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Upscale hotels benefit from EV charging stations, study shows

A new study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University finds that upscale hotels in Texas benefit most from hosting Tesla charging stations between 2015-2018. The study suggests that the benefits are due to brand alignment and the presence of nearby tourist attractions, which attract customers seeking charging services.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalJournal of Travel Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 19, 2022

Humans run at the most energy-efficient speed, regardless of distance

Researchers found that humans' natural tendency is to run at a speed that conserves caloric loss, defying the common goal of racing to shave time off miles. By analyzing data from wearable fitness trackers and lab experiments, scientists discovered that most runners maintained a consistent speed for short and long distances.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 28, 2022

National Parks Study: 'Every Kid Outdoors' program is increasing family hiking, but not for everyone

A new study from Brigham Young University finds that the Every Kid Outdoors program is increasing family hiking, with a seven-fold jump in frequency among high-income and white families. However, minority and lower-income families have not seen a similar significant increase in hiking frequency.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Child and Family Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 6, 2022

Camping reservations: ‘A wicked problem of equity,’ finds UM researchers

A study by UM researchers found that online camping reservations systems can exacerbate existing inequalities in national park access. Campers from higher-income areas and predominantly white communities are more likely to secure coveted sites. The team suggests a lottery system could help balance accessibility with protection of natur...

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalJournal of Park and Recreation Administration·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 1, 2022

Locally sourced: Pelican prefer native fish to sportfish at Utah's strawberry reservoir

Researchers found that pelicans primarily eat native fish species like Utah sucker and chub, with only a small percentage of cutthroat trout consumed. This discovery provides managers with more insight into the ecological dynamics of the reservoir, allowing them to focus on other factors impacting trout populations.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 7, 2022

Change of scenery: New research outlines how recreation will shift with climate change in the west

New research outlines how climate change will shift the future of outdoor recreation in the West, with campsites becoming too hot, ski resorts experiencing fluctuating snowpacks, and rivers facing low water levels. The study provides activity-specific adaptation strategies to prepare for these consequences.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalJournal of Forestry·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 25, 2022

OSU research uncovers impact of leisure activities on mental health during pandemic

A recent OSU study found that engaging in leisure activities can help lower the risk of depression and improve mental well-being during the pandemic. The results showed that people who reported higher stress also engaged more in their preferred leisure activity, which served as a protective buffer.

SourceOregon State University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 17, 2022

Helmet use reduces moderate or severe head injuries in youths riding ATVs and dirt bikes

The study analyzed data from 680 patients aged 1-17 who were involved in ATV or dirt bike crashes. Helmeted riders had lower rates of neurosurgical consultation, intracranial injury, moderate or severe traumatic brain injury, and required fewer neurosurgical procedures compared to unhelmeted riders.

SourceJournal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery Pediatrics·TypeObservational study·DateOct 12, 2021

The road more traveled: Predicting trail choices based on OHV drivers' motivations

Researchers found that OHV drivers' motivations influence the routes they choose, with distinct patterns emerging for different groups. The study's findings can help managers predict which trails are likely to be used and craft targeted messages to promote responsible behavior and conservation-minded practices.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalJournal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism·TypeSurvey·DateOct 1, 2021

Steep but not deep: New research chronicles how Utah ski resorts are adapting to climate change

Researchers chronicle how Utah ski resort managers are adopting adaptive tactics to cope with decreasing snowpack, shorter seasons and worsening weather. Managers are exploring alternative revenue streams through activities like mountain biking and festivals.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalMountain Research and Development·TypeSurvey·DateSep 28, 2021

Rising temperatures reshape when and how much people get outdoors on public lands

Rising temperatures are projected to decrease outdoor recreation during summers by 18% over the next 30 years, but increase winter recreation by 12% in mid-century. This shift may lead to a decline in popular winter sports like downhill skiing and an increase in winter mountain biking.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 15, 2021

Analyzing marijuana legalization, use among high schoolers

A new study published in JAMA Network Open analyzed the relationship between marijuana legalization and adolescent use, finding no significant association. The researchers used updated estimates from survey data, concluding that state-level marijuana legalization does not impact teenage marijuana use.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 7, 2021

Tourist-tourist rapport: SFU expert on why it matters

A new study by Simon Fraser University researchers found that building rapport among tourists can significantly increase satisfaction with guided group tours. The study identified four key aspects of tourist-tourist rapport and showed that high levels of rapport lead to improved overall experience, while low levels decrease satisfactio...

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalTourism Management·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021

New fishing tech may pose risks to fisheries, says study co-authored by UMass researcher

A new study co-authored by UMass researcher Andy Danylchuk warns that advances in recreational fishing technology can have significant impacts on fish ecosystems. The study emphasizes the need for resource management agencies to share their experiences and for scientists to intensively study the effects of technological innovations.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalReviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries·DateMay 24, 2021

Study finds high-speed ferries, recreational boats are big noise polluters in SF Bay

A new study found that high-speed ferries and recreational boats produce substantial underwater noise in San Francisco Bay, affecting gray and humpback whales and bottlenose dolphins. The researchers used radar tracking technology to quantify vessel noise, revealing that ferries generate more noise than large commercial ships.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateMay 19, 2021

Study detects presence of disease-causing E. coli in recreational waters, including in bathing waters rated excellent under EU criteria

A recent study found disease-causing E. coli in recreational waters across Ireland, including those rated excellent under EU criteria. The research highlights the limitations of current water quality assessments, which only consider total E. coli counts without accounting for pathogenic variants.

Against overfishing: save the oldies!

Researchers found that harvest slots can outperform classic minimum-length limits in maximizing kilogram yields while protecting large spawning fish and maintaining ecosystem diversity. This approach stabilizes population dynamics without causing loss in yields, increasing the average size of catch fish.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalFish and Fisheries·DateMar 16, 2020