Visitor survey shows uses of Forest Service land

People aren’t always looking to just hike, camp or ski when they head to U.S. Forest Service lands.

The agency on Friday released a summary of a 2012 visitor survey. It said 37 percent of respondents said they spent time simply relaxing when they visited Forest Service lands. When asked about their primary recreation activities, the most common responses were hiking or walking; downhill skiing; and viewing natural features.

The Forest Service counts roughly 160 million visitors each year, and about 16 percent are age 16 or younger.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says that while national budget cuts have limited the availability of some facilities this year, he doesn’t expect a significant dip in visitors.