New Mexico Envirothon

Special Topic

Learning Objectives; "Recreational Impacts Upon Natural Resources"

2008 Envirothon Issue

GOAL

Students will analyze long term and short term environmental, social, and economic factors relative to recreational impacts upon natural resources and their management.

ACTIVITIES

*	Students will analyze the availability of natural resources and the delivery of biotic communities, focusing upon factors that invite outdoor recreational users.

*	Students will research and identify recreational impacts upon natural resources, focusing upon their environmental implications.

*	Students will examine unique challenges for natural resource managers New Mexico, due to its aridity, prolomged drought, and burgeoning human population and focusing on management concerns in the face of increasing recreation.

*	Students will identify key stakeholders in the business of recreation and tourism, including values and positions each holds toward outdoor recreation and natural resources.

*	Students will describe interconnectedness between socio-economic, technological, and ecological aspects of recreation.

OUTCOME

Students will be able to recommend action relative to a natural resource management challenge that will:

minimize adverse impacts to natural resources

build consensus among key stakeholders

accommodate diverse audiences

contribute positively to the economic impact of a specified geographical region


Premise:

In an effort to act responsibly towards the impact on natural resources and RECREATION, your team has been hired as consultants by Bonita Park Caamp. A benefactor recently donated 40 acres of land to Bonita Park Camp. The land is not adjacent to the current Camp; however it isn't too far away.


As consultants, you are natural resource managers. You are hired to find a balance between the need to enjoy the natural world and maintain the quality of the environment.


The terrain in 1/2 of the area is ........... DESCRIBE AREA


One of the proposals for the use of the land is a dirt bike, all-terrain Vehicle Park. Eventually, even a race track could be designed. This would be a great source of income for the Camp.


Another is to develop the area into an outdoor classroom. However, the income would be very limited from this activity.


Other recreational ideas include, and not limited to:


Birding, Camping (primitive), Fishing, Geocaching, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Hunting, Orienteering, Wildlife Viewing.


NOTES:


*	Bonita Park Camp needs to earn enough revenue from the donated land to pay for land taxes (AMOUNT). They would also like to ensure enough income to be able to sponsor ten (10) $1000 scholarships for Returning Camp Participants that became Teen leaders -- Annually.
*	There is evidence of a Endangered Species -- the Thick-Billed Parrot (Fictitious Scenario for learning purposes only).


Create a proposal outlining your team's recommendations to the Bonita Park Camp Advisory Board for the 40 acres of donated land.


Include in your proposal:

1.	How to minimize adverse impacts to the natural resources.
2.	How the plan contributes to the economic needs of Bonita Park Camp.

3.	A list of potential stakeholders (camp, community members, who has interest in what happens to the land).

(This is a Fictitious Scenario for learning purposes only)

Duration of the presentation: 7--10 minutes.

Download Score Sheet

Resources and Contacts

Here are a few references to help you prepare for this part of the Envirothon. These are not the only references on this topic. If you have references, you are encouraged to use them.

Leave No Trace

http://www.lnt.org/programs/index.php

Bureau of Land Management

http://blm.gov

National Forest Service

http://www.fs.fed.us

Recreational Activities

http://recreation.gov

Arizona State Parks

http://www.pr.state.az.us

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us