Outdoor Recreation in the Northern United States

In the last two decades, the North's population grew at a considerably slower rate than the nation as a whole. Nevertheless, this region's population is large and in all likelihood will continue to grow. This means greater development of land and water resources at the same time that there is growth in demand for outdoor recreation. This report looks at recent population trends and forecasts within the context of other U.S. regions, demographic composition of population, recreation participation by residents age 16 and older, trends in activities and time spent outdoors by its youth, and the changes occurring in recreation resources, both public and private. The region referenced here includes the area within the corner States of Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, and Maryland. Much of the research reported here ties to data, analyses, and findings developed for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service 2010 Renewable Resources Planning Act (RPA) Assessment (Cordell 2012) and how they affect the sustainability of northern forests.