Baseline vegetation data for a climber impact study in Acadia National Park, Maine

Sward, Douglas

Study sites are on Otter Cliff and Canaa Cliff. Measured vegetation along transects where climber impact would be most evident. Report contains photos and slides of many areas along the transects. 'Conclusions: Although this study is not a definitive analysis of environmental change at climbing sites, it does provide baseline data. Many of the problems, potential or real, can be changed through education of recreationists (Hammitt and Cole 1987). Hammitt and Cole (1987) also state that large groups can cause larger impacts, so limiting group size may be necessary. This study, or others similar to it, need to determine the actual impact that climbers place on an area and then management plans can work to limit unacceptable changes. The impact that climbers have may differ between locations and management plans such be site dependent.' 'In light of this and future monitoring of cliff habitats, it is important to recognize that cliffs are already in a state of geological decay. Although recognizing that cliffs are already in a state of geological decay. Although keeping the cliffs in a healthy state is desirable, static preservation is not an option. Minimizing excessive recreational impacts on vegetation is possible with continued monitoring and appropriate management based at least partially on scientific data analysis.' /STUDY LOCATIONS:/ /MOUNT DESERT ISLAND/Canada Cliff/Otter Cliff/