An Approach for Park Managers to Identify Areas of Recreation- Wildlife Conflict

Moi, Christopher

Brief Description: A suggested process by which park managers can identify areas of recreational conflict with wild life in order to avoid disturbance or disruption to either group. Full Description: Seeking to achieve a balance between recreation and wild life persistence, this report develops a plan to locate areas on the Tomales Point in the Point Reyes National Seashore where park visitors and the Tule Elk overlap. The Tule Elk on Tomales Point are in an enclosed reserve and have two main areas they use for breeding and calving. Any disturbances in these areas have an impact on the elk forcing them to move out of their preferred habitat. The National Park Service is mandated by its enabling legislation to conserve natural resources found within its parks, as well as to provide opportunities for people to use and enjoy those resources. This report includes an analysis of the site to better understand conditions on Tomales Point, provides a literature review supporting the idea that human interaction can impact the elk at Tomales Point. The data gathered in order to develop this plan includes a survey completed by park visitors, GIS analysis of locations on Tomales Point where park visitors hiked as well as where they saw tule elk. The report also provides recommendations for ways to help balance wild life conservation and recreation on Tomales Point.