Aquatic-Based Recreation

The publics demand for recreation, and especially water-based recreation, has risen since World War II as increased affluence, new highway construction, and widespread automobile ownership allowed Americans to travel for recreation (Jones 1996). The reduction of the average work week to 5 days also allowed the time to recreate.

Rivers and reservoirs in the region offer 532 million acres of water surface, and so provide ample opportunity for recreational pursuits (SAMAB 1996). Streams and rivers have such features as cascades, waterfalls, and rapids, while reservoirs offer water vistas and opportunities for swimming and fishing. Parks, picnic areas, scenic trails, boat ramps and docks, fishing piers, and appropriate parking areas are recreational facilities developed to promote public access to aquatic resources.