Conflicts between recreationists at Elk/Beaver Lake, Saanich, B.C. : a study in attitudes and awareness to lake use and management
Date
1997
Authors
Carr, Michelle Lee
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Abstract
This study examined the issue of conflicts between recreationists on British Columbia's urban lakes. The focus of the s tudy was Elk/Beaver Lake, Saanich, B.C., which provided an appropriate context to examine the management of a range of recreational activities in an intensively used, multiple use area.
Bryan's (1977) concept of 'recreation specialization' provided a theoretical framework for examining user groups' attitudes and awareness towards lake use and management and a foundation for determining management strategies for minimizing lake use conflicts. He hypothesized that recreationists can be arranged along a continuum of recreation behaviour that extends from the generalist to the specialist and is reflected in the skills, equipment and activity setting required for the activity. More specialized users are more likely to experience conflict with other user groups who interfere with their recreational goals.
Observations of behaviour were systematically recorded to acquire a spatial sense of problem areas. A questionnaire determined user groups' attitudes and awareness towards lake use and management. Interviews with managers determined their understanding and attitudes to lake use and management alternatives. Results were analyzed using non-parametric statistics to determine strength in direction of response and degree of association between groups.
A continuum of recreation specialization of the user groups at Elk/Beaver Lake was developed. Management alternatives suggested by the research were discussed, and recommendations for minimizing recreation conflicts and suggestions for further research were offered.