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Ron Nickerson

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Dr. Ron NickersonDr. Ron Nickerson, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Email: ronald.nickerson@mnsu.edu
Phone: 507-389-3201

Credentials

  • Ph.D. Forest Resources, University Minnesota, Twin Cities
  • M.S. Forest Resources, University Minnesota, Twin Cities
  • B.A. History, LeMoyne College, Syracuse, New York

Advisor

  • Resource Management Emphasis Area

Primary Courses Taught

  • Management of Park and Recreation Facilities
  • Commercial Recreation and Tourism
  • Review of Outdoor Recreation Research
  • Public Land Use Policies
  • Park Systems and Planning
  • Wildlife as a Recreation Resource

Workshop Topics

  • Strategic planning in park and recreation management
  • Public participation in planning processes
  • Use of benefits-based management research in park planning
  • Educational needs of state park planners

Research Interests

  • Benefits of recreation
  • Recreation land management policy
  • Park planning and management
  • Curriculum design and assessment
  • Continuing education needs and assessment for recreation professionals

Publications

  • Pierskalla, C D., Lee, M. E., Stein, T. V., Anderson, D. H., Nickerson, R. (In Press). Understanding relationships among recreation opportunities: A meta-analysis of nine studies. Leisure Sciences.
  • Anderson, D.H., Nickerson, R., Stein, T.V. and Lee, M.E. (2000). Planning to provide community and visitor benefits from public lands. In W.C. Gratner and D.W. Lime (eds.). Trends in outdoor recreation, leisure and tourism. New York: CABI Publishing.
  • Nickerson, R. and Schneider, I. (1996). The educational implications of changing job responsibilities and staffing patterns in state park planning. Schole: A Journal of Leisure Studies and Recreation Education, 11: 99 - 114.
  • Sandmann, W. and Nickerson, R., 2006. Assessing general education: What we learned after four years (Conference proceedings). In Higher Learning Commission (Ed.) A collection of papers on self-study and institutional improvement, 2006 Vol. 3, The future-focused organization: Focusing on the effectiveness of teaching and learning (pp. 79-82). Chicago: Higher Learning Commission.
  • Nickerson, R., Anderson, D. H., Davenport, M. A., Leahy, J. and Stein, T. V., 2005. (management handbook). A manager 's guide to: gathering and using visitor and community benefits data to manage outdoor recreation areas. St. Paul: University of Minnesota, Department of Forest Resources.
  • Pierskalla, C. D., Lee, M. E., Stein, T. V., Anderson, D. H., and Nickerson, R., 2004 (referred journal article). Understanding relationships among recreation opportunities: A meta-analysis of nine studies. Leisure Sciences (26, 2), 163-180.
  • Nickerson, R., 2003. Recreation – tourism preference assessment survey Itasca State Park field test: Final report. (Technical Report to US Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management Colorado State Office). Mankato, Minnesota: Minnesota State University, Mankato.
  • Anderson, D. H., Lee, M. E., Nickerson, R., Pierskalla, C. D., and Stein, T. V., 2002 (abstract). Understanding relationships among recreation opportunities: A meta-analysis of nine studies. In The Ninth International Symposium on Society and Resource Management: Book of abstracts. Symposium conducted at Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, June 2 – 5.
  • Anderson, D.H., Nickerson, R., Stein, T.V., and Lee, M.E., 2000 (edited book chapter). Planning to provide community and visitor benefits. in William C. Gartner and David W. Lime (eds.) Trends in outdoor recreation and tourism. New York: CABI Publishing.
  • Pierskalla, C. D., Lee, M. E., Nickerson, R., Anderson, D. H., and Stein, T. V., 2000 (abstract). Understanding relationships among recreation activities, settings, and benefits: A meta-analysis of ten studies. In The Eighth International Symposium on Society and Resource Management: Transcending boundaries – Natural resource management from summit to sea book of abstracts. Symposium conducted at Western Washington University, Bellingham, Washington, June 17 – 22.
  • Nickerson, R., Kovacovich, M., Marty, B., and Smith-Cox, C., 1998. Itasca State Park Management Plan. St. Paul, MN: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Recreation.
  • Nickerson, R., Anderson, D.H., Perger, B., Pierskalla, C. Johnson, W. and Hagerty, K., 1998. 1993 study of visitor experiences and benefits at Interstate State Park: Final report. (Technical Report). St. Paul, MN: University of Minnesota, Department of Forest Resources.
  • Nickerson, R., Anderson, D.H., Perger, B., Pierskalla, C. Johnson, W. and Hagerty, K., 1998. 1993 study of visitor experiences and benefits at St. Croix State Park: Final report. (Technical Report). St. Paul, MN: University of Minnesota, Department of Forest Resources.
  • Nickerson, R., Anderson, D.H., Perger, B., Pierskalla, C. Johnson, W. and Hagerty, K., 1998. 1993 study of visitor experiences and benefits at George Crosby Manitou State Park: Final report. (Technical Report). St. Paul, MN: University of Minnesota, Department of Forest Resources.
  • Nickerson, R., Anderson, D.H., Perger, B., Pierskalla, C. Johnson, W. and Hagerty, K., 1998. 1993 fall study of visitor experiences and benefits at Tettegouche State Park: Final report. (Technical Report). St. Paul, MN: University of Minnesota, Department of Forest Resources.
