• Smith, Jordan W.
  North Carolina State University
  jwsmit12@ncsu.edu
  
• Anderson, Dorothy H.
  North Carolina State University
  
• Davenport, Mae A.
  University of Minnesota
  
• Leahy, Jessica E.
  University of Maine
  

This research proposes a six-factor psychometric scale for assessing individuals’ perceptions of community benefits generated from managed recreation resources. We suggested that community benefits primarily occur within six related dimensions: ecological, economic, lifestyle, quality of life, sense of physical space, and social solidarity. A 30-item scale was proposed to measure these dimensions. Data came from a mail-back questionnaire administered to residents living within 15 miles of Voyageurs National Park near International Falls, Minnesota. Confirmatory factor analysis was employed to test the convergent and discriminant validity of the proposed scale. We also tested for measurement and covariance invariance, two tests of scale reliability, using multi-group confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Results support the validity and reliability of the scale. We suggest the perceived community benefits scale can be employed in future research to develop more valid theoretical propositions relating individuals’ values and the possible outcomes they would like to see recreation resources managed for.