How do visitor density and anthropogenic change in frontcountry wilderness settings affect recreation benefits?

Abstract

Effects on recreation benefits were assessed using questionnaires and image sets depicting visitor density ranges and anthropogenic setting changes at two heavily-visited wilderness sites. Visitor benefits were less affected by high visitor densities at the more accessible of the two sites. New age medicine wheels had a positive effect on visitor benefits, as did trail revegetation. Although wilderness visitor density guidelines are frequently exceeded at both sites, wilderness designation is defended as acceptable, because frontcountry wilderness borders buffer less accessible backcountry areas from excessive impacts, and provide inexperienced and casual visitors with non-mechanized recreation experience opportunities, and exposure to wilderness.

Parent Publication

• Wilderness science in a time of change conference-Volume 4: Wilderness visitors, experiences, and visitor management; 1999 May 23-27; Missoula, MT

Citation

Behan, Jeffrey R.; Richards, Merton T.; Lee, Martha E. 2000. How do visitor density and anthropogenic change in frontcountry wilderness settings affect recreation benefits?. In: Cole, David N.; McCool, Stephen F.; Borrie, William T.; O’Loughlin, Jennifer, comps. 2000. Wilderness science in a time of change conference—Volume 4: Wilderness visitors, experiences, and visitor management; 1999 May 23–27; Missoula, MT. Proceedings RMRS-P-15-VOL-4. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 63-68