Outdoor Recreation in America

Outdoor Recreation in America is back-fully revised and updated, with significant new material based on current statistics from a number of sources, including the latest U.S. Census Bureau and the latest National Survey on the Environment. Now in its sixth edition, this book continues to lead the way in its comprehensive coverage of issues in this growing field.

First published in 1970, Outdoor Recreation in America has had a major impact in the classroom and in the field's scholarly and professional literature. Author Clayne R. Jensen is a noted authority and pioneer in the field, and in this latest edition he is joined by Steven P. Guthrie. Dr. Guthrie is a founder and past president of the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education and a member of the editorial committee for the Journal of Experiential Education. Together the authors take this classic text into the new century by

-enabling readers to understand the value and challenges of preserving and properly using existing resources for present and future generations;

-providing a balanced perspective between the outdoor recreation interests of individuals and the management of natural resources used for recreational purposes; and

-presenting timely information and discussion questions to challenge students about American outdoor recreation.

The following are significant additions to this edition:

-New data and figures

-Greater emphasis on outdoor recreation leadership

-Discussions of funding sources for natural resource protection and parks

-Expanded chapters on wilderness, the national park system, national forests, and education for outdoor recreation and professional development

-New or greatly revised chapters on concepts and terms, participation, history, the national park system, national forests, other land or water management agencies, state and local involvement, the role of private commercial and nonprofit providers, environmental quality, and concepts and challenges in resource management

-Attention to information and trends for adventure education, programming, and leadership; outdoor environmental education; and interpretation

-New student-friendly features including key points and discussion questions at the end of each chapter to help students grasp key concepts and expand their critical thinking on the issues

-Extensive current references and Web sites that provide additional information and extend the learning for readers

Part I presents the meaning, concepts, history, benefits, and values of outdoor recreation. It also looks at influences and trends in participation and explores the issues and impact that lifestyle trends have on outdoor recreation. Part II focuses on natural resources, including land, water, and wildlife, and considers concepts of resource management.

Part III examines the roles of state and federal agencies, including the National Park Service, USDA Forest Service, federal land and water management systems, and numerous state agencies. Part IV details the impact of local government and the private and nonprofit sector on outdoor recreation. Part V provides a synthesis of the challenges for the 21st century in the area of resources, planning, environmental issues, and the role of outdoor education.

Outdoor Recreation in America, Sixth Edition, is an essential introductory text for university courses in outdoor recreation and natural resource management. Written in a friendly style, the book includes more than 180 photos, maps, charts, graphs, diagrams, and tables. It provides both theoretical foundations and practical information so that students can gain an expansive awareness of, and insight into, the impact and role of outdoor recreation from its beginnings in America to the present.