ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that changes in visitor behaviors are predicated on a variety of demographic variables, including population characteristics and other impacting trends. It examines the population variables that are population growth rate, population age, growth of minority groups, population distribution, diversity of household types, disparity of socioeconomic resources, and available leisure time. The key for park and forest recreation delivery systems will be how organizations and agencies accommodate the older citizen. Demographic variables such as population characteristics and socioeconomic considerations play important roles in visitor behaviors and rates of participation at park and forest areas. It seems reasonable to expect that the traditional two-week vacation to a remote park or forest area for camping and fishing with the family may be diminishing in importance. The chapter concludes with a brief synthesis of what these trends, in aggregate, suggest for future management needs and challenges.
