Chad D. Pierskalla, Ph.D.

Division of Forestry
West Virginia University
P.O. Box 6125
Morgantown, WV 26506-6125

Ph: (304) 293-2941 x2410; Fax: (304) 293-2441
E-mail: cpierska@wvu.edu

WVU Webpage: http://www.forestry.caf.wvu.edu/programs/recreation

Research Focus

Research interests include understanding how people use, perceive, and benefit from outdoor recreation areas. Ten years of research experience that contributed to the development of public and private resource land management and planning processes. B.S. in Recreation Resource Management, M.S. in Forestry, Ph.D. Forest Resources.

Top two critical issues facing aquaculture development:

(1) Demand for pay fishing opportunities
Who enjoys fishing farm raised fish in private ponds/lakes? What level of fishing expertise do they have? What types of activities, settings, experiences, and benefits are they seeking? What fish do they prefer to catch? What are the beliefs of visitors regarding the acceptability of fishing conditions (e.g., size of fish, length of time to catch fish, number of fish caught)?
How much are they willing to pay for various pay fishing experiences?

(2) Supply of pay fishing opportunities (site management; rationing and allocation; regulation, deterrence and enforcement; and visitor education)
What type of setting should managers provide visitors who pay fish? What types of activity opportunities should they provide? What type of fish should they stock? What types of programs should they offer. What fee structure should they use (fixed or graduated fees; catch and release or catch and keep)? At what density should they stock fish to provide high quality opportunities? What is the minimum acceptable size of various fish? What alternative species could be stocked in the future? How do other managers around the country meet visitor needs?