Use characteristics of the great gulf wilderness

R. E. Leonard; H. E. Echelberger; M. Schnitzer

Treesearch

Use characteristics of the great gulf wilderness

Informally Refereed

Authors:

R. E. Leonard, H. E. Echelberger, M. Schnitzer

Year:

1978

Type:

Research Paper

Station:

Northern Research Station

Source:

Res. Pap. NE-428. Broomall, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. 9p.

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Download (PDF 1.20 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/14963.pdf

Abstract

Three use characteristics were studied in the Great Gulf Wilderness of the White Mountain National Forest in 1976: (1) use quantity; (2) use distribution; (3) overnight use patterns. Pressure-plate counters, in conjunction with use permits and site observations, were used to acquire data. Approximately 4,000 people visited this area during the 56-day study period; 75 percent were day users and 25 percent were overnight users. Trail use ranged from 50 hikers per day to negligible use. Overnight users tended to concentrate in the upper portion of the Great Gulf. Actual overnight use was significantly lower than permitted use. On some nights, more than half of the users who obtained overnight permits did not use them.

Citation

Leonard, R. E.; Echelberger, H. E.; Schnitzer, M. 1978. Use characteristics of the great gulf wilderness. Res. Pap. NE-428. Broomall, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. 9p.