Document - Controlled Flow Studies for Recreation: A Case Study on Oregon's Umpqua River
Abstract
The "controlled flow study" or "systematic field assessment" has received considerable attention as a quick, inexpensive, and useful approach to understanding the relationships between streamflows and recreation. The approach is distinctive for control of the independent variable, flow, which adds a quasi-experimental component to the study design. Many studies have used this approach in recent years, although there has been variation in specific methods applied. A review suggests that there are five major issues involved in conducting these studies: study output, sample, flow control, impact on resources, and study complexity. We present a controlled flow study of boating Oregon's North Umpqua River, which provides examples of study output and reviews the technical challenges involved in conducting the study. Results suggest that the method can provide powerful information about the flow-recreation relationship, but that these studies can be relatively complex. Discussion focuses on ways to address these complexities and cautions researchers from assuming it is the best approach. Several possibilities for future research are also suggested.Description
Controlled flow study of boating on the North Umpqua.Document Information
Filename - Controlled Flow Studies for Recreation: A Case Study on Oregon's Umpqua River329.pdf
Size - 1.02MB
Associated Rivers
Umpqua, North
OR