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U.S. Department of the Interior 

Bureau of Land Management 

BLM Alaska Open File Report 108 

BLM/ AK/ST-06/024+8351 +050 

June 2006 

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Delta National Wild and Scenic River 

2005 Recreation User St;Jrvey 

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Doug Whittaker, Ph.D. and Bo Shelby, Ph.D. 

ARLIS 

Alaska Resources Library & lnfonnation Services 

Library Building, Suite 111 

3211 Providence Drive 

AnchoraQ:e. AK 99508-4614 
Mission Statement 

The Bureau of Land r 

1111 

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... ""''"""'~'-'•••'-'•• 

DATE DUE 

1 '4 2017 

FAINTED IN U.S.A. 

\ULIYI/ .;;JUOl:;11110 U It; 11ca ll ,, u1vcn::,1Ly 

for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. 

Authors 

I 

and productivity of the public lands 

Doug Whittaker, Ph.D. and Bo Shelby, Ph.D. Confluence Research and Consulting, 6324 Red Tree · 

Circle, Anchorage, AK 99507 

Cover 

Delta Falls, Delta National Wild and Scenic River 

Open File Reports 

Open file reports present the results of inventories or other investigations published outside the formal 

SLM-Alaska technical publication series. These reports can include preliminary or incomplete data and 

are not published and distributed in quantity. 

Reports are available while supplies last from BLM External Affairs, 222 West 7th Avenue, #13, 

Anchorage, Alaska 99513 (907) 271-5555 and from the Juneau Minerals Information Center, 100 Savikko 

Road, Mayflower Island, Douglas, AK 99824, (907) 364-1553. Copies are also available for inspection 

at the Alaska Resource Library and Information Service (Anchorage), the United States Department of 

the Interior Resources Library in Washington D.C., various libraries of the University of Alaska, the BLM 

National Business Center Library (Denver), and other selected locations. 

A complete bibliography of all SLM-Alaska scientific reports can be found on the Internet at: 

http://www. blm .gov /ak/affairs/sci_rpts. html. 

Related publications are also listed at: http://www.blm.gov/ak/jrmic/index.html. 

ARLIS 

Alaska Resources 

ibrary & Information Service~ 

Anchorage, AK 

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Delta National Wild and Scenic River 

2005 Recreation User Survey 

By 

Doug Whittaker, Ph.D. 

and 

Bo Shelby, Ph. D. 

BLM Open File Report 108 

June 2006 

U.S. Department of the Interior 

Bureau of Land Management 

Glennallen Field Office 

PO Box 147, Mile 186.5 Glenn Highway 

Glennallen, AK 99588 
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Lower Tangle Lakes. This photo gallery illustrates major findings from a 2005 recreation user study on Alaska's 

Tangle Lakes and Delta River, a 62-mile corridor that is part of the National Wild and Scenic River System. 

Offering high quality boating, fishing, hunting, and camping opportunities that attract substantial recreation use, 

BLM expects to revise a 1983 river management plan in the near future. This survey is one input for planners to 

consider. 

Upper Delta River. 

The study area includes 

five lake/river 

segments: Upper 

Tangle Lakes, Lower 

Tangle Lakes, Upper · 

Delta, Lower Delta, 

and the Black Rapids 

segment. Report 

sections summarize 

recreation facilities, 

recreation :features 

(e.g., topography, 

scenery, fish, wi~dlife), 

setting character by 

segment, and historical 

use levels. 
Registration form. The 

survey targeted recent 

Delta users identified 

from 1) voluntary 

registration boxes at 

boat launches, and 2) a 

networking sample 

reached via paddling 

clubs, a motorized 

access organization, 

outfitters, and known • 

local users. In all, 358 

people were mailed 

surveys and 345 

ret11med them (68% 

response· rate). The 

sample included 152 

non-motorized users, 73 

motorized users, and 

116 ATV users. 

Lo1:ver Tangle Lakes. Sampled Delta users take many types of trips, but lake-based trips were more common than 

lake-to-river "through trips," while Lower River powerboat, Black Rapids, and ATV trips were even less c01mnon. 

Median number of previous trips was 2 to 4. Most respondents were males in their 40s and 50s. Median trip 

length was 3 to 4 days. Most groups included 2 to 6 people. Majorities of all trips fish, but bunting was more 

common on Lower River powerboat and ATV trips. None of the "through trip" boaters reported hunting. 

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Clockl·vise from top: Lmver Delta graylingfishing; 

Lotver Tangle camp; i,-vhitewater in Delta Gorge. 

Users rated different reasons for taking trips, and 

results suggest recreation experiences are multifaceted. The least important attribute is "meeting 

other users," so minimizing interaction is a 

reasonable management goal. Non-motorized users 

were more interested in several attributes commonly 

associated with "wilderness recreation" ( e.g., 

solitude, scenery, being in a·natural place) than 

motorized users. Fishing and hunting were more 

important for motorized users. 
Camp on Lower Delta River. Few respondents thought any segment should provide a higher density setting, but 

there were differences between motorized and non-motorized users. Non-motorized users are more sensitive to 

high densities, development levels, and motorized use, preferring less of each. Most users reported 8 of 16 impacts 

as "high priorities" for management. Signs of use impacts (litter, human waste) were the highest priorities, and 

camp competition, camp sharing, and camp encounters were more important than river encounters. Motorized boat 

encounters, ATV encounters, and A TV trail impacts .were higher priorities for non-motorized users. 

Lower Delta River. Perceived 

crowding scores suggest that no 

segment is "over capacity" and 

crowding scores were well below 

those from studies on the Gulkana 

and several Susitna Basin rivers. 

Analysis of crowding ratings 

revealed no upward trend in recent 

years. 

Reported encounters with other 

groups were generally higher than 

preferences, but were lower than 

tolerances. Average encounter 

tolerances (usually less than 4) are 

similar to those from many other 

studies ofbackcountry areas. 

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BLM recreation crew 

cleaning a camp; cached 

equipment found near a 

camp. Based on reported 

impact and tolerance levels, 

litter and ''beat-out" camps 

are not substantial problems 

in the corridor at this time. 

BLM crew trips that clean 

camps 3-4 times per year help 

explain this finding. 

However, human waste 

impacts were reported 

slightly more often than user 

tolerances. 

Patrols, Education, 

and Facilities 

Lower Tangle Lakes boat 

launch and information kiosk. 

