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2011 Autumn | Arts & Humanities, Education & Outreach

Addressing the Recreational Human-use Data Gap: A First Step in Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning in Washington State

Student(s):

Ryan Foss

Program or Department(s):

  • Program on the Environment
  • University of Washington

Site supervisor(s):

Paul Dye

Partner(s):

  • The Nature Conservancy

Faculty advisor(s):

Terrie Klinger, School of Marine and Environmental Affairs, University of Washington

I collected human-use datasets, which represent the ways that humans use the environment, for the use in coastal and marine spatial planning (CMSP) for Washington State. I conducted a broad-level data inventory through The Nature Conservancy. Over 150 datasets were collected from state agencies’ and other organizations. I discovered a high-need for data representing recreational uses in Washington State, and I researched various methodologies to address this data gap. I argue that Washington State should address the recreational use data gap prior to implementation, as it would identify and engage this important stakeholder group early in the planning process.