Understanding Local Perceptions of Management and Values of Long Distance Trails
Date
2015-04-24
Author
Advisor
Shapiro-Garza, Elizabeth
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Abstract
Long distance trails provide immeasurable benefits far beyond a challenging hike.
Their corridors and the ecosystems within them give economic, environmental, and social
benefits to human and natural communities. Local communities can enjoy economic support
and ecosystem services, such as clean water and clean air. Trails may mitigate floods,
storms, and drought or provide veterans a chance to ‘walk off the war’ (Small, 2009).
Whether it be a rural community utilizing outdoor recreation as an income, or an individual
finding peace with life, long distance trails provide something for all of us.
Our population will keep growing. Our resources will not. Increased development
breeds increased demands for energy, food, and infrastructure, which will continue
to threaten the connected greenways that many treasure.
Those living in the vicinity of a long distance trail have the most to lose if the
protection, land use, or environmental integrity is degraded. Those communities and
regional voices also have the most power to advocate for the trails’ protection.
It is vital that trailside communities care for, understand, and become partners in
the management of these significant trails and to assist in protection and promotion
of these national treasures.
This research project investigates local perceptions, values, attitudes, and knowledge
of selected trailside communities neighboring two national, long distance trails.
The paper explores 1) What local trailside communities value about long distance trails,
and the negative impacts of those trails on those communities; 2) The communities'
knowledge, understanding, and interest in management of the trails; and 3) How the
differences in historical context influence the values and attitudes of two national
trails in separate countries.
Type
Master's projectPermalink
https://hdl.handle.net/10161/9678Citation
Judkins, Julie (2015). Understanding Local Perceptions of Management and Values of Long Distance Trails.
Master's project, Duke University. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10161/9678.Collections
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