Most users support existing 

patrol levels and increased 

education efforts; there was 

slightly lower support for 

increased patrols. Most users 

support creation of pit toilets or 

steps to prevent erosion at high 

use camps, but they are more 

divided over specific 

improvements at the Delta 

River portage (see next page) 

and Mile 212 launch 

improvements. 
Delta Falls and 

Portage Area 

Main photo: Upper Delta River Falls; a 2nd latge,-Jalls is just downstream, followed by a short Class iII-JV 

gorge. Clockwise insets from top right: Portage signs; beach at end of portage trail at low water; 2nd half of 

portage trail; Beaver pond along portage route. Most Delta River "through trip" users support the current balance 

of facilities at the portage, which include warning signs, a pit toilet, and a portage trail maintained with mostly onsite rock. There was less support for substantial portage trail improvements, perhaps out of concem that they 

might attrnct higher use. The trail, which has two parts divided by a short beaver pond, can be muddy or under 

water after rain events. There was some support for closing and rehabilitating some side trails to scenic vistas in 

the area, but opposition toward limiting camping (the number of sites has expanded in recent years), 

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Left; Registration station at a boat launch. Below: Black 

Rapids segment. Most users are willing to pay user fees, 

although there were differences between groups. A majority 

of non-motorized and small engine motorized boaters were 

willing to pay fees, but there was less support among other 

power boaters and ATV users. Among those willing to pay, 

average amounts were $3 to $5 per person per day or $10 to 

$20 per group per trip. 

Large Boy Scout group camped on Lower Delta. About two-thirds of non-motorized users philosophically support 

(or mi'ght support) use limits, while only one-third of motorized users said the same. However, there is little 

enthusiasm for most specific use limit options among any group. The exception was commercial use limits. 

A majority of non-motorized users support group size limits, while only about a quarter of the motorized users 

support them. Among those who support group size limits, nearly three quarters support limits of 12 or less and 

91 % support limits of 16 or less. Some recent scout trips have approached 30 people; most group size limits on 

other rivers are between 12 and 25. 
Camp on Lower Tangle Lakes. Trail erosion to some 

popular camping areas has become more pronounced 

over time; one solution is to build steps or otherwise 

harden trails to concentrate use, but this also may 

make the site appear less primitive. 

Left to right: PETT portable toilet and shelter; fire ring at a Delta camp; fire ring and cut tree at another site. 

There was majority opposition to requiring portable toilets (carry out human waste regulations) and fire pans. 

These regulations are common on many Lower 48 rivers and require a change in equipment and nonns, but they 

also substantially solve human waste and fire ring scar impacts. 

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Upper Tangle Lakes. A minor problem on the Upper Tangles and Lower Delta concerns long term camping. 

Patrol crews have noted that a few users establish camps for several weeks each hunting season and this may 

exacerbate camp competition. However, survey data do not show support for camp occupation limits. 

Main photo: Upper Delta Falls. Inset left: Lower Tangles. Inset right: Richardson Highway. A report appendix 

summarizes use data based on periodic overflights. Data show use is relatively low, with most segments having no 

use on 20 to 60% of the open water season. On average, the-re are 10 to 15 boats on the entire system at one time, 

with most of that use non-motorized. Long distances to population centers, shallow reaches between lakes, and 

portages help explain the low use levels for a resource with otherwise outstanding recreation attributes. 
Above: Jet boat passes a popular camp on the Lower Delta River. There is ample evidence of a motorized/nonmotorized use conflict in the Delta River corridor. Most non-motorized users supported a variety of restriction 

options while most motorized users opposed them. Non-motorized users also ra.ted 11 possible reasons for 

restricting motorized use "important," while motorized users only rated four reasons "important." While results 

document a conflict, they also show substantial numbers of non-motorized users accept some motorized use ( even 

as they prefer more non-motorized segments). 

Above: Shallow reach in Lower Tangle Lakes. Shallow 

depths make large powerboat use on some lakes 

problematic ·and BLM recommends engines less than 15 

horsepower, but this recommendation is not widely 

followed. Use data suggests that 70% of the boats on the 

lakes and 85% on the river are non-motorized. 

Below: PWC (jet ski) on Round Tangle Lake h1 

2003. Although these boats are rare, there was 

majority support for a PWC ban in the corridor 

among all users, and more support than 

opposition for an airboat ban on the Lower 

Delta even among motorized users. 

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BLM ATV with a GPS 

unit used to locate 

existing trails in the 

corridor. Most nonA TV users don't know 

that A TV trails exist in 

the corridor and less 

than a third reported 

encounters with ATV 

users on their trips, 

confirming that A TV 

use in the area is 

currently low. 

Above: Photos of "low," "medium," and "high°" ATV impact levels provided in the survey. Acceptability ratings 

of these photos suggest that personal A TV use affects evaluations of physical resource conditions, but also 

illustrates when disparate groups might be able to agree about what constitutes "damage" on the ground. 

Responses to attitudinal questions about A TVs showed opposing views about existing trails, the relative 

jmportance of biological-and experiential impacts from ATV use, and support for improvements of existing trails. 

Right: Mining access route on the 

glacial/braided part of the Lower 

Delta below Eureka Creek. 

Only 13% of all respondents had seen 

mining equipment in the corridor, but 

26% had seen this mining access route 

(which is most prominent at the 

location in this photo). Motorized 

users were more likely to report 

"mining" encounters, probably 

because they spend more time in 

upland areas (or use the trails for 

access themselves). Results also show 

differences between motorized and 

non-motorized users ; the latter are 

much more supportive of restrictions 

on mining access. 1 

L!!::!!!:k!!!.B~~BJ!;tm.,..DB.i,II!~~,Eld~~~~~ 
A final section in the report integrates key findings from the survey data and makes recommendations for 

managers to consider in fuhrre planning. General recommendations focus on 1) applying a planning framework 

that explicitly defines the types of opportunities to be provided, articulates standards for high quality, and links 

management actions to these standards.; 2) managing for high quality regardless of the type of opportunity; 3) 

planning for a diversity of opportunities on different segments and during different seasons; and 4) monitoring 

impacts. Specific recommendations are made for specific segments and issues, as well as continued collaborative 

planning efforts between BLM and the state. 

Thanks to BLM and Riv.er Management Society 2005 trip participants for several photos in this gallery. 

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Executive Summary 

Introduction. The 62-mile long Delta National and Wild Scenic River includes lakes and river 

segments accessible from the Denali and Richardson Highways, and offers high quality boating, 

fishing, hunting, and camping opportunities. Congressional designation in 1980 required BLM to 

complete and implement a management plan to protect the river's values. A revision to the 

existing (1983) plan is expected in the next couple of years; this survey can provide important 

information for that effort. The study purpose was to describe Delta River users, their trips, and 

their opinions ab~ut management options. 

