Leave no trace practices: behaviors and preferences of wilderness visitors regarding use of cookstoves and camping away from lakes

Abstract

This research used descriptive information collected in visitor studies conducted between 1990 and 1992 in eight different wildernesses around the United States to evaluate behaviors and preferences of wilderness visitors regarding cookstoves and camping away from lakes. The majority of visitors used stoves for cooking. However, in all but the Desolation Wilderness, at least 50% of visitors had a wood fire on their trip. In all five areas, most visitors prefer camping within 200 feet of a lake. Appeals were successful in convincing over half of the campers to move farther away from lakeshores. Ecological appeals were more persuasive than social appeals. Progress has been made in persuading visitors to reduce fire use and camp farther from lakes.

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

Christensen, Neal A.; Cole, David N. 2000. Leave no trace practices: behaviors and preferences of wilderness visitors regarding use of cookstoves and camping away from lakes. 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. 77-85