OutdoorNebraska

39 S U P P LY O F O U T D O O R R E C R E AT I O N In Table 3.1, Regions 6 and 7 have the greatest number of land and water in federal acres of any other region. These regions also have the smallest population. Alternatively, Region 1 has the least recreational acres available in the state, but it is the most populated area. Region 5 has the most state acres of any other region. This is because of the number and size of parks in the area, and the number of water acres and wildlife management areas. The providers in each region are unique, and cultivate outdoor recreation settings for distinct types of recreation experiences. Therefore, providers should consider their market of users and preferences to accommodate the areas that do not provide recreation opportunities; and determine if those areas would benefit from diversifying the number and types of recreational options. When recreational lands and water acres are broken down per person by region, there are similar results to the amount of recreation in each region. Table 3.2 shows that people in Regions 6 and 7 have more recreational lands per person compared to Region 1, the more populated area. Regions 6 and 7 contain the national forests and large recreation areas, which encourage tourism and show off the magnificent lands and opportunities for visitors within and outside the state. Region 1 has less green space, parks, and places to recreate given the large urban population. As a result, recreation comes at a higher cost of either utilizing the amenities offered within close proximity for a fee or traveling farther to recreate. Several communities are now requiring new developments to include parklands and/or park funding prior to approval of new residential developments. This is one of the ways communities have addressed the need to develop new recreational infrastructure in urban environments. Only Regions 5, 6 and 7 provide more than an acre per person of recreation, and these are the least populated areas with the largest amount of land and water acres available. These areas offer a lot of space for users looking to find solitude or just unplug and enjoy the wonderful scenery nature has to offer. From a tourism standpoint, communities should consider these unique aspects and use them to their advantage to market to specific users. Region 1 Region 2 Region 3 Region 4 Region 5 Region 6 Region 7 State Acres per person 0.042 0.487 0.367 0.363 2.283 3.925 7.814 0.649 Table 3.2: Public Recreational Lands and Water in Acres per Person in Nebraska Source: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission 2020 surveys, Internet searches, personal contact, and existing data. Biking through the RV campground at Lewis and Clark Lake State Recreation Area. (Knox County) Nebraska is full of biologically unique landscapes that offer varying opportunities to recreate.

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