An environmental approach to land classification for outdoor recreation

Abstract

The importance of the Paddys River Catchment, A.C.T., for outdoor recreation has been discussed. The concept of recreation, the classification of recreational activities and conflict and compatibility arising between different recreational activities have been explained. Different approaches used to develop outdoor recreation capability classifications have been reviewed and a method for developing an outdoor recreation capability classification based on resource data has been suggested. The different physical, biological and cultural resources of the catchment have been inventoried, described and mapped. Then on the basis of these findings, the catchment was divided into environmental units, where each unit has a degree of uniformity with respect to its resource data. The outdoor recreation capability of each unit was subjectively evaluated. By numerical weighting, with or without consideration given to conflicts or compatibilities existing between outdoor recreational activities, the environmental units were ranked to form some outdoor recreation capability classifications. The methodology and application of the classification to the land use planning process have been discussed. Show more