VALUE CONFLICTS IN MOUNTAIN PARK SETTINGS

In North America, the frequent juxtaposition of mountain resorts to areas managed as wildlands may lead to conflict among differing user groups. This article examines differences in attitude among participants involved in a mountain park planning process. A survey revealed that resort-area residents from Whistler British Columbia exhibit less support for preservation than those living in Greater Vancouver. This difference is attributed to differing utility values whereby resort area residents place a higher value on recreational access for their own needs and as part of the tourism economic base on which they depend. For city residents, the area represents high value wilderness land. © 1991.