Title: Assistant Professor
Institution: University of Utah
Email: clara-jane.blye@utah.edu
Phone: (801) 646-7816
Research Interests: Outdoor Recreation, Sustainable Tourism, Park Management, Visitor Use Management, Environmental Communication, Interpretation
Biographical Sketch:
I am an Assistant Professor in the College of Health, Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism at the University of Utah. With a PhD in Recreation and Leisure Studies from the University of Alberta, my research focuses on environmental communication, visitor use management, and inclusive nature-based tourism. I explore how parks and protected areas can foster meaningful connections with diverse visitor groups while promoting sustainability and responsible recreation practices.
My expertise lies in personal interpretation, Leave No Trace education, and visitor behaviour research. I study how environmental messaging influences visitor attitudes and actions, ensuring parks remain accessible, engaging, and well-managed for future generations. I have consulted on projects related to recreation planning, nature-based tourism strategies, and protected area management across North America.
As a board member for Leave No Trace Canada and an advocate for responsible outdoor recreation, I actively integrate sustainability principles into my teaching and research. I collaborate with parks agencies and non-profits to advance best practices in visitor use management and interpretation. Through my scholarship and outreach, I am committed to fostering an environmental ethic that enhances visitor experiences while protecting natural and cultural landscapes.