Browsing by Author "Hoar, Alexander R."

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    A methodology for mapping probable ranges of endangered terrestrial mammals within selected areas of Virginia
    Hoar, Alexander R. (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1980)
    Peripheral capture locations have been used traditionally for predicting biological range limits. Maps based on these data may be inaccurate and may not provide useful information regarding the ranges of endangered species. A method was presented for predicting probable ranges of mammals based on the distribution of environmental factors associated with areas where animals have been known to occur. These factors were determined primarily from the literature. They were assigned relative weights based on frequency of occurrence in the literature. Computer technology was used to analyze an existing database stored at a cellular level to describe the probable distribution of the factors over large areas. Geomorphological, topographic, land-use, and physiographic data were included in the analyses. The method was applied to three mammals endangered in Virginia -- water shrew (Sorex palustris), northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus), and Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis). Computer maps were produced showing the distribution of areas potentially favorable to each species in one of two study areas in Virginia. Maps produced by this method provide more information about ranges and range dynamics than tbos€ produced by traditional methods. Specifically, areas least likely to be favorable are shown as are those more likely to provide conditions suitable to the continued existence of the animal. Maps produced by this method may be useful for initial identification of critical areas, preliminary planning activities, endangered species management generally, and multiple range analyses. The method may be useful for range analyses of non-endangered species whenever information about range dynamics is needed.
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    Relationships between motivation and psychological distance in a forest recreation environment
    Hoar, Alexander R. (Virginia Tech, 1977-08-05)
    The purpose of this study was to field test a portion of the recreation quality theory: a conceptual framework which seeks to provide insight into the behavior of outdoor recreationists. Specifically, the inverse relationship of two variables which may affect the quality of outdoor recreation was examined. These were the force of motivation and the psychological distance to the user's destination in a recreation environment. Time spent hiking to the destination was considered a function of force, and physical distance was considered a function of the psychological distance to the destination. It was hypothesized that people who were able to accurately determine the distance remaining to the destination, as they were hiking along the trail, would arrive sooner than those who could not accurately determine the distance remaining to the destination. A map was used to provide users with information about· distances. The hiking times for 109 visitor groups at the Cascades Nature Trail in the Jefferson National Forest, Virginia were unobtrusively recorded between September 26 and November 7, 1976. Differences between the hiking times of groups were analyzed by means of Wilcoxon's Rank Sum Test, the Ansari-Bradley Dispersion Test, and the Moses Dispersion Test. The effects of changing environmental conditions were assessed by means of the Kruskal-Wallis Test for Multiple Comparisons, as well as by Wilcoxon's Rank Sum Test. This study provided evidence that supports the hypothesis proposed in the recreation quality theory, that an inverse relationship exists between the force of motivation and the psychological distance to a goal in a forested recreation environment.