  • Nickerson, R., Anderson, D.H., Perger, B., Pierskalla, C. and Johnson, W., 1997. 1993 summer study of visitor experiences and benefits at Tettegouche State Park: Final report. (Technical Report). St. Paul, MN: University of Minnesota, Department of Forest Resources.
  • Nickerson, R., Anderson, D.H., Perger, B., Pierskalla, C. and Johnson, W., 1997. 1993 study of visitor experiences and benefits at Itasca State Park: Final report. (Technical Report). St. Paul, MN: University of Minnesota, Department of Forest Resources.
  • Nickerson, R., Anderson, D.H., Perger, B., Pierskalla, C. and Johnson, W., 1997. 1993 study of visitor experiences and benefits at Forestville/ Mystery Cave State Park: Final report. (Technical Report). St. Paul, MN: University of Minnesota, Department of Forest Resources.
  • Nickerson, R. and Schneider, I., 1996 (refereed journal article). The educational implications of changing job responsibilities and staffing patterns in state park planning. Schole: A Journal of Leisure Studies and Recreation Education, 11: 99 - 114.
  • Nickerson, R., 1995. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Recreation strategic plan. St. Paul, Minnesota: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
  • Nickerson, R. and Schneider, I., 1994 (Abstract). Park planning in evolution: Investigations and implications. In M. J. Manfredo (Chair), The Fifth International Symposium on Society and Resource Management: Creating research, education, and management partnerships among natural resources professionals book of abstracts. Symposium conducted at Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, June 7 - 10.
  • Anderson, D.H., Stein, T.V. Thompson, D. and Nickerson. R. (1995). Minnesota state parks BBM pilot study. Interim report to MNDNR, Division of Parks and Recreation. University of Minnesota, Department of Forest Resources, St. Paul.
  • Anderson, D. H., Nickerson, R. G., Johnson, W. H., 1994 (Abstract). A benefits driven approach to recreation resource management. In M. J. Manfredo (Chair), The Fifth International Symposium on Society and Resource Management: Creating research, education, and management partnerships among natural resources professionals book of abstracts. Symposium conducted at Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, June 7 - 10.
  • Nickerson, R., 1993. Economic benefits and impacts of outdoor recreation: Input into the draft general management plan/environmental impact statement for the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. St. Paul, MN: University of Minnesota.
  • Nickerson, R. and Anderson, D. H., 1992 (Abstract). Alternatives for funding long-distance recreational trail development and management. In D. R. Field (Chair), The Fourth North American Symposium on Society and Resource Management book of abstracts. Symposium conducted at University of Wisconsin Madison, Wisconsin, May 17 - 20.
  • Nickerson, R., 1992. Cuyuna State Park proposal: Suitability analysis. St. Paul, Minnesota: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
  • Nickerson, R., Anderson, D. H. and Johnson, W. H., 1992. Minnesota State Parks benefits based management study: Interviewer training manual for Forestville State Park. St. Paul, Minnesota: University of Minnesota.
  • Nickerson, R., Anderson, D. H. and Johnson, W. H., 1992. Minnesota State Parks benefits based management study: Interviewer training manual for George Crosby Manitou State Park. St. Paul, Minnesota: University of Minnesota.
  • Nickerson, R., Anderson, D. H. and Johnson, W. H., 1992. Minnesota State Parks benefits based management study: Interviewer training manual for Interstate State Park. St. Paul, Minnesota: University of Minnesota.
  • Nickerson, R., Anderson, D. H. and Johnson, W. H., 1992. Minnesota State Parks benefits based management study: Interviewer training manual for Itasca State Park. St. Paul, Minnesota: University of Minnesota.
  • Nickerson, R., Anderson, D. H. and Johnson, W. H., 1992. Minnesota State Parks benefits based management study: Interviewer training manual for St. Croix State Park. St. Paul, Minnesota: University of Minnesota.
  • Nickerson, R., Anderson, D. H. and Johnson, W. H., 1992. Minnesota State Parks benefits based management study: Interviewer training manual for Tettegouche State Park. St. Paul, Minnesota: University of Minnesota.
  • Nickerson, R., 1992. Fort Snelling State Park golf course, polo grounds and officers' row request for proposal. St. Paul, Minnesota: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
  • Nickerson, R., 1992. Fort Snelling State Park Military Reserve Area future use study. St. Paul, Minnesota: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
  • Nickerson, R., 1991. Fort Snelling State Park Military Reserve Area use study: Phase I historical background. St. Paul, Minnesota: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
  • Nickerson, R. and Kajer, K., 1990. Fund consolidation in Minnesota state government: Phase 2 report and recommendations. St. Paul, Minnesota: Minnesota House of Representatives.
  • Nickerson, R. and Kajer, K., 1989. Fund consolidation in Minnesota state government: Phase 1 report and recommendations. St. Paul, Minnesota: Minnesota House of Representatives.
  • Nickerson, R., 1987. Itasca State Park: Douglas Lodge business plan. St. Paul, Minnesota: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Theses Titles

