Okefenokee Wilderness: data from a 2001 study of visitor characteristics, perceptions, and management preferences

The Okefenokee Wilderness, which is within the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in southern Georgia, has several characteristics that make it an ideal laboratory to study the interactions between recreationists and the natural environment. Wilderness managers at Okefenokee have adopted regulations that lead overnight visitors to expect and receive high-quality experiences of solitude. Negatives of this approach are that freedom of movement and exploration of the wilderness are highly restricted; many of those seeking overnight permits are denied them, and interaction with unrestricted day users is generally negative. Managers wanted to assess visitor opinions about management and use of the Okefenokee, and gain information on the characteristics and experiences of visitors. This data publication contains data from the 1999-2001 study composed of research aimed to answer those managerial questions.
This study’s research objectives were: 1. To describe Okefenokee use and activities among boaters. 2. To identify attitudes about wildlife refuges and wilderness, and support for management actions among wilderness visitors. 3. To assess knowledge of wilderness philosophy, concepts, and values among various visitor groups, including those who receive a wilderness interpretive program and those who do not. 4. To determine the extent to which wilderness visitors experience solitude and primitive and unconfined recreation. 5. To identify the extent of conflict among various user groups. 6. To describe the socio-demographic characteristics of wilderness visitors.