Public Use of Natural Areas During COVID-19

This report examines access to and usage of natural areas during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to 2019 levels. Natural areas include public open spaces such as local, county, state, and national parks; state and national forests; and similarly used natural areas. Using cell phone location data, usage of natural areas was quantified based on the number of visits taken to specific areas daily. A comparative trend was developed using visitation counts from March to June of 2019 to the same period in 2020. The goal was to identify broad trends in natural area usage, as well as any statistical differences for key demographics (income, education, age, health insurance coverage, and rurality). Summarized findings are presented here, with detailed discussion and assessments within the full report.

Public Use of Natural Areas During COVID-19 (2020)

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