| This study used GIS-based spatial analysis to examine the sociodemographic patterns of census block groups in Illinois, particularly those within a 5 kilometer (5km) radius of federally and state owned outdoor recreation lands. Using the environmental justice framework, this study aimed to determine any possible inequalities in access to federally and stated owned outdoor recreation lands in Illinois. Sociodemographic variables of race, gender, median household income, median household value, median retirement income, education, and occupation were obtained from the American Community Survey administered by the United States Census Bureau and examined. The sociodemographics of census block groups within a 5 km radius of federally or state owned outdoor recreation lands were compared to census block groups outside the 5 km radius. The results show a stronger presence of a high income retired population, and a high income white non-college degree holding population within 5 km of federally or state owned outdoor recreation lands. These populations have the best access to the use and non-use benefits of outdoor recreation lands, while populations located further from these lands, such as minorities and low-income populations, have limited access, if any, to the use and non-use benefits of these lands. |
