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5 / 18/ 99 <br /> woodlands and fields. Within the Forest there are a variety of forest <br /> ecosystems, stand ages, plant species, wildlife, soils, topography, <br /> and past land uses. Orange County contains five of the Duke Forest <br /> tracts, called 'divisions ', for a total of almost 5000 acres in the <br /> County. <br /> The Duke Forest is fully accessible through an established network of <br /> roads and footpaths. Although not expressly invited, the public is <br /> permitted to use the maintained road and trail system for <br /> recreational purposes. Permissible uses include hiking, biking, <br /> horseback riding, fishing, and picnicking, with horses and mountain <br /> bikes being restricted to the access roads. These uses are allowed so <br /> long as they do not conflict with teaching and research activities. <br /> The public in Orange County has received a substantial benefit from <br /> the availability of Duke Forest resources. A 1990 survey estimated <br /> Duke Forest visitation at 273, 000 visits per year. Following a 15 <br /> percent increase i p n the county 's population since that survey, it is <br /> likely that Forest- wide use currently exceeds 310, 000 visits per year. <br /> Since many of the Duke Forest roads and trails are in Orange County, <br /> it is probable that current use by residents of Orange County exceeds <br /> 235, 000 visits per year. <br /> Public use of the Duke Forest has the potential to cause conflicts <br /> with ongoing research and teaching, in addition to creating concerns <br /> related to maintenance and liability. In recent years, an increasing <br /> amount of Duke Forest staff time has been spent in response to <br /> problems caused by improper public use and over- use. Attempts <br /> have been made to reduce liability and conflicts between academic <br /> and public uses by directing the public to less sensitive areas, <br /> restricting permissible activities, and educating the public about the <br /> academic mission of the Duke Forest. However, in light of increasing <br /> public demand for natural area recreation, reduction in conflicts with <br /> the academic mission of the Forest will only occur with the addition <br /> of public facilities provided by the surrounding counties and <br /> municipalities. <br /> In light of this, the future appears to offer opportunities to work with <br /> Duke to address mutual interests. <br /> 20 <br />