State of Science: The science of trail surveys: Recreation ecology provides new tools for managing wilderness trails
Marion JL, Wimpey JF, Park LO. 2012. State of Science: The science of trail surveys: Recreation ecology provides new tools for managing wilderness trails. Park Science. 28(3):60–65
Recreation ecology examines the effects of recreation on protected area ecosystems. One core focus of recreation ecology research is trail science, including the development of efficient protocols to assess and monitor the type and severity of resource impacts, analyses to improve knowledge of factors that influence trail conditions, and studies to assist land managers in improving trail design, maintenance, and visitor management. This article reviews alternative trail survey methodologies most useful for the management of wilderness and backcountry trail networks. Illustrations and implications from survey data for trail planning, design, and management are included.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Marion, Jeffrey; Wimpey, Jeremy; Park, Logan
- Units
- ACAD , BLRI , CHOH , DENA , NERI , NRSS , ZION
- Keywords
- Acadia NP, Blue Ridge Parkway, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal NHP, Denali NP, New River Gorge NR, sustainable trail design, trail impacts, trail survey methods, Zion NP