Empowering Sustainable Recreation
Welcome to our Projects page! Here, you can explore the various initiatives we are undertaking to promote sustainable tourism. Our projects aim to support local communities, protect the environment, and foster cultural exchange in a responsible manner. Learn more about our efforts below. We partner with local businesses and architects to design and construct eco-friendly accommodations. These buildings utilize sustainable materials, renewable energy sources, and water-saving technologies to minimize their environmental footprint.
Ongoing Projects
Active research and applied projects currently underway by the SORTL team.
Timed Entry in Arches National Park
Evaluating the ecological and experiential outcomes of reservation-based entry at one of America's most visited national parks — helping the NPS make evidence-based decisions about visitor use management.
Digital Orientation in Special Use Areas: The Fiery Furnace
Developing and testing a digital pre-visit orientation for Fiery Furnace permit holders — measuring whether multimedia preparation reduces resource impacts in one of Arches' most sensitive and complex landscapes.
Reef-Friendly Products and Visitor Action: Belize
Examining how beachgoers' environmental beliefs and climate change attitudes influence sunscreen decisions at a coastal site in Belize — testing brief educational interventions to encourage reef-safe product choices.
Past Projects
Wildfire Threat Management for Outdoor Professionals is a comprehensive project designed to provide outdoor professionals with essential knowledge and skills for navigating the evolving challenges posed by wildfire threats in natural settings through a dynamic E-Learning Experience. This project encompasses a dynamic workshop that delves into the intricacies of wildfire dynamics, risk assessment, mitigation strategies, and emergency response planning tailored to outdoor programs. Through a combination of engaging discussions, real-world case studies, and hands-on exercises, participants will gain a deep understanding of how to operate safely and sustainably in wildfire-prone regions. Additionally, the project highlights the proactive use of prescribed burns as a valuable tool for wildfire prevention while addressing their potential impact on programming during shoulder seasons. By promoting responsible and informed wildfire threat management, this project aims to ensure outdoor professionals can continue providing safe and enriching outdoor experiences while contributing to the resilience of natural environments in the face of increasing wildfire activity.
This research project focuses on the multifaceted aspects of Via Ferrata routes, a unique and exhilarating form of outdoor recreation. This endeavor is conducted by a dedicated team of researchers, encompassing extensive fieldwork, data collection, and analysis. Through over 45 interviews with various stakeholders, hands-on experience climbing diverse routes, and consultations with tertiary businesses, we have delved deep into the world of Via Ferrata. Our goal is to inform Via Ferrata route installers, recreationists, tourism professionals, and those interested in diversifying outdoor recreation offerings about the potential and challenges of building and maintaining these routes. By sharing our insights, best practices, and predictive models, we aim to contribute to the safe, enjoyable, and sustainable growth of Via Ferrata as an exciting outdoor activity while enriching the scholarly discourse on outdoor recreation and tourism development. Explore our findings and join us in the exploration of this thrilling outdoor adventure.
This project, titled “Exploring Influences of Decision-Making and Risk-taking in Backcountry Snow Travel,” investigates how perceptions of rescue times and methods influence decision-making among individuals participating in winter adventure recreation. The study used an online survey to understand individuals’ beliefs about rescue operations and how these beliefs correlate with their decisions in the backcountry. The findings revealed a significant correlation between the use of rescue resources and reliance on technology like avalanche airbags and cell phones. Moreover, it was found that beliefs about rescues were significantly related to risky behaviors, such as overestimating one’s abilities. This research helps to better understand the complex decision-making process in backcountry travel and the importance of perceived rescue options in influencing behaviors.
The “Dry Canyon Preservation and Recreation Use Study” focuses on the Dry Canyon urban park in Redmond, Oregon, a 7.8-mile trail popular for various activities. Despite its popularity, little is known about the users and their experiences. The study aims to survey these users to understand their activities, use density, and future expectations for the park. The project involves interviewing trail users, using trail counters to measure usage rates, and understanding community members’ desires for park development. Data will be collected in different park areas at various times to ensure a comprehensive understanding. The findings will help inform decisions about the future development of Dry Canyon Park, ensuring it meets the needs and expectations of the community.
The project “Short-Term Adventure Courses and Student Persistence” investigates the impact of short-term adventure courses (STACs) on college students’ sense of community and commitment to college. It explores how participating in outdoor adventure education, like rock climbing or kayaking, influences students’ feelings of belonging and desire to continue their education. The study used surveys and interviews with students who took these courses at a West Coast university. Results showed that STACs significantly improve students’ sense of community linked to their college commitment. This project highlights the positive effects of adventure-based university programs, not just for fun but also for fostering a sense of belonging and enhancing student persistence in college.