Recreation Management

A New Zealander and an Irishman quit their jobs, cash in their savings and walk 2,626 miles from Mexico to Canada along one of the longest and most challenging foot trails in the world, the Pacific Crest Trail. Their route takes them through some of the most spectacular scenery in North America, including California’s deserts, alpine lakes and granite peaks of the Sierra Nevadas, and massive volcanoes and temperate rainforests of the Cascade Mountains. Walking a challenging pace of 21 miles a day for 4.5 months, they must cross the Canadian border before winter storms hit the Cascades.

This program features profiles of three women who have staked out successful careers in the adventure tourism industry: Diny Harrison, a certified mountain guide with experience in Italy, Switzerland, and other countries; Mylène Pronovost, a dog sled musher and outdoor activities instructor; and Marie-Josée Blanchette, an ecotourism development agent who plans and guides wilderness tours. Additional information from coworkers and supervisors supplements each job profile. Part of the series Career Options for Women: Emerging Opportunities. (24 minutes)

There are risks involved with all outdoor activities. They make the experience challenging, adventurous, and ultimately rewarding. But how we assess and manage those risks is the key to having fun in the great outdoors. This program addresses the nature of risk, including positive and negative consequences and emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility in managing risk. An overview of how to identify, assess, and reduce risks in recreational settings is provided. We meet Peta Whitford, Education Development Officer at Orienteering Victoria who walks us through the potential risks and rewards of outdoor activity.

After a brief history of the national park movement, this program examines the challenges faced by three areas that were specially set aside for the protection of their flora and fauna—Yellowstone National Park, England’s Lake District National Park, and Australia’s Kakadu National Park. The video also delves into the growth of tourism and its environmental impact; conflicts between recreation, economic needs, and conservation; and the concerns of local and indigenous communities. Produced in Australia. A viewable/printable worksheet is available online. (23 minutes)