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AP RI 28 , 1999 9 . 57AM DEMO NO , 5776 , 1 <br /> Role of Duke Forest in Orange County Recreation <br /> Duke Forest is private land owned and managed by Duke University as an outdoor educational and <br /> research, facility. Although not expressly invited, the public is permitted to use the established road and <br /> trail system for recreational purposes , Permissible uses include hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, <br /> and picnicking, which are allowed so long as they do not conflict with teaching and research activities . <br /> The public in Orange County has received a substantial benefit from the availability of Duke Forest <br /> resources . A 1, 990 survey estimated Duke Forest visitation at 273 , 000 visits per year. Following a 1 � % <br /> increase in local population since that survey, it is likely that Forest-wide use currently exceeds 310 , 000 <br /> visits per year . Since 3/ of the Duke Forest roads and trails are in Orange County, it as possible that <br /> current use by residents of Orange County exceeds 235 , 000 visits per year. <br /> Public uses of the Duke Forest have the potential to cause conflicts with ongoing research and teaching, <br /> as well as create concerns related to maintenance and liability. For example, much of the scientific <br /> community perceives that areas of high public use are diminished in research value . Forest managers <br /> have responded to these concerns by closing selected areas to the public when sensitive research is being <br /> undertaken . Another recent problem is free roaming dogs that accompany visitors . These dogs have <br /> present a legal and maintenance liability, as well as a hazard to ecological research, and their presence has <br /> compelled Forest managers to require that all dogs be leashed. Additional problems may be caused by <br /> improper public use of the Forest, such as use of footpaths by mountain bikers or creation of new paths by <br /> curious bikers . Wide much of the public follows the posted ;regulations, as public use escalates conflicts <br /> with the academic mission of the Duke Forest are likely to increase. <br /> -- - --�- _- — — 4-27-99 <br /> t Onto of pgea <br /> Fax Note R7673 T . <br /> To r /,, <br /> Ip <br /> FaKtk <br /> From <br /> Mono# <br />