  • Ph.D. Forest Resources
    Understanding the personal on-site beneficial experiences of Minnesota state park visitors, University of Minnesota, Department of Forest Resources, St. Paul, Minnesota, 1998.
  • M. S. Forest Resources
    Alternatives for funding long-distance recreational trail acquisition, development and maintenance, University of Minnesota, Department of Forest Resources, St. Paul, Minnesota, 1994 (Plan B Thesis).

Invited Presentations

  • Nickerson, R., 2006. The role of universities in providing research assistance to recreation managers. A presentation/ panel discussion at the Best Practices for Parks and Outdoor Recreation Summit held at the University of Minnesota, Minnesota Arboretum April 4 - 5.
  • Nickerson, R., 2006. Culturally derived meanings of place and their impact on public land use policy: A case study using Devils Tower National Monument. A presentation at the Talking About Teaching and Learning: Best Practices Conference at Minnesota State University, Mankato Feb. 17.
  • Nickerson, R. 2005. The importance of green space to sustainable urban design. A presentation at the 2nd Annual Sustainability Conference at Minnesota State University, Mankato Feb. 28 - March 2.
  • Nickerson, R., 2005 Parks and Recreation and Urban Design. A seminar presented to the Urban and Regional Studies Institute's graduate class entitled Urban Management Process (URBS 601) in October.
  • Nickerson, R., 2004 Parks and Recreation and Urban Design. A seminar presented to the Urban and Regional Studies Institute's graduate class entitled Urban Management Process (URBS 601) in October.
  • Nickerson, R., 2003 Parks and Recreation and Urban Design. A seminar presented to the Urban and Regional Studies Institute's graduate class entitled Urban Management Process (URBS 601) in October.
  • Nickerson, R. 2003. The use of PowerPoint in the classroom. A workshop at the Talking about Teaching Technology Conference, Minnesota State University, Mankato, October 29.
  • Nickerson, R. 2003. Bringing enthusiasm into the classroom. Workshop at Minnesota State University, Mankato's College of Allied Health and Nursing bi-annual faculty and staff meeting, January 8.
  • Nickerson, R. 2002. One size doesn't fit all: Integrating educator into classroom teaching. Seminar in Minnesota State University, Mankato's Brown Bag Technology Lunch Series at Minnesota State University, Mankato. November 6.
  • Nickerson, R. 2002. Major recreation trends and their implications for facility design and management. Presentation at Minnesota Recreation and Park Association Aquatic Conference, Mankato, March 22.
  • Nickerson, R., 2001. Benefits based management: Using benefits research to improve park management. Seminar at School of Environmental and Recreation Management, University of South Australia. Mawson Lakes, South Australia, Australia, July 4.
  • Nickerson, R., 2001. Benefits based management: An introduction to concepts and application. Seminar at Victoria Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Toolangi Education Centre. Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, July 6.
  • Nickerson, R., 2001. Benefits based management: An overview of the North American experience. Seminar at School of Ecology and Environment, Deakin University. Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, July 9.
  • Nickerson, R., 2001. Benefits based management: An overview of the North American experience. Lecture at Fifth National School in Park Management. University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, July 11.

