Why is it important to monitor social conditions in wilderness?

Alan E. Watson

Treesearch

Why is it important to monitor social conditions in wilderness?

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Alan E. Watson

Year:

1990

Type:

Paper

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

Source:

In: Lime, David W., ed. Managing America’s enduring wilderness resource: Proceedings of the Conference; Minneapolis, Minnesota; September 11-17, 1989. St. Paul, MN: University of Minnesota, Tourism Center; Minnesota Extension Service; Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station. p. 150-155.

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Abstract

“Social conditions in wilderness” refers to all aspects of human use of the wilderness that pose the possibility of impact to the resource and visitor experiences. The reasons for monitoring (1) use levels and use trends (including characteristics of use and users) and (2) the quality of the recreation experiences provided (ability to provide naturalness, privacy, and solitude, with a lack of conflict) are discussed.

Keywords

wilderness, monitoring, recreation, impacts

Citation

Watson, Alan E. 1990. Why is it important to monitor social conditions in wilderness? In: Lime, David W., ed. Managing America’s enduring wilderness resource: Proceedings of the Conference; Minneapolis, Minnesota; September 11-17, 1989. St. Paul, MN: University of Minnesota, Tourism Center; Minnesota Extension Service; Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station. p. 150-155.