1998 Visitor Impact and Monitoring Program Transect Summary: Bryce Canyon National Park
Kitchen K. 1998. 1998 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, 1996, 1997 and 1998 for long term monitoring of visitor impacts to areas of high use in Bryce Canyon National Park. In 1996, fences were constructed around walkways at Sunset, Farview, and Inspiration to prevent visitors from wandering into vegetated areas. 1994 protocol included the establishment of 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. In 1996, 1997 and 1998 11 transects were monitored. Researchers measured % social trails (crossing transect), % grass, % forb, % shrub, % litter, % organics, % bare, and soil penetrometer measurements. Soil penetrometer measurements were not taken in 1997 and 1998. Results for all years monitoring data are provided in tables. A discussion of findings and management implications are provided. Transects will continue to be monitored annually to detect trends in impacts.
- Type
- Unpublished Report
- Authors
- Kitchen, Karen
- Date of Issue
- 1998
- Publisher
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Units
- BRCA
- Keywords
- Management, Monitoring, Soil, Transects, vimp, Visitor Impacts