Visitor perception of wilderness recreation carrying capacity

Abstract

Presents results of a study of wilderness users in the Bob Marshall, Bridger, High Uintas, and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) to determine their perception of, and reaction to, problems such as crowding, littering, and conflicts between user groups, and to management actions to alleviate such problems. Definitions of crowding included references to conflicts with other users, excessive levels of use, and to inability to find isolated campsites. Suggested management actions include (1) limit party size; (2) restrict motors in the BWCA; (3) encourage "off-season" use; and (4) zoning.

Citation

Stankey, George H. 1973. Visitor perception of wilderness recreation carrying capacity. Res. Pap. INT-RP-142. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. 61 p.