“Smoke on the Water”: Wildfire Smoke Impacts on Commercial River Recreation

ABSTRACT:

Wildland fire smoke contributes to unhealthy indexes of particulate matter that impact human health. Research continues to document the effect of poor air quality on outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism, however, less is known about the relationship between smoke and tourism operations. The purpose of this research was to understand lived experiences of wildland fire smoke within the context of commercial river recreation operations. We interviewed commercial guides and outfitters (n = 26) across the State of Idaho. Data were first inductively analyzed, then, based on preliminary results, the Triple Bottom Line sustainability framework was applied to describe social, environmental, and economic impacts. Operational strategies and future needs to respond to wildland fire smoke in this setting are discussed with attention to ecosystem service elasticity as a theoretical frame explaining this and other emergent phenomena in a changing climate.

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