Water Resources Research Act Program

Principal Investigators: Megan McBride, Norma Nickerson

Abstract: This study will address a very important component of river use and its potential conflicts on the upper Yellowstone River by focusing on recreationists. However, this is only the first phase in a multi-phased project. Beyond recreation, the river is used in many different ways such as irrigation for agriculture, private property use adjacent to the river, economic gain through guiding and so forth. These multiple uses affect both the ecological dimensions of the river and users perceptions of the ecosystem. Thus, following this inventory and understanding of recreation users (the study discussed in this proposal, Phase I), I intend to pursue my Ph.D. and further investigate use and conflict issues of adjacent property owners, outfitters and other river stakeholders (Phase II). A better understanding of these stakeholders perceptions, experiences, and use of the river, will help to secure an understanding of overall river use and allow for identification of current struggles and future conflicts that may emerge regarding use.