11-24-1992 PTRC Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Attachment A DNR Office of Planning November 1992 • Outdoor Recreation Public Advisory Committee (ORPAC): Issue Discussion Results (not in order of priority) A. Environmental Ethics/Values & Loss of Outdoor Skills Many members of the public lack knowledge about the environment, how natural processes work, or do not possess skills necessary to enjoy outdoor recreational facilities and places. In many cases, this lack of knowledge translates into unacceptable values and activities which may lead to environmental degradation or deterioration of recreational facilities through improper use, abuse, or neglect. Urban and suburban residents in particular need natural places to recreate so they may have opportunities to connect with the natural environment. Al Outdoor Recreation Programming & Visitor Services (issue #4 from the 1990-1994 SCORP) In our increasingly urban society, many Minnesotans are becoming further removed from their natural, ecological surroundings. Consequently, many lack even basic understanding of environmental concepts, outdoor and life skills, or the ethical behavior and values associated with natural resource conservation. . . . Building public awareness of resource issues is critical to the protection of Minnesota s natural and cultural heritage. . . . B. Access (Barriers to Recreation) Residents and visitors are experiencing a variety of access barriers to recreational facilities and activities. Access barriers may take the form of facilities which are not accessible to the disabled; in other cases the primary barrier to access may be a lack of means to travel to the recreational site (e.g., no access to a car or no public transportation to the recreation site.) Access may also mean no place to pursue a particular form of recreational activity. For example, users of Off-Road Vehicles (ORVs) are finding it increasingly difficult to use their machines near the Minneapohs/St. Paul metropolitan area and surrounding suburbs. Hunters as well have found fewer opportunities near the metropolitan area to pursue their sports. Residential and commercial development, for example, has decreased the availability of fewer places to pursue these types of recreational activities. Finally, an access barrier may be cultural or linguistic. New immigrants and citizens with different languages or cultures may not fully understand the availability of recreational opportunities. As the diversity of Minnesota's population grows, the types of recreational opportunities sought also grows. •