that not everyone felt they could capitalize on this new economy.
Within six months, the SEO was able to get all stakeholder groups to meet together and discuss their different views. The organization sponsored a “sense of place” workshop, where stakeholders were open to discuss their points of view with each other. The workshop gave city planners a better understanding of how an influx of visitors had been affecting community members’ lives. The city planners are now using this information as they develop an up-to-date economic plan for the community.
Community members have become empowered to work in cooperation with local nature-based businesses and the local government. Through SEO, community members have begun a recycling program, are educating locals on the use of alternative energies, were able to get Leave No Trace to visit Munising and provide workshops, and have begun to develop their distribution of locally grown foods. This success has helped people in Munising to feel more optimistic about visitor traffic, and the tone toward visitors has become positive for the most part.
As Denver Post reporter Jason Blevins put it, outdoor recreation is no longer seated at the kids’ table in the U.S. economy. While employment opportunities are now abundant in the field, careers in recreation should focus on enhancing the quality of outdoor recreation services. As outdoor recreation continues its economic growth, the industry must consider its impacts not only on local economics and the natural environment but also on sustaining local cultures. The field needs to encourage the use of local products, employ people who live in the area, increase the use of alternative energies in businesses, and protect the natural environment.
Scott Jordan, Ph.D., is an assistant professor at Northern Michigan University and coordinator of Outdoor Recreation Leadership and Management.
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