Report organization. The report was designed as a reference document, with findings organized 

by topics and with numerous sub-headings. The following executive summary and an expanded 

table of contents were also designed to help readers navigate the document. 

Study Area. The report summarizes key characteristics of recreation uses on five lake / river 

segments (Upper Tangle Lakes, Lower Tangle Lakes, Upper Delta River, Lower Delta River, and 

Black Rapids). It also reviews the area's climate (interior Alaska); topography and scenic values 

(alpine tundra and Alaska Range peaks); whitewater (Class I to IV); fish (primarily lake trout and 

grayling) and wildlife (multiple species, including bear, moose, and caribou). A final section 

summarizes recreation facilities (roads, lodges, campgrounds, boat launches, portages, and trails); 

_the setting character of different reaches (primitive to developed); historic use of the region; and 

estimates of recent use levels. 

Methods. Survey format and content were developed from several sources and based on 

established research protocols; they were also reviewed by BLM, DNR, and ADF&G staff. The 

survey targeted "recent" Delta users, based on two sources: 1) a registration sample from launch 

registration boxes from 2000-2004, and 2) a "networking" sample that reached individuals in 

paddle clubs, a motorized access organization, outfitting companies, and local users. The survey 

was conducted from February through May 2005. Potential respondents were sent a pre-study 

postcard, an initial mailing, a reminder postcard, and two reminder letters. In all, 358 individuals 

· were mailed surveys and 245 returned them for a response rate of 68%. The final sample 

included 107 lake users, 88 lake-to-river "through-trip" users, and 10 lower river power boaters; 

the remainder took multiple types of trips. Alternative sub-groups developed from the sample 

included 152 non-motorized users, 73 motorized boaters, and 116 A TV users. 

Visitor characteristics. Sampled Delta users take several different types of trips, but lake-based 

trips were more common than Delta River "through trips;" and Lower River powerboat, Black 

Rapids, and ATV trips were even less common. Most respondents reported taking several trips 

over the past decade, and the median number for different groups ranged from 2 to 4. The 

majority of respondents were male, and most ranged from 43 to 58 years old. Most recent trips 

occurred during mid-summer for "through trips" and in late summer or early fall (hunting season) 

for other trips. Most people take trips to the area for 2 to 6 days; median length was 3 to 4 days. 

Most respondents reported group sizes between 2 and 6 people. Majorities of all groups fish, but 

fishing was slightly more common on lake trips. Hunting was more common on Lower River 

powerboat trips and ATV-based trips; about half of the lake-based users (but none of the "through 

trip" users) reported hunting. 

Reasons for taking trips. Users rated reasons for taking trips important, and results indicate that 

recreation experiences in the corridor are multi-faceted. The least important attribute was 

"meeting other river users," which suggests that minimal interaction between users is a 
reasonable management goal. The top rated reasons for non-motorized users are oriented toward 

"non-consumptive" backcountry recreation. In contrast, motorized users rated fishing and 

hunting ("consumptive recreation") much higher. 

General evaluations. Ratings for overall environmental conditions and experience quality were 

high, but recent trips were rated slightly lower than first trips (for those who have taken more than 

one). About one-third of users reported this decline, particularly those interested in nonconsumptive and wilderness-like trips (more often non-motorized and "through trip" users). 

Question& also evaluated fishing on different segments. Results indicate that the highest catchrates are associated with gray ling on the river segments (particularly the lower Delta at 4 to 10 

fish per hour), and that fishing evaluations follow from catch-rates. 

Current and preferred opportunity settings. Relatively few respondents thought any segment 

provided or should provide a higher density "undeveloped recreation" setting, but there were 

differences between motorized and non-motorized users. In general, non-motorized users are 

more sensitive to high use densities, development, or motorized use, and they would prefer less of 

each. About half of the motorized users recognize that the Upper Delta and portage area offer 

non-motorized opportunities at present, but slightly fewer prefer that setting ( apparently opposing 

motorized restrictions). 

Crowding. Perceived crowding scores suggest no segment is "over capacity," ~nd crowding was 

well below nearby rivers such as the Gulkana and several Susitna Basin rivers. The Upper and 

Lower Delta River segments have particularly low crowding ratings, suggesting they offer 

relatively unique low density opportunities; the highest crowding ratings are on the Lower Tangle 

Lakes in August: Analysis of crowding ratings by years revealed no upward trend in recent years. 

Impact priorities. Most users identified 8 of 16 impacts as high priority issues. Signs of use 

impacts (litter and human waste) were rated the highest; a clean environment appears to be a 

starting point for high quality experiences. Camp competition, camp sharing, and camp 

encounters ( camping within sight or sound) were relatively higher priorities than "beat out" 

camps, suggesting that users are more concerned about camp privacy than camp conditions. A TV 

trails and ATV encounters are high priorities for just over half of all users, but there were several 

differences between motorized and non-motorized users. 

Encounters. Reported encounters with other groups were generally higher than preferences but 

lower than tolerances. Encounter tolerances for the river segments (generally less than 4 per day) 

were similar to those found in many other studies of backcountry settings. On group size issues, 

most users have not encountered groups larger than 10, and only 4% saw trips larger than 20. 

Most users were intolerant of groups larger than 12. 

Other impacts. Litter, camp encounter, camp competition, fishing competition, and "beat-out 

camps" do not appear to be substantial problems in the corridor at this time. The only other 

impact where reported levels were higher than tolerances ( on average) was for human waste, and 

this difference was small. In all other cases, average impacts were similar to, or less than, 

tolerances. 

Planning to avoid crowding. About half of all users adjust their plans to address potential 

crowding. Users who plan to avoid high use employ several strategies; the most common include 

going to a low use segment, going mid-week, or going off-season. 

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Reported changes in quality. Nearly 70% of the sample had taken multiple trips over the years, 

and most indicated that the Delta/ Tangles have stayed the same or improved. However, 44% of 

non-motorized and 45% ofriver users reported some decline (although most reported only a 

"slight" decline). It is difficult to assess whether a perceived decline is related to actual changes 

or a general perception that "things are not like they used to be." Among those who reported a 

small decline, most report that they adjust their expectations in response to a "product shift," but 

take fewer trips in response to a perceived large decline. 

Facilities, education, regulations, and patrols. Most users support existing patrol levels and 

increased educational efforts, with slightly lower (but still majority) support for increased 

enforcement and increased river clean-ups. Most users also support camp improvements such as 

toilets and steps to control erosion, and there is more support than opposition for Mile 212 launch 

improvements. Most river users do not support substantial portage area improvements, although 

improving the main trail with local materials appears acceptable .. There was majority opposition 

toward mandatory fire pans and human waste carry-out systems. 

