Research to support analysis and management of carrying capacity at Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge, New Hampshire and Maine

Abstract

Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge (New Hampshire and Maine) contains significant natural and recreational resources. The area accommodates an estimated 50,000 visits per year, with accompanying resource and social impacts. A 2-year study of the area was conducted beginning in summer 2006. The first year of the study focused on identifying indicators of quality for the refuge and the second year of research focused on determining standards of quality for indicators identified in first-year research. Visitor and camp/home owner surveys included normative questions addressing the maximum acceptable impacts to indicator variables. Findings from this study are being used to guide management of carrying capacity at the refuge.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the 2008 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium

Citation

Valliere, William; Robert, Manning. 2009. Research to support analysis and management of carrying capacity at Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge, New Hampshire and Maine. In: Klenosky, David B.; Fisher, Cherie LeBlanc, eds. Proceedings of the 2008 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium; 2008 March 30 - April 1; Bolton Landing, NY. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-42. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 314-323.