Evaluating wilderness recreational opportunities: application of an impact matrix

Environmental Management
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Abstract

An inventory of the severity and spatial distribution of wilderness campsite impacts in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks identified a total of 273 distinct nodes of campsites or “management areas.” A campsite impact matrix was developed to evaluate management areas based on total impacts (correlated to the total area of campsite development) and the density, or concentration, of impacts relative to each area's potentially campable area. The matrix is used to quantify potential recreational opportunities for wilderness visitors in a spectrum from areas offering low impact-dispersed camping to those areas offering high impact-concentrated camping. Wilderness managers can use this type of information to evaluate use distribution patterns, identify areas to increase or decrease use, and to identify areas needing site-specific regulations (e.g., one-night camping limits) to preserve wilderness resources and guarantee outstanding opportunities for solitude.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Evaluating wilderness recreational opportunities: application of an impact matrix
Series title Environmental Management
DOI 10.1007/BF02400079
Volume 16
Issue 3
Year Published 1992
Language English
Publisher Springer-Verlag
Publisher location New York, NY
Description 7 p.
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Environmental Management
First page 397
Last page 403
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