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A look back at all the highlights from 2023!
2023 Year In Review

2023 Year In Review

A look back at all the highlights from 2023!

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New research details the motivations, preferences, and behaviors of anglers in Utah. The work is being used by managers to provide experiences that are well suited to the growing demand for, and changing environment of, Utah’s fisheries.
Finding New Opportunities for Utah's Anglers

Finding New Opportunities for Utah's Anglers

New research details the motivations, preferences, and behaviors of anglers in Utah. The work is being used by managers to provide experiences that are well suited to the growing demand for, and changing environment of, Utah’s fisheries.

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We invite you to join the Colorado Plateau Dark Sky Cooperative's Quarterly Connections Webinar for presentations and discussion on the economic opportunity of astrotourism.
The Economic Opportunities of Astrotourism

The Economic Opportunities of Astrotourism

We invite you to join the Colorado Plateau Dark Sky Cooperative's Quarterly Connections Webinar for presentations and discussion on the economic opportunity of astrotourism.

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Plan on joining outdoor recreation managers, gateway community leaders, state and local officials, and others who value outdoor recreation in the West at the Basecamp 2024 Conference and Workshop.
Basecamp 2024 Save the Date

Basecamp 2024 Save the Date

Plan on joining outdoor recreation managers, gateway community leaders, state and local officials, and others who value outdoor recreation in the West at the Basecamp 2024 Conference and Workshop.

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New research from IORT maps out the complexity of America's premier salmon fishery.
The Social and Ecological Complexity of the Kenai River Fishery

The Social and Ecological Complexity of the Kenai River Fishery

New research from IORT maps out the complexity of America's premier salmon fishery.

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Jim and Jeri Spinner, both alumni of Utah State University, made a generous donation to support graduate student research experiences in the Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism.
Jim and Jeri Spinner Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Lab

Jim and Jeri Spinner Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Lab

Jim and Jeri Spinner, both alumni of Utah State University, made a generous donation to support graduate student research experiences in the Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism.

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We’ve assembled the first comprehensive review of all the state-led programs and funding mechanisms that support outdoor recreation and tourism within Utah.
State Funding for Outdoor Recreation and Tourism in Utah

State Funding for Outdoor Recreation and Tourism in Utah

We’ve assembled the first comprehensive review of all the state-led programs and funding mechanisms that support outdoor recreation and tourism within Utah.

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Quantifying the Resilience of the Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Industries to the COVID-19 Pandemic
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The Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism is seeking two highly qualified candidates committed to pursuing either an MS or PhD within the Department of Environment and Society at Utah State University.
2022 Graduate Research Assistantships

2022 Graduate Research Assistantships

The Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism is seeking two highly qualified candidates committed to pursuing either an MS or PhD within the Department of Environment and Society at Utah State University.

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Adaptation is going to be critical for continuing to provide outdoor recreation opportunities across the Western U.S.
Climate Change and Outdoor Recreation in the Western US

Climate Change and Outdoor Recreation in the Western US

Adaptation is going to be critical for continuing to provide outdoor recreation opportunities across the Western U.S.

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A new model for conceptualizing recreation ecology through a social-ecological systems framework.
A Framework for Integrating Social-ecological Systems Into Recreation Ecology

A Framework for Integrating Social-ecological Systems Into Recreation Ecology

A new model for conceptualizing recreation ecology through a social-ecological systems framework.

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To preserve access for public inspiration, education, and enjoyment of western night skies, the Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism at Utah State University is partnering up with the National Park Service and becoming the home of the Colorado Plat
IORT Becomes Home of Western Night Sky Cooperatives

IORT Becomes Home of Western Night Sky Cooperatives

To preserve access for public inspiration, education, and enjoyment of western night skies, the Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism at Utah State University is partnering up with the National Park Service and becoming the home of the Colorado Plat...

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Researchers from the Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism used a computer vision algorithm to automatically classify the content of social media photographs. Results were compared with landscape preferences reported in on-site visitor surveys. Unde
Computer Vision and Landscape Preferences

Computer Vision and Landscape Preferences

Researchers from the Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism used a computer vision algorithm to automatically classify the content of social media photographs. Results were compared with landscape preferences reported in on-site visitor surveys. Unde...