User fees. Most users appear willing to pay user fees, although there were interesting differences 

between groups. A majority of non-motorized boaters and powerboaters that use small engines 

were willing to pay fees, but there was less support among other power boaters and A TV users. 

Among those willing to pay, mean amounts for different groups were $3 to $5 per person per day; 

$20 to $40 per person per year; and $10 to $20 per group per trip. 

Use limits. About two-th.irds of non-motorized users philosophically support or might support 

use limits, while only about one-third of the motorized users said the same. However, there was 

little enthusiasm for specific use limit options among any group. The exception was commercial 

limits among non-motorized users, which showed majority support (and there was more support 

than opposition from motorized users too). About a third of all respondents supported group size 

limits; among these, nearly three-quarters specified limits of 12 or less. 

Motorized boating issues. There is ample evidence of a motorized/non-motorized use conflict 

in the Delta Corridor: Most non-motorized boaters supported restrictions, and most motorized 

boaters opposed t4em. The exception was prohibiting personal watercraft on the lakes and 

airboats on the river, both of which showed more support than opposition even among motorized 

users. Results document the existence of a conflict, but they also indicate that many nonmotorized users accept some motorized use on the lakes, although they prefer some segments or 

lakes to be non-motorized. In contrast, a m~jority of motorized users do not want any restrictions 

on motorized use. Many motorized boaters express interest in minimizing the noise or safety 

issues associated with some types of motorized use (e.g., PWCs and airboats), while retaining 

access for their own craft. 

Most motorized users rated only four reasons for motorized restrictions ( discourteous behavior, 

safety, noise, and biophysical impacts) as important. Most non-motorized users reported that all 

11 reasons in a list were important, including several related to experience quality and some that 

may be "values-based." The conflict is "asymmetrical;" non-motorized users are concerned 

about several aspects of motorized use, while motorized users are much less likely to consider 

those concerns to be important or related to their use. 

ATV use issues. Most non-ATV users don't know that ATV trails exist in the corridor and less 

than a third have had actual encounters with ATV users, suggesting that current Delta ATV use is 

relatively low. Ratings of the acceptability of ATV impacts in three photos suggest that personal 

A TV use affects evaluations of physical resource conditions. These ratings also illustrate when 

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dispa:rate groups might be able to agree about what constitutes "damage" on the ground, which 

could lead to improvements supported across groups. Responses to a series of attitudinal 

questions about A TVs also show opposing views about existing trails; the relative importance of 

biological and experiential impacts from ATV use, and support for improvements of existing 

trails. ' 

Mining. Only 13% of all respondents had seen mining equipment in the corridor, but 26% had 

seen the mining access r9ute that crosses and follows the river for a short distance. Motorized 

users were more likely to report these "mining" encounters, probably because they spend more 

time in upland areas on ATVs (and some may actually use the mining trails for access). Results 

also show differences between motorized and non-motorized users toward mining issues, with the 

latter generally supporting restrictions while the former show more opposition than support. 

Support for restrictions may related to social values positions toward mining in primitive areas 

than concern about actual mining encounters or impacts. 

Conclusions. A final section in the report integrates key findings from the survey data and 

makes recommendations for managers to consider in future planning. The recommendations are 

based on researcher knowledge and experience; they do not necessarily represent the views of 

BLM or the State of Alaska. General recommendations focus on I) applying a planning 

framework that explicitly defines the types of opportunities to be provided, articulates standards 

that define high quality, and links proposed management actions to those standards; 2) managing 

for high quality regardless of the type of opportunity; 3) plam1ing for a diversity of opportunities 

on different segments and during different seasons, and 4) monitoring impacts. Specific 

recommendations are made for specific segments and issues, as well as continued collaborative 

efforts between BLM and the State. 

Appendices. An appendix includes overflight use data that helped establish context for the 

survey results, as well as a copy of the survey instrument. They also include verbatim comments 

from survey respondents, organized by topic area. 

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Table of Contents 

I. Introduction . . .. .. .. . . . .. . . .. .. .. .. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . . . . . . . . .. .. . . . . . .. .. . . .. .. .. .. . . .. .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . . . .. . . . .. . . . . . . . . 1 

Study Purpose and Objectives ............................................................................................... 2 

How to Use This Report ........................................................................................................ 2 

2. Study Area .................................................................................................................................. 3 

Climate ................................................................................................................................... 5 

Topography, Scenic Values ................................................................................................... 5 

Gradient and Whitewater ................................. ~ ..................................................................... 5 

Fish and Wildlife ................................................................................................................... 5 

Setting Character and Facilities ............................................................................................. 6 

Historic Use and Development .............................................................................................. 6 

Recreation Use Levels ........................................................................................................... 6 

3. Methods ....................................................................................................................................... 8 

Theoretical Background and Survey Development ............................................................... 8 

Sampling Protocol ................................................................................................................. 9 

Survey Administration and Response Rates........................................................................ 10 

Sub-group Sample Sizes ...................................................................................................... 11 

4. Visitor Characteristics ............................................................................................................... 12 

Trip Experience ................................................................................................................... 12 

Year of First Trip ................................................................................................................. 12 

Powerboat Use ...................................................................................................... · ............... 12 

ATV Use .............................................................................................................................. 13 

General Boating and A TV Experience . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . .. . .. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .. .. 13 

Socio-demographics .. .. . . .. . . . . . .. . . . . .. . .. . . . . . . .. . . .. . . . . . .. .. . .. . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . .. . . 13 

Profile of Respondents' "Most Recent" Trips ..................................................................... 14 

Year and Month ............................................................................................................ 14 

Type of Transport.......................................................................................................... 14 

Trip Le11gth ...................... :.. . . .. . .. . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . . . 15 

Fishing Participation ..................................................................................................... 15 

Hunting Participation . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . . .. . . . .. . . . . .. . . . .. . . .. 16 

Reasons for Taking Trips ..................................................................................................... 16 

5. General Evaluations .................................................................................................................. 18 

Fishing Information and Perceived Fishing Quality ............................................................ 18 

Perceived Environmental Conditions .................................................................................. 19 

Overall Trip Quality Evaluations (Satisfaction) .................................................................. 19 

Reported and Preferred Types of Experience Settings ........................................................ 21 

6. Crowding, Impacts, and Tolerances ......................................................................................... 26 

Perceived Crowding ............................................................................................................ 26 

Impact Priorities .................................................................................................................. 30 

Impacts and Impact Tolerances ........................................................................................... 32 

E11counters ..................................................................................................................... 32 

Campsite Impacts .......................................................................................................... 3 3 

Reported Group Size Encounters and Tolerances ............................................................... 36 

