1995 Visitor Impact and Monitoring Program Transect Summary: Bryce Canyon National Park
Foster DA. 1995. 1995 Visitor Impact and Monitoring Program Transect Summary: Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce Canyon, UT
Transects were established in the summer of 1994 and monitored again in 1995 for long term monitoring of visitor impacts to areas of high use in Bryce Canyon National Park. This information would provide information on impacts to the natural environment of the overlooks. Eight 100m transects, each divided into twenty 5m plots were established in high use areas. Two additional transects receiving little or no impact were established as a control. Researchers measured % social trails (crossing transect), % grass, % forb, % shrub, % litter, % organics, % bare, and soil penetrometer measurements. Results for 1994 and 1995 are provided. Initial impressions are that significant impacts to the environment (e.g., increasing bare areas and soil compaction, and reduced water penetration) warrant continued monitoring of impact trends. A discussion of the results and management implications are provided. Transects will be monitored annually to detect trends in impacts.
- Type
- Unpublished Report
- Authors
- Foster, Dan
- Date of Issue
- 1995
- Publisher
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Units
- BRCA
- Keywords
- Management, Monitoring, Soil, Transects, vimp, Visitor Impacts