Associate Professor
Ph D Forestry, Michigan State University, 1988;
MS Park and Recreation Resources, Michigan State University, 1979;
BS Resource Development, Michigan State University, 1977
Contact Information
142 Natural Resources
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824
(517) 432-0272 (office)
(517) 432-3597 (fax)
nelsonc@msu.edu (email)
Courses Taught
- PRR 210 – Our National Parks and Federal Lands
- PRR 213 – Introduction to Parks, Recreation and Leisure
- PRR 410 – International Studies in Parks, Recreation and Touris (Study Abroad course in the Yukon and Alaska regarding Natural Resource and Tourism Management)
- RD 440 – Environmental Policy Making in Michigan
- PRR 449 – Natural Resource Based Recreation Management
Research Interests
- Management, policy and planning of natural resource based recreation
- Market research concerning outdoor recreation use and users
- Law enforcement and security in parks and recreation
Current Research Projects
- Assess the Tourism and Transportation Benefits of Non-Motorized Trails – Funded by Michigan DOT w/ Dr. Christine Vogt
- Assess the Recreational Use of Michigan State Game and Wildlife Areas – Funded by Michigan DNR
Outreach
- Workwith local, state and federal entities to enhance management, policy and planning of natural resource based recreation
- Recreation needs assessments
- Park and recreation plans for local and state government
- Co-Chair of Tourism Area of Expertise Team for MSUE
- Training in law enforcement and security in parks and recreation settings
Current Outreach Projects
- Evaluate the law enforcement program for Montana State Parks
- Write the Michigan Off-Road Vehicle Management Plan
- Assist in updating the Pere Marquette Wild and Scenic River Plan
Selected Publications
Nelson, C., and Larsen, D. (2005). Law Enforcement and Security. In Management of
Park and Recreation Agencies (2nd ed.). Ashburn, VA: National Recreation and Park Association. 617-649.
Vogt, C. and Nelson, C. (2005). Trail Research to Meet Accountability Needs. Paper
presented at the Trail Link 2005 National Trails Conference, Minneapolis, MN. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, Washington, DC
Nelson, C. (2005). ORV Enforcement in Michigan: Efforts and Challenges. Paper
presented at the Fourth National Off-Highway Vehicle Conference, Ontario, CA. National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council, Sheboygan: WI
Nelson, C., Jennings, R. and Henschell, J. (2004). State Park Trail Conflicts and
Resolution Strategies. Paper presented at the 2004 Northeastern Recreation Resource Symposium. Bolton’s Landing, NY.
Nelson, C. and Lynch, J. (2004). Michigan Marine Safety Program Assessment. Proceedings of the 2003. Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium. US Forest Service General Technical Report NE-317: 388-392.
Nelson, C. (2004). The Need and Opportunities for Wetland Restoration. Presentation to the Michigan Wetlands Conference, Traverse City, MI.
Nelson, C. and Vogt, C. (2004). Bridging the Troubled Fire Waters of the Wildland-Urban Interface: Learning from Homeowners in California, Colorado and Florida. Paper presented to the USDA Forest Service 2004 Annual Human Dimensions Meeting, San Diego, CA.
Nelson, C. Jennings, R., Henschell, J. and Valentine, B. (2004). Congruence between
Michigan’s SCORP and Local Recreation Plans. Paper presented at the 2004 Annual Conference of the National Association of Recreation Resource Planners, Omaha, NE.
Nelson, C. (2003). State Park Trail Use: Conflicts and Resolution Strategies. Paper
presented at the 2003 Annual Meeting of the National Association of State Park Directors, Harbor Springs, MI.
Nelson, C. and Lynch, J. (2003). AuSable Pilot Off-Road Vehicle Project Evaluation. Presentation to the Second National Off-Highway Vehicle Conference, Charlotte, NC. National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council, Sheboygan: WI.
Reports/Plans
Nelson, C. and Egeler, C. (2005). City of Williamston Park and Recreation Plan 2005-09. City of Williamston, Williamston, MI.
Vogt, C., Nelson, C. and Pedersen, J. (2005). Use and Users of the Paint Creek Trail. Report to the Oakland County Trails Committee. Waterford, MI.
Nelson, C., Vogt, C. and Pedersen, J. (2004). Use and Users of the Lansing River Trail. Report to the City of Lansing, MI.
Nelson, C. and Henschell, J. (2004). Grand Rapids Charter Township Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2004-08. Grand Rapids Charter Township, Grand Rapids, MI.
Vogt, C. and Nelson, C. (2004). Recreation and Fire in the Wildland-Urban Interface: A
Study of Year-round and Seasonal Homeowners in Residential Areas nearby Three National Forests – San Bernadino, California; Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison, Colorado; Applachicola, Florida. Report to the USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Research Station, Riverside, CA.
Nelson, C. and Stynes, D. (2003). 2003-2007 Michigan Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Lansing, MI.