7. Coping with Impacts and Perceived Change ............................................................................ 3 7 

A voiding High Use .............................................................................................................. 3 7 

Perceived Change in Trip Quality ....................................................................................... 39 

Responses to a Decline in Trip Quality: Product Shift and Displacement .......................... 39 

8. General Management Strategies ............................................................................................... 41 

River Clean-up Programs, Education, and Law Enforcement.. ........................................... 41 

V . 
Facility I1nprovements ......................................................................................................... 42 

General Improvements .................................................................................................. 42 

Delta River Portage Improve1nents ............................................................................... 43 

Fire Pan and Carry-Out Waste Regulations ......................................................................... 44 

User Fees ............................................................................................................................. 45 

Use Limits ............................................................................................................................ 46 

Respondents' Philosophy toward Use Limits ............................................................... 46 

Opinion toward Use Limit Options ............................................................................... 47 

Group Size Limits ................................................................................................................ 49 

9. Motorized Boating ....................................... _. ............................................................................ 50 

Opinion toward Motorized Boating Restriction Options ..................................................... 50 

Restrictions on the Tangle Lakes .................................................................................. 50 

Restrictions on the Delta River Segments ...................................... ,. .............................. 51 

Differences between Sub-groups .................................................................................. 52 

Rating Reasons for Restricting Motorized Boating ............................................................. 53 

10. ATV Use and Mining Access ................................................................................................. 56 

ATV Use Issues ................................................................. .' ................................................. 56 

Presence of ATV Trails and ATV Encounters .............................................................. 56 

Evaluating ATV Trail Impacts ...................................................................................... 57 

Attitudes related to ATV Issues .................................................................................... 58 

Access to Mining Clai1ns ..................................................................................................... 61 

11. Implications and Recommendations ........................................................................................ 63 

Manage for a Diversity of Recreation Opportunities ........................................................... 63 

Manage for High Quality ..................................................................................................... 63 

Key Issues and Potential Management Initiatives ............................................................... 63 

Upper Tangle Lakes ...................................................................................................... 64 

Lower Tangle Lakes ...................................................................................................... 65 

Upper Delta and Portage Area ...................................................................................... 65 

Lower Delta ................................................................................................................... 66 

Black Rapids ................................................................................................................. 68 

Motorized/Non-motorized Boating Conflicts ............................................................... 68 

ATV Issues .................................................................................................................... 69 

Mining Issues ................................................................................................................ 70 

Human Waste Disposal Regulations ............................................................................. 70 

Planning and Monitoring Needs .......................................................................................... 71 

Summary and a Disclaimer .................................................................................................. 71 

Refere11ces ....................................................................................................................................... 73 

A. Selected Use Level Information ............................................................................................... 77 

Overflight Infonnation, 2000-2004 ..................................................................................... 77 

Observations by Year, 2000 to 2004 ............................................................................. 77 

Observations by Segment, All Years 2000 to 2005 ...................................................... 77 

Observations by Season, 2000-2004 ............................................................................. 78 

Motorized vs. Non-Motorized Use on Various Segments ............................................ 80 

Type of Boat .................................................................................................................. 80 

Observed ATV Use ....................................................................................................... 81 

BLM RMIS I11formation ...................................................................................................... 81 

Delta River/ Tangle Lakes Facilities ............................................................................ 81 

Delta River/ Tangle Lakes Use Estimates .................................................................... 82 

Other BLM Use Estitnates ............................................................................................ 83 

B. Survey Instrument .................................................................................................................... 84 

C. Users' Verbatiin Survey Comments ........................................................................................ 97 

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1. Introduction 

The Delta National and Wild Scenic River consists of several lakes and river segments in the 

upper watershed of the Delta River in the Alaska Range west of Paxson. The 62-mile long 

corridor includes the Upper Tangle Lakes and Tangle River, the Lower Tangle Lakes, and the 

Delta River from the outlet of the lakes to the toe of Black Rapids glacier. 

Accessible from the Denali and Richardson Highways, the Tangle Lakes and Delta River are 

important recreation resources for southcentral and interior Alaskans, offering high quality 

boating, fishing, hunting, and camping opportunities. In 1980 through the Alaska National 

Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), Congress recognized this importance by designating 

the Tangle Lakes and Upper Delta as part of the National Wild and Scenic River System for its 

"outstandingly remarkable scenic, fish, wildlife, and recreation values." The designation required 

the Bureau of Land Management (the lead federal agency) to complete a management plan to 

protect the river's values, a task completed in 1983. 

The 1983 plan addressed a full range of management issues, including visitor impacts and 

can-ying capacity, motorized boating use, ATV use, and mining. The plan reported that 1983 use 

levels were not creating unacceptable impacts, but recommended future planning to determine 

"the amount and type of use that the Delta ... can perpetually sustain without impairing the scenic 

and primitive character or causing unacceptable ch~nge to the experience of the user" (BLM, 

1983). 

The plan also defined allowable uses, recommending a ban of motorized use on the river's 

"Wild" segment, but allowing winter snowmachine use, "existing use of motorized boats" for 

"upstream access," A TV use on existing trails, and mining access to valid existing claims if no 

other reasonable access was available. In addition, the plan recommended limiting motorized use 

on lakes to 15 horsepower because "larger sized motors are not necessary on the relatively small 

Tangle Lakes" and "larger motors produce more noise and large wakes ... which reduce the 

enjoyment of this area for other visitors." 

BLM has implemented management programs in accordance with the plan since the early 1980s: 

(1) initiating monitoring, clean-up, and law enforcement efforts to address visitor impact issues; 

(2) managing commercial recreation use; (3) providing small-scale improvements (e.g. steps, fire 

ring consolidation at camps and portages) to minimize impacts; and (4) managing mining access 

across the corridor. These programs appear to have been generally successful, and Delta use and 

impact levels do not appear to have increased as much as on the nearby Gulkana River over the 

past two and a half decades. However, state population and visitation have probably caused some 

increases in use that may be affecting conditions or experiences. In addition, ATV use in the area 

has increased, and motorized boats with more than the currently recommended 15 horsepower 

limit are common on the Tangle Lakes. 

Taken together, concerns about these issues suggest the need to review the current situation and 

assess future management responses. BLM is currently completing a general planning eff011 for 

the Glennallen resource area (the East Alaska Resource Management Plan), and the preferred 

alternative includes a recommendation to conduct a "step-down" revision of the Delta River 

Management Plan. This survey of recreation users is one input into that more specific planning 

effort. The infonnation is expected to be integrated with other biological and physical 

information, legal and administrative guidelines, and extensive public involvement. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 
Study Purpose and Objectives 

The purpose of this stμdy was to describe Delta River users, their trips, and their opinions about 

the river and management options. Specific objectives for the boater survey were to: 

• Describe river user characteristics (demographics, residency, experience on the Delta, etc.) 

