Navigate an uncertain future and increase resiliency. Gateway and Natural Amenity Region Initiative, Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, Utah State University.
• Colorado Plateau Dark Sky Cooperative Quarterly CONNECTIONS Webinar Series (2023).
• Protecting the Night Sky (April 5)
• Economic Development Opportunities (June 7)
• Education and Outreach/Advocacy (September 6)
• The Opportunity: Astrotourism (December 6)