Papers Presented (includes posters)

  • Nickerson, R., Anderson, D. H., Davenport, M.A., Leahy, J. E. and Stein, T.V., 2005. Measuring visitor and community benefits of recreation: A research handbook for managers. Presentation at the International Union of Forest Research Organizations Annual Conference, Brisbane, Australia, Aug. 8 - 12.
  • Stein, T.V., Anderson, D. H., Peirskalla, C.D., Nickerson, R. G., Clark, J. K., 2005. Benefits-based management as a research and planning framework for nature-based tourism and recreation. Presentation at the International Union of Forest Research Organizations Annual Conference, Brisbane, Australia, Aug. 8 - 12.
  • Sandmann, W. and Nickerson, R., 2006. Assessing general education: What we learned after four years (Conference proceedings). Presentation made at the Higher Learning Commission Annual Convention held in Chicago, Illinois, March 30 - April 4.
  • Pierskalla, C., Anderson, D. H., Lee, M.E., Nickerson, R., and Stein, T.V., 2002. Understanding relationships among recreation opportunities: A meta-analysis of nine studies. Presentation made at the Ninth International Symposium on Society and Resource Management held at Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, June 2 - 5.
  • Pierskalla, C., Anderson, D. H., Lee, M.E., Nickerson, R., and Stein, T.V., 2000. Identifying relationships among recreation activities, settings and benefits: A meta-analysis of ten studies. Presentation made at the Eighth International Symposium on Society and Resource Management held at Western Washington University, Bellingham, Washington, June 17 - 22.
  • Nickerson, R. and Anderson, D. H., 1998. Understanding the beneficial experiences of Minnesota state park visitors. Presentation made at the Seventh International Symposium on Society and Resource Management held at the University of Missouri, Columbia, May 27 – 31.
  • Nickerson, R., Anderson, D. H., Stein, T. V., and Thompson, D., 1998. Use of benefits based management in Minnesota state park planning. Presentation made at the National Association of Recreation Resource Planners National Conference held at Vancouver, Washington, May 3 - 6.
  • Nickerson, R., and Anderson, D. H., 1997. Use of benefits based management research in state park planning. Presentation made at the semi-annual meeting of the Northern Minnesota Recreation Managers Workshop, held at Grand Rapids, Minnesota, February 5.
  • Nickerson, R. Schneider, I., 1996. Future educational needs of state park planners. Presentation made at the National Association of Recreation Resource Planners National Conference held at Clearwater Beach, Florida, May 5 - 9.
  • Nickerson, R., 1996. Strategic planning in state parks. Presentation made at A Meeting of Rivers: The annual meeting of the Midwest State Park Executive Association, held at Stillwater, Minnesota, August 20 - 23.
  • Nickerson, R., 1995. The benefits of recreation. Presentation made at Minnesota Recreation and Parks Association Annual Conference held at St. Cloud, Minnesota, November.
  • Stein, T. V.; Anderson, D. H.; Thompson, D.; and Nickerson, R., 1995. Defining community based benefits of Minnesota state parks. Poster presented at the Society of American Foresters National Convention held at Portland, Maine, October 28 - November 1.
  • Nickerson, R., 1995. Strategic planning in state parks. Presentation made at the Fourth International Outdoor Recreation & Tourism Trends Symposium and the National Recreation and Resource Planning Conference held at St. Paul, Minnesota, May 14 - 17.
  • Anderson, D. H., Nickerson, R. and Johnson, W. H., 1994. A benefits driven approach to recreation resource management. Poster presented at 5th International Symposium on River Management and Planning, held at Fort Collins, Colorado, June.
  • Nickerson, R. and Schneider, I. 1994. State park planning in evolution: Investigation and implications. Presentation made at the Fifth International Symposium on Society and Resource Management held at Fort Collins, Colorado, June 7 - 10.
  • Johnson, W. H. Nickerson, R. and Anderson, D. H.. 1993. A benefits driven approach to recreation resource management. Poster presented at Society of American Foresters National Conference on Foresters Together: Meeting Tomorrow's Challenges, held at Indianapolis, Indiana, November.
  • Nickerson, R. and Schneider, I. 1993. State park planning in the 90s. Poster presented at the National Recreation and Park Association Annual Conference Symposium on Leisure, San Jose, California, October 20 - 24.
  • Nickerson, R. and Anderson, D. H. 1992. Alternatives for funding long-distance recreational trail development and management. Presentation made at the Fourth International Symposium on Society and Resource Management held at Madison, Wisconsin, May 17 - 20.

Personal Interests

  • Canoeing/kayaking
  • Camping
  • Bicycling
  • Hiking
  • Travel
  • Cooking
  • Reading
  • Movies, music, theatre
  • Hanging out at the ocean

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