Hiker Diversity in Backcountry Areas—Implications for Planning and Management

The level of experience, desired psychological experiences, and management preferences were compared among hikers in three backcountry primitive areas. Significant differences in all three sets of variables among study areas suggest that recreationists choosing the same Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) land class are seeking a variety of experiences. The authors argue that more information is needed by managers and planners about the nature of in-class diversity, an issue which is often overlooked in current ROS planning. West. J. Appl. For. 3(2):49-52, April 1988.