Public use and citizen outreach at experimental forests and ranges

Abstract

Experimental Forests and Ranges (EFRs) in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service historically have served as a resource for scientists conducting longitudinal and comparative research on aspects of forestry and range management. In addition to being sites of scientific investigation, EFRs are widely used by people for activities ranging from resource extraction and subsistence harvesting to nature appreciation and recreation. They also are used for education, training, technology transfer, and citizen science. Using a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, conversations with EFR contacts, literature review, and web searches, we explored the variety of ways that humans interact with EFRs. We received data on 68 EFRs in the network and found evidence of human use at every site. In this chapter, we present data on EFR visitor patterns as well as unsanctioned uses. The most frequent visitor activities were walking, hiking, and running, hunting, and wildlife viewing. Several EFR sites contain extensive trail networks or are located within or adjacent to public lands with special designations that encourage recreation use. Variations in use existed between rural and urban EFRs. We also found that Forest Service scientists engaged with communities and stakeholders through a wide range of public outreach and education activities. Continued efforts toward stakeholder collaboration may yield future opportunities to expand the science mission at EFRs, involve citizens in data gathering and monitoring, and forge strong ties with nearby communities.