• Describe trip characteristics (length, party size, craft, etc.) 

• Describe reasons for taking trips and preferred opportunity types. 

• Describe user perceptions of facilities and support for improvements or new development. 

• Describe and evaluate current impact levels. 

• Describe extent of potential conflicts between users and likely reasons for conflict. 

• Describe support for management actions to address impacts or conflicts. 

• Explore potential displacement and product shift among veteran users. 

• Describe acceptability of A TV impacts and attitudes toward A TV management issues. 

• Compare findings with those from other Alaskan river studies when possible. 

How to Use This Report 

This report is designed as a reference docwnent. As with an encyclopedia, few readers are likely 

to read it from start to finish, but when they want information on a particular topic, it should be 

easy to find. To help readers focus on specific areas of interest, we have organized the document 

into several parts. Within those sections, issues are organized by numerous headings. An 

expanded table of contents also helps readers navigate the document. 

This report begins with a discussion of survey methods, and then provides survey findings and 

conclusions. The results begin with sections on visitor characteristics, perceptions of overall 

resource health and experience quality, reported and preferred experiences, crowding, impacts 

and standards, and responses to impact problems. These are followed by sections addressing 

opinions toward alternative management strategies, including development, education, regulation, 

use limits, and user fees. Finally, the report provides some overall conclusions and 

recommendations for future planning, research, and monitoring. Appendices to this report 

include an analysis of overflight use data and the survey instrument. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 2 

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2. Study Area 

The study area includes the Upper Tangle Lakes and Tangle River, the Lower Tangle Lakes, and 

the Delta River from the outlet of the Tangle Lakes to Black Rapids Glacier. As shown in Map 1, 

the river has been divided into segments that were developed from use patterns and recreation trip 

features. The segments and important characteristics of each are summarized in Table 1. 

Table 1. Delta River /Tangle Lakes Segments. 

Segment Miles Types of Recreation Use Comments 

Upper Tangle Lakes 15 Boaters use canoes and small Designated "Scenic," this segment 

powerboats on the first lake from the includes a canoe loop with two short 

Delta Wayside on the Denali Highway; portages; a third longer portage 

on lakes beyond the first portage, • provides access to Dickey Lake and 

canoes are more common. Day use is Middle Fork Gulkana. The segment 

probably more common than overnight has open tundra in hilly terrain with 

use except during subsistence hunting some views of the Alaska Range. 

season. A TV routes approach corridor Approximately 25 campsites identified. 

boundaries, but there are no known 

ATV trails. 

Lower Tangle Lakes 9 Boaters use multiple craft, with more Designated "Scenic," this segment has 

use by canoes and small powerboats larger lakes in an alpine tundra setting 

than rafts. Access is from a boat ramp with views of the Alaska Range. 

at Tangle Lakes Campground on the Provides access to the Delta River. 

Denali Highway. No known A TV trails. Approximately 18 campsites. 

Upper Delta River and 2 Boaters use canoes, kayaks, and rafts Designated "Wild," a shallow channel 

falls / portage to run the upper river (which drains the tends to preclude most motorized use. 

Lower Tangles) then portage around It has steeper canyon topography with 

the falls and gorge to the lower river. some views of the Alaska Range. 

Motorized boat use if rare. No known Includes roughly 0.25 mile portage 

ATV trails. around two falls and a short gorge. 

Approximately 5 campsites. . 

Lower Delta River 18 Downstream boaters use canoes, Designated "Wild," this segment has a 

kayaks, and rafts. Motorized users use 1⁄2 mile Class II whitewater reach, a 

jetboats (and possibly some propeller- meandering 10 mile clearwater reach, 

driven boats) by traveling upstream and then becomes glacial at the 

from Mile 212 access. An ATV trail confluence of Eureka Creek for the 

from the pipeline crosses the corridor remaining 7 miles. Approximately 14 

about river mile 36. An informal camps on the clearwater part of this 

A TV/mining route formerly followed the segment; others could be used on 

river downstream to Mile 212; it does braided bars below Eureka Creek. 

not continue upstream of Rainey Creek . 

Black Rapids Segment · 18 This has multiple accesses from the Designated "Recreational" segment 

Richardson Highway, and may be along the Richardson Highway, with 

occasionally used by whitewater craft pipeline and highway development 

or for access across the river. No often visible. Spectacular glacial and 

known A TV trails. alpine scenery; Black Rapids offers a 

mile of Class Ill-IV whitewater. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 3 
Delta National Wild and Scenic River IE:,=~- • Access Points 10 Delt:t !'_.pa3, 

x Mining Site Junction 1 

/"',,/ Trails 

/'-/ Trans-Alaska Pipeline 

A/ Highways 

0 2 4 8 

Miles 

N 

A Trail 

Bl:ick 

R:ipids 

Segment 

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cis;:>":iyt,:i :n :I> s m>p ,s in!ts.ctd :o tt i.:st:l !:r gr:.p!-.: rEprHr~licn c:-:1. Ouut :,cs reg3,:L•~ ief:rrr.r.i:,n ds~l31td i hcu!d tt :lr.c!t:I :o :!L'.I C:FO.: (~07) .z?-31);. 

Map 1. The Delta River with segments delineated for this report. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 

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Climate 

The Delta region has the continental climate of interior Alaska, with long severe winters and short 

mild summers. Winter ice breakup on the lakes is typically in late May or early June and freezeup occurs in October. Summer temperatures commonly range from 40 to 70 degrees, but are 

occasionally wanner. Winter temperatures commonly range from minus 30 to freezing; snowfall 

averages over 100 inches per year. 

Topography, Scenic Values 

The Delta and Tangle Lakes have exceptional alpine tundra scenery.· Several peaks of the eastern 

Alaska Range (about 6,000 to 9,000 feet elevation) are visible from the corridor, and the Black 

Rapids segment cuts through the range, with several glaciers visible on mountain flanks. 

Aside from longer views of the Alaska Range, the river features rolling tundra hills near the 

Upper Tangle Lakes, larger foothills and peaks (about 5,000 feet elevation) along the Lower 

Tangle Lakes, and several geologic features such as slides, moraines, eskers, and kettles. Some 

forested riparian areas and emerging foothills occur along the Lower Delta River, and after the 

confluence with Eureka Creek, the river "braids out" though a U-shaped glacial valley that bisects 

the Alaska Range. 

