Understanding Hikers’ Behavioral Intent Toward Leave No Trace in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Schafer D, Bobilya AJ, Lawhon B, Faircloth WB, Schultz J. 2022. Understanding Hikers’ Behavioral Intent Toward Leave No Trace in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership. :1-17
ABSTRACT: Resource degradation is a chief concern related to increased recreational of U.S. public lands. The Seven Leave No Trace (LNT) Principles are used to educate visitors how to reduce recreational impacts. This study sought to understand Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSM) hikers’ behavioral intent toward LNT practices. A quantitative questionnaire was used to measure participants’ behavioral intent toward LNT based on four predictor variables: attitudes of appropriateness, perceived effectiveness, perceived difficulty, and self-reported knowledge. 285 total questionnaires were completed. These results indicate that the predictor variables had varying levels of influence on hikers’ behavioral intent, with perceived effectiveness and difficulty being the most significant predictors. GRSM staff may be able to reduce hiker impact by focusing education on the effectiveness and ease of practice of LNT Principles. GRSM staff may also provide education that increases hikers’ understanding of impacts and emphasizes appropriateness of proper LNT behavior.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Schafer, David; Bobilya, Andrew; Lawhon, Ben; Faircloth, W; Schultz, Jeremy
- Units
- GRSM
- Keywords
- GRSM-02165, hikers, leave no trace, recreation, social science, theory of planned behavior