Abstract
Off-road vehicle (ORV) use is a popular recreational activity across many public lands governed by multiple use mandates. Projected increases in the number of ORV users will likely require recreation managers to establish nuanced guidelines for navigating complex management scenarios and work toward balancing the needs of both recreationists and landscapes. However, little research explores effective decision-making surrounding management of ORV use and the needs of its increasing user base. The research presented here responds to this lack of knowledge by utilizing focus groups to explore recreationists' perspectives about ORV management, specifically the implementation of special recreation permits (SRPs), at the St. Anthony Sand Dunes (Dunes), a popular ORV recreation area in Idaho, United States (U.S.). Results revealed three primary themes surrounding recreationists' views on SRP implementation: 1) concerns that developments may change the long-standing recreation practices of Dunes recreationists, 2) desires for a flexible and informed process to help implement possible SRPs and associated development alternatives, and 3) prioritization of targeted safety measures when planning for SRP developments. The article concludes with a discussion of how the above themes might influence future recreation management on the Dunes or other public lands, including the recommendation of a ‘recreation ambassador’ program as one potential means of addressing recreationists' desires for recreation opportunities at the Dunes.