Human impact surveys in Mount Rainier National Park : past, present, and future

Abstract

Three survey methods were utilized to describe human impacts in one wilderness management zone of Mount Rainier National Park: wilderness impact cards, social trail and campsite surveys, and condition class surveys. Results were compared with respect to assessment of wilderness condition and ecological integrity. Qualitative wilderness impact cards provided location of point impact such as litter, human waste, and campsites. They did not provide data related to ecological integrity and were limited by their inconsistent implementation. Systematic social trail and campsite data provided quantitative estimates of bare ground impacts. Condition class surveys provided spatial documentation of wide range of impacts. Selection of a method is dependent on good articulation of monitoring goals and funding limitations.

Parent Publication

• Wilderness science in a time of change conference-Volume 5: Wilderness ecosystems, threats, and management; 1999 May 23-27; Missoula, MT

Citation

Rochefort, Regina M.; Swinney, Darin D. 2000. Human impact surveys in Mount Rainier National Park : past, present, and future. In: Cole, David N.; McCool, Stephen F.; Borrie, William T.; O’Loughlin, Jennifer, comps. 2000. Wilderness science in a time of change conference-Volume 5: Wilderness ecosystems, threats, and management; 1999 May 23–27; Missoula, MT. Proceedings RMRS-P-15-VOL-5. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 165-171