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The New York Office of Parks and Recreation (OPR) is committed to upgrading and expanding its interpretive programs in the state park system with a major goal being to enrich, vitalize, and complement content areas of the school curriculum by providing first-hand observation and experience outside the classroom. The legislative mandate of the OPR includes encouraging, promoting, and engaging in educational endeavors; this responsibility is met by construction and operation of nature centers, creation of on-going interpretive programs in large state parks and urban parklands, and development of urban cultural parks. Two nature education centers are now in operation, three additional centers are under construction, and two cooperative pilot programs are training teachers in environmental education. Many traditional interpretive programs are maintained, e.g., nature trails with brochures for self-guided walks; and non-traditional programs have been developed for the visually and physically handicapped and for children of migrant workers. A statewide system of urban cultural parks, created by state legislation in 1977, will be developed to increase recognition and appreciation of urban cultural and natural resources. This program, in conjunction with urban parklands, is designed to provide New York's growing urban population with accessible open spaces and rewarding experiences in the out-of-doors. (JH)

This proposal for the development of a system of administering hiking trails in the state of Hawaii when such trails would involve various public and private jurisdictions emphasizes three elements: (a) proposing means of administration involving multiple jurisdictions; (b) demonstrating by means of a proposed project on the west coast of the Big Island how such a trail administration would work and the benefits anticipated from it; and (c) showing how such a cooperative trails management system involving federal, state, county, and private agencies and individuals can lead to many benefits for all involved and for improved government-citizen management of Hawaii's basic natural resources. The basic concept underlying the proposal is that facilities which are functionally related should be administratively related as well. The concept involves the use of public rights-of-way across private land to connect existing and planned facilities such as parks into a coordinated administrative unit. The concept provides access and increased use without the burden of large fee purchases. The proposal itself consists of (a) an introduction that discusses the setting for the proposed demonstration project and the state and county policy framework; (b) an outline of the demonstration project; (c) a discussion of the administration of the trails system; (d) a survey of the demonstration project area including a general shoreline survey, coastal geology, coastal ponds, botanical resources, observed wildlife, places of historical, archaeological, and legendary interests; and (e) bibliographies. (Author/HMD)

A plan adopted in 1992 by Findlay Township in rural Pennsylvania protects undeveloped land from urbanization and expanded and improved the township's park and recreational system. Improvements included a fitness trail, a pavilion, a handicap-accessible jungle gym, tennis and volleyball courts, restrooms, and flower beds and trees. (LP)

Reviews methods for interpreting cultural history in a park setting. Discusses programs used by the National Park Service along the Freedom Trail in old Boston and other programs conducted at the Boston National Historical Park. (LZ)

Describes a computer-based Wilderness Travel Simulation Model that reduces the complexity of the outdoor system under study, allows students to act as managers (devising and testing their own management strategies), and increases student exposure to characteristics of actual park and wilderness areas. Two scenarios of recreational use patterns are analyzed. (Author/BC)

Compiled are 61 abstracts of master's theses in environmental education and communications. Three of the these were completed in 1978, 24 in 1977, 15 in 1976, and the remaining 19, prior to 1976. Abstracts are organized into six categories; (1) site analysis: descriptions and development plans for areas to be used for environmental education; (2) parks and camps: users/interpreters: studies dealing with park/camp programs, especially user characteristics and interpretive techniques; (3) media communications: examination of effectiveness of various media; (4) pupil-centered studies: research on attitude change, instructional effectiveness, and learning characteristics; (5) teacher-centered studies: research on training, attitudes, teacher/interpreter behavior; and (6) resources, administration, and others: research on environmental education policy, administration, and philosophy, and studies not appropriate for other categories. Title, author, and institutional source for the entire thesis are provided for each abstract. (JN)

A presidential panel was established in January, 1985 to examine the status of outdoor recreation in the United States. This publication briefly summarizes the full report of the President's Commission on Americans Outdoors. It discusses the essential need for providing every citizen with opportunity for outdoor experiences and suggest how it can be accomplished. Trends in outdoor recreational patterns are reviewed and the impact, problems, and needs associated with increased usage are examined. The report suggests a framework for national action and recommends specific community actions. Suggestions include: (1) identification and protection of natural areas; (2) placement of recreation sites close to home; (3) establishment of a network of state and local scenic byways; (4) building an outdoor ethic; (5) introducing students of all ages to the outdoors; (6) creation and enforcement of environmental laws; (7) formation of state and community outdoor corps; and (8) involvement of the private factor. Several graphics and photographs highlight this report. (ML)

An advisory commission was charged by the President of the United States to review public and private outdoor recreation opportunities, policies, and programs and to make recommendations for the future. The body of this publication is the final report of the Commission on Americans Outdoors which was delivered on January 28, 1987. Findings are presented in four major sections. These include: (1) "Americans and the Outdoors" (addressing the problems, benefits, and possibilities for outdoor recreation ); (2) "Americans: the People" (stressing the need for an outdoor ethic and for action and involvement in improving services); (3) "Outdoors: the Resources" (identifying needs, initiatives, and management concerns); and (4) "Making It Work" (highlighting the roles and necessity of partnerships, public policy, community action, strong leadership, and funding strategies). A summary of key issues and recommendations as well as a summary of the proceedings of the National Conference on Recreation and the American City are included as appendices. The full text of 12 selected case studies which describe innovative approaches to solving problems and maximizing opportunities to protect resources and expand recreation opportunities are presented. (ML)