The Office of Graduate Administration is pleased to announce that Kevin Fraser will be defending their thesis as a candidate for the degree Master of Arts in Natural Resources and Environmental Studies.

You are encouraged to attend the defence. The details of the defence and how to attend are included below:

DATE: 15 April, 2024

TIME: 9:00 AM (PT)

DEFENCE MODE: Remote

Virtual Attendance: Please contact the Office of Graduate Administration for information regarding remote/online attendance. 

To ensure the defence proceeds with no interruptions, please mute your audio and video on entry and do not inadvertently share your screen. The meeting will be locked to entry 5 minutes after it begins: ensure you are on time.

THESIS/DISSERTATION ENTITLED: EXPLORING PREPARATION FOR BACKCOUNTRY TRAVEL IN BOWRON LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK

ABSTRACT: Outdoor recreation trips have long been conceptualized as relatively linear multiple-phased experiences. Previous studies of recreational activities and visitor experiences in backcountry settings have largely focused on the onsite phase. This study, however, explored the nature and elements of preparation and its influence on the backcountry experiences and meanings, as recollected by participants. Secondarily, this project aimed to better understand the roles of technology in preparation. The study used semi-structured interviews with participants who had completed one or more canoe or kayak trips in Bowron Lake Provincial Park, a world-renowned backcountry canoe circuit. Findings indicate that preparation is an ongoing process comprised of multiple elements by which participants are involved throughout all phases of an outdoor experience. Preparation can help improve safety and satisfaction during backcountry experiences and, therefore, has important implications for recreation and leisure programs and practices, parks and protected areas management, and outdoor education. Conceptually, the research suggests that preparation is not as linear or time-bound as the five phase model would suggest, rather aspects are ongoing throughout and between trips, accrued with mentorship and training over the course of a career, and involve elements, tasks and efforts beyond simply ‘planning’ trip logistics.

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP:

Chair: Dr. Neil Hanlon, University of Northern British Columbia

Examining Committee Members:

Supervisor: Dr. Philip Mullins, University of Northern British Columbia

Committee Member: Dr. John Shultis, University of Northern British Columbia

Committee Member: Dr. Catherine Whalen, University of Northern British Columbia

External Examiner: Dr. Patrick Maher, Nipissing University