Wilderness permit accuracy: differences between reported and actual use

Environmental Management
By: , and 

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Abstract

Wilderness permits are valuable tools for recording backcountry use patterns. They provide a valuable basis upon which management decisions are made. Unfortunately, significant inaccuracies in reporting permit data result from noncompliance, transmission errors, and changes in visitor plans. Data from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in California show that in 1978, 97 percent of the parties obtained wilderness permits. Changes in visitor plans resulted in an over-reporting of total persons by 8 percent and of visitor nights by 23 percent. The latter was due primarily to shortening of trip length. Over-reporting was greatest when permits were issued well in advance of the trip. Backcountry managers should be aware of possible inaccuracies in permit data and may want to adjust for them under certain circumstances.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Wilderness permit accuracy: differences between reported and actual use
Series title Environmental Management
DOI 10.1007/BF01875064
Volume 6
Issue 4
Year Published 1982
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 329
Last page 335
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