Washington, D.C. (January 26, 2007) – Candid comments by a panel of young people active in the outdoors at the January 2007 Partners Outdoors national conference have sparked a research effort to better understand the relationship of the outdoors to today’s American youth and the possible roles for technology in attracting them to, and improving their experiences while in, the outdoors. The research will combine resources of the Forest Service, the Los Angeles City Department of Recreation and Parks and the American Recreation Coalition (ARC) and will be field tested in Los Angeles in mid March 2007.

According to ARC President Derrick Crandall, the youth panelists at Partners Outdoors delivered two clear messages to the public and private recreation leaders gathered at Lake Arrowhead, California. First, parents should plan actions which increase young people’s contact with the outdoors, even in the face of resistance and expressed preferences for time at malls and on computers. Second, federal, state, local and private recreation interests must assist by helping find ways for youth to enjoy time outdoors, whether pursuing traditional activities or utilizing new gadgets and technology.

To read more about this effort, click here.