Cultural diversity in use of undeveloped natural areas by Los Angeles county residents

National forests and other relatively undeveloped natural areas are some of the most popular tourist attractions. The objectives of this research were to determine the percentage of residents of a major metropolitan area who visit and do not visit undeveloped natural areas; quantify ethnic groups differences in use; and identify barriers for visitation. Logistic regression was used to determine factors that influenced visitation. Results showed that only two in live residents of Los Angeles County visited an undeveloped natural area during the peak summer travel period. Findings clearly demonstrate the complex nature of natural area attraction visitation and the decision to visit a natural area attraction is more than just transportation and income issues. Ethnic group preferences, education, crowding, lack of transportation, ethnic workers, lack of companions who travel to natural areas, finances and perceived discrimination all influenced recreation within undeveloped natural areas. Findings suggest that public agencies and rural tourism organizations must be proactive by creating new programs and expanding existing intervention projects to encourage visitation. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.