OUTDOOR RECREATION AT ILLINOIS STATE FORESTS

by Dwight R. McCurdy

There are four state forests in Illinois: Big River, Hidden Springs, Sand Ridge, and Trail of Tears (Figure 1). During the summer of 1972, two hundred and eighty groups recreating at the four forests were interviewed for ideas and evaluation of the state forest concept.

The forests varied in the types of outdoor recreation opportunities available at each (Table 1). The main activities of visitors to state forests include picnicking, hiking, and sightseeing. Fishing was popular at Big River and trail riding at Sand Ridge State Forests.

The respondents said the forest environment and other aesthetic values were the primary reasons for recreating at the state forests. The summer recreationists thought the forests should be managed primarily for outdoor recreation pursuits by the public. However, most of the groups said the state forests should not receive as much recreational emphasis as state parks.

Nearly all of the recreationists were in a family group. Generally, they visited the forests on a day outing, staying less than three hours. Most came on a weekend and travelled less than 50 miles to the forests. In comparison to state parks, the state forests received very little use by people on a vacation

Illinois Parks and Recreation 22 May/June, 1973

Fishing and Camping at Big River State Forest (Illinois Department of Conservation Photograph)

and from all sections of the state.

Information such as the above is valuable to forest administration when planning, developing and managing the outdoor recreation opportunities and facilities at state forests. For example, the outdoor recreation facilities provided at state forests should be compatible with and require no major modifications of the forest environment that visitors come to enjoy. In addition, the outdoor recreation facilities should be oriented toward family participation. The data also indicates that priority funding should be given to the outdoor recreation needs of the local area.

EDITORS NOTE: Dwight R. McCurdy is Associate Professor, Forestry Department, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 23 May/June, 1973