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In a new study published in Mountain Research and Development, a team of Utah State University researchers working out of the Climate Adaptation Science program, report minimum daily temperatures are rising at faster rates in most Utah ski resorts, and as
Climate Change at Ski Resorts in Utah

Climate Change at Ski Resorts in Utah

In a new study published in Mountain Research and Development, a team of Utah State University researchers working out of the Climate Adaptation Science program, report minimum daily temperatures are rising at faster rates in most Utah ski resorts, and as...

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A new study from the Institute reveals how participation trends in outdoor recreation will change across the continental U.S.
Rising Temperatures and Outdoor Recreation on Public Lands

Rising Temperatures and Outdoor Recreation on Public Lands

A new study from the Institute reveals how participation trends in outdoor recreation will change across the continental U.S.

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In recently published research, IORT scientists examine the effect of this management intervention on visitor behavior at Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. Some visitors were voluntarily tracked with GPS throughout their visit to the Park. If they w
The Wild Highway: Unintended Consequences of Traffic Management in National Parks

The Wild Highway: Unintended Consequences of Traffic Management in National Parks

In recently published research, IORT scientists examine the effect of this management intervention on visitor behavior at Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. Some visitors were voluntarily tracked with GPS throughout their visit to the Park. If they w...

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New research takes a retrospective look at the influence of the monument designation on outdoor recreation and its related industries in San Juan County, Utah. Using geotagged photos from social media sites, and county-level economic indicators, analysis
Evaluating Bears Ears

Evaluating Bears Ears

New research takes a retrospective look at the influence of the monument designation on outdoor recreation and its related industries in San Juan County, Utah. Using geotagged photos from social media sites, and county-level economic indicators, analysis ...

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When park visitation increased during the pandemic, did human traffic at these concentrated spots?
What Does Social Distancing Look Like In A Busy National Park?

What Does Social Distancing Look Like In A Busy National Park?

When park visitation increased during the pandemic, did human traffic at these concentrated spots?

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A developer eyeing Bridal Veil Falls for a new tram and private drug rehab lodge says he wants to make the iconic Utah County site more accessible to the public, with a “reasonable” fee.
Fees Drive Away Low-income Families from Outdoor Places like Bridal Veil Falls, Researchers Say

Fees Drive Away Low-income Families from Outdoor Places like Bridal Veil Falls, Researchers Say

A developer eyeing Bridal Veil Falls for a new tram and private drug rehab lodge says he wants to make the iconic Utah County site more accessible to the public, with a “reasonable” fee.

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It’s no secret that many choose Grand Marais, the North Shore and the surrounding outdoor playground as their vacation destination each year.
'Zoom Town' Trend Finding a Home in Grand Marais

'Zoom Town' Trend Finding a Home in Grand Marais

It’s no secret that many choose Grand Marais, the North Shore and the surrounding outdoor playground as their vacation destination each year.

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The coronavirus pandemic is leading to a new phenomenon: a migration to “gateway communities,” or small towns near major public lands and ski resorts as people’s jobs increasingly become remote-friendly. This is straining the towns’ resources and putting
'Zoom Towns' are Exploding in the West

'Zoom Towns' are Exploding in the West

The coronavirus pandemic is leading to a new phenomenon: a migration to “gateway communities,” or small towns near major public lands and ski resorts as people’s jobs increasingly become remote-friendly. This is straining the towns’ resources and putting ...

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Across the country, cities and towns are struggling to survive during the COVID-19 outbreak. It has been particularly stressful for gateway communities-- towns or cities that border publicly owned lands such as national parks.
Gateway Community Assistance at Utah State

Gateway Community Assistance at Utah State

Across the country, cities and towns are struggling to survive during the COVID-19 outbreak. It has been particularly stressful for gateway communities-- towns or cities that border publicly owned lands such as national parks.

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Thanks to funding from the National Park Service, the team at USU’s Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism will be working on a series of projects to improve national parks in the intermountain west.
USU Institute Of Outdoor Recreation And Tourism Helping To Improve Park Services Under NPS Contract

USU Institute Of Outdoor Recreation And Tourism Helping To Improve Park Services Under NPS Contract

Thanks to funding from the National Park Service, the team at USU’s Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism will be working on a series of projects to improve national parks in the intermountain west.

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