Gradient and Whitewater 

The Tangle Lakes are at 2,800 feet elevation and the river drops about 650 feet in 50 miles with 

an average gradient of 13 feet per mile. The steepest part of the river occurs in the short gorge 

created by the Denali Fault, which has two falls about 8 and 15 feet high. Boaters usually portage 

the falls and a short Class III/IV section of the gorge, using a two-part trail that incorporates a 

long pond in an old channel. The portage rejoins the river near the end of the gorge, with about a 

half-mile of Class II rapids. 

The Black Rapids Segment also has some whitewater, particularly during mid-summer high 

flows. Generally created by channel constrictions, these rapids have long Class II+ wave trains. 

There is about a mile of larger boulders, steeper gradients, and narrower constrictions at the 

moraine below the toe of Black Rapids Glacier; these create larger holes and wave trains that are 

Class III-IV at medium to high flows. 

Fish and Wildlife 

There is an abundance of wildlife in the Delta area. Hunted animals include moose, caribou, 

black bear, and brown bear. Trapped animals include wolves, marten, wolverines, otters, minks, 

foxes, lynx, and beaver. The most commonly seen mammals are beaver, moose, bears, and 

caribou. Bird species include swans, ducks, geese, terns, gulls, and a variety of songbirds; over 

110 species have been identified, with most being summer residents only. The Tangle Lakes 

have good lake trout and grayling fisheries, as well as some whitefish and burbot. The clear 

water sections of the Delta River have an exceptional grayling fishery. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 5 
Setting Character and Facilities 

The Delta is a largely "wilderness-like" setting with few developments except where the corridor 

crosses or is adjacent to the Denali and Richardson Highways. The Denali Highway crosses the 

conidor for about a mile between the Upper and Lower Tangle Lakes, where there are two small 

lodges in addition to a BLM campground and two boat ramps with access to the Upper and 

Lower Tangle Lakes. The entire 18 miles of Black Rapids Segment adjacent to the Richardson 

Highway is slightly more developed, and river users have intermittent views of the highway, the 

pipeline, a pipeline pump station, and-an army training center. 

Aside from the launch areas (Delta Wayside and Tangle Lakes Campground), BLM maintains 

one remote pit toilet (at the Delta River portage) in the corridor, and has built a fe:w 

improvements at portage trails or popular camps to reduce impacts from erosion. There are about 

62 identified camps in the corridor - most informally developed by users - but several are 

clustered within sight or sound of each other. 

There is a short hiking trail from the Denali Highway along pa1t of the first lake in the Upper 

Tangles. The primary ATV trail in the corridor (Top of the World Trail) crosses the river about 

River Mile 26 and is a user-defined route (no major trail building has occurred in the corridor). 

ATV users also ride on a mining access route from Mile 212 up Rainey Creek in the braided part 

of the river. 

Historic Use and Development 

Native Alaskans have used the Delta River area for several thousand years; evidence of this use is 

protected by the Tangle Lakes Archaeological District. The first recorded non-native visits to the 

area were by USGS surveyors· led by Walter Mendenhall in 1898, who reported a well-used trail 

in the vicinity. 

Construction of the Denali Highway brought the first substantial recreation use to the area in 

1952, leading to the development of two private lodges and the Tangle Lakes campground. Use 

increased substantially in the mid-70s in response to nearby pipeline construction. Recent use 

appears related to statewide and Copper Valley populations, although out-of-state visitation may 

also play a role. 

Recreation Use Levels 

There are several recreation oppo1tunities in the Delta River corridor. The most common use 

appears to be lake trips ( often associated with the Tangle Lakes Campground or the two nearby 

lodges), although river "through trips" from the Denali Highway to Mile 212 on the Richardson 

Highway are also popuiar. Some powerboat users access the Lower Delta River from Mile 212, 

and some ATV users travel across the corridor from the Top of the World Trail. Recreational 

use of the Black Rapids segment is thought to be relatively rare (not counting road-based 

recreational travel along the Richardson Highway). 

Recreation use on the Delta is not easy to estimate because of multiple access sites and its remote 

location. Although developed campground use can be estimated from fee info1mation ( a host 

encourages compliance), there are no formal registration requirements to use boat l~unches, trails, 

or other areas in the corridor. For backcount1y use, BLM makes estimates based on voluntary 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 6 

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registrations by users at boat launches and the Delta River portage (summarized below). 

Additional information about use estimation and trends is given in Appendix A. 

Upper Tangle Lakes. BLM estimates that about 6,000 to 10,000 people stop or camp at the Delta 

National Wild and Scenic Wayside each year, but only about 2,500 to 3,000 take trips on or along 

the lakes ( e.g., hiking, boating, canoeing, shore-based fishing, berry-picking). Among boaters, 

BLM estimates that two-thirds use non-motorized and one-third use motorized craft, proportions 

that are roughly consistent with overflight use data (See Appendix A). During subsistence 

hunting season, BLM estimates that 2 to s· hunting camps are established on the lakes on any 

given day. 

Lower Tangle Lakes. BLM estimates that approximately 10,000 to 12,000 people camp at the 

Tangle Lakes campground each year, but only about 3,000 to 4,000 recreate on or along the 

Lower Tangle Lakes ( e.g., hiking, boating, canoeing, shore-based fishing, berry-picking). 

Among boaters, BLM estimates that two-thirds use motorized and one-third use non-motorized 

craft (the converse of the Upper Tangles), although an analysis of overflight data suggest lower 

motorized use. BLM estimates 3 to 5 powerboats and 1 to 3 float groups use the lakes on a 

typical summer day; more detailed information about use is available in Appendix A. 

Through trips and Lower Delta boating use. BLM estimates that approximately 700 to 900 

people take trips from the Lower Tangle Lakes through to the Delta River and the Richardson 

Highway each year or use powerboats on the Lower Delta. Using group size information from 

this report, there are probably less than 150 trips per year of this type, or less than 2 starts per day 

over the course of the roughly 100-day summer/fall recreation season. Overflight data suggests 

these estimates may overstate actual use (see Appendix A). 

ATV use in the Lower Delta River. BLM estimates about 250 ATV users per year take trips on 

the Top of the World Trail and perhaps another 50 use the mining access road up Rainey Creek. 

These are professional judgments by staffbased on trail impact levels and encounters during 

patrol trips; overflight data suggests this may be a slightly high estimate. There is no consistent 

A TV use in other parts of the corridor (not counting use along the highways or in other developed 

areas), although an overflight of the corridor to count use recorded 2 ATVs in the Upper Tangle 

Lakes area in August 2001. 

Other uses. BLM estimates that about 500 users engage in other dispersed recreation in the 

corridor during the summer or fall season. 

In many ways, these broad estimates of annual use are less useful than "people at one time" 

(P AOT) estimates. Appendix A ·contains more detailed analysis of overflight information th&t 

helps characterize seasonal AOT use levels since 2000. These data show no clear long term use 

trends, but they help· characterize use through the year (it is generally higher on the Lower 

Tangles and Upper River in July and August; and higher on the Lower River and Upper Tangles 

in August and early September). Non-motorized boats account for more than 65% of boats on 

lake segments; 80% or more on the river upstream of Eureka Creek; but only 29% on the lower 

river below Eureka Creek. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 7 
3. Methods 

This section briefly reviews the methods employed to conduct the survey. It reviews important 

theoretical issues that helped guide survey development, and then details the sampling frame, 

administration, and final sample sizes. 

Theoretical Background and Survey Development 

Survey format and content were developed from several sources and generally based on accepted 

recreation research protocols. The core concepts come from well-established research and 

planning frameworks (e.g., CCAP [Shelby & Heberlein, 1986], VIM [Graefe, Kuss, & Vaske, 

1990], VERP [National Park Service, 1997], LAC [Stankey, Cole, Lucas, Petersen, & Frissell, 

1985]). All of these frameworks require information about how recreation users affect each other 

and the environment, and the management factors related to these effects (Kuss, Graefe, & Vaske, 

1990). 

These frameworks also recognize two separate components (Shelby & Heberlein, 1986). The 

descriptive component describes relationships between the amount of use and the impacts 

associated with this use (i.e., how the system works). The evaluative component involves 

assessing the acceptability of various impacts, and requires value judgments about the different 

impacts that arise from recreational use and the management strategies that should be employed 

to address them. 

Confusion between these two components is a common problem in recreation planning, and this 

confusion can be illustrated by the misused term, "resource damage." Damage refers to both a 

change (an objective impact) and a value judgment that the impact is not acceptable. Most people 

would agree that use should be limited when unacceptable resource damage occurs, but there · 

must be agreement about what constitutes "unacceptable." All human use has some impact. 

Whether the impact is "damage" depends on management objectives, standards, expert 

judgments, and broader public values for the setting in question. The same logic applies to social 

impact issues. For example, the number of people in an area is often less important than how 

individuals evaluate visitor densities. 

Most recreation capacity conflicts revolve not around resource questions, but rather around 

questions of values (Vaske, Donnelly, Wittmann, & Laidlaw, 1995; Vaske & Donnelly, 1999a). 

In many situations, managers spend time and en~rgy collecting information about the physical 

environment when the problem is unlikely to be resolved by biological or physical impact data. 

Abandoning terms like resource damage may not be necessary, but it is important to break the 

concept into two parts - the impact component ( environmental or experiential change) and the 

evaluative component (the acceptability of the change). 

Cunent visitor impact or carryipg capacity frameworks have addressed this challenge by focusing 

on indicators and standards. Indicators define the type of impact that is to be evaluated, and 

standards specify-the level of impact that is tolerable (the maximum) or most desirable (the 

optimum). Standards are yardsticks for determining how much impact is too much impact. To be 

effective, standards must go beyond such generalities as "protect the resource" or "provide a high 

quality recreation experience." Management objectives need to define the type of experience to 

be provided and specify measurable standards for ecological and social impacts. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 8 

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Many items in the survey relate directly to impacts and standards that could be adopted during 

planning for the Delta River and Tangle Lakes. Examples include measures of perceived 

crowding, river and camp encounters, litter and human waste impact frequency, and competition 

for camps. In most cases, these items have been developed from previous research on rivers in 

Alaska and the Lower 48, they have been tested for reliability and validity, and they allow 

comparisons across rivers. 

Additional items in this survey focused on the acceptability of management actions that might be 

used to address any impact problems or conflicts. Many of these items have also been tested in 

previous research using standard Likert-type attitudinal formats. 

In all cases, specific items for the Delta survey were modified to fit the resource setting. The 

survey also benefited from thoughtful reviews of the survey by resource managers or planners for 

the BLM and the State of Alaska (DNR and ADF &G). 

Sampling Protocol 

Information was developed through a mail survey of "recent" Delta River users, including people 

who take trips on the Upper and Lower Tangle Lakes and subsistence users. The Delta River and 

Tangle Lakes have relatively low recreation use, so it was challenging (and inefficient) to develop 

an on-site sample over a single season. The sample was therefore developed from two sources: I) 

a registration sample from launch area registration boxes from 2000 through 2004 and 2) a 

"networking" sample of users developed from contacts or notices on list servers, message 

boards, on in newspapers that reached individuals in paddle clubs, a motorized access 

organization, outfitting companies, and local users from the Copper River Valley and Delta 

Junction. 

Both of these samples have strengths and weaknesses. The registration sample probably suffers 

from substantial non-compliance; an informal study conducted by BLM staff on the Delta and 

Gulkana in 2003 suggests that less than 15% of groups register at boat launches. In addition, the 

people who register did not always provide complete or accurate contact information. Finally, the 

people who registered may be more likely to be "trip leaders" than a random sample of users. On 

the positive side, registration information covers five years, so there were opportunities to 

compare information across seasons and balance idiosyncrasies from any particular season ( e.g., 

if a wild fire or poor weather caused use to be atypically low). 

The networking sample is likely to over-sample experienced users who are well known in 

Alaskan paddling or local communities and under-sample users from out-of-state or those who 

take trips without telling many other people. However, these experienced Delta users are likely 

to be good observers of conditions, and the sample allows researchers to explore potential 

"displacement," (former users who no longer boat the river due to crowding or other factors), 

"product shift," (users who have redefine~ the type of experience they expect), or perceptions of 

change over the history of their Delta River use. These issues are more difficult to address 

effectively from a single season sample. 

In addition, the networking sample is likely to include important leaders in motorized boa.ting, 

non-motorized boatll'l:g, ATV, and local communities who may become "stakeholders" in 

planning processes. Including them in the sample provides a systematic way to-assess and 

address their concerns. For the same reason, we also sent surveys to 12 individuals who asked to 

participate after they had heard about the study (9 returned them). In all cases, we kept track of 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 9 
the way that each participant was included in the sample frame so we could compare results 

among identifiable groups (see discussion below). 

Survey Administration and Response Rates 

The mailed surveys were sent from the BLM Glennallen Field Office. A pre-study postcard 

announcement was sent to the sample in mid-February 2005, and the initial mailing with the 

survey occuned the week of February 21, 2005. Reminder postcards were sent to the sample one 

week later, and a reminder letter was sent to people who had not returned the surveys by the end 

of March. A final reminder letter with a replacement survey was sent in the end of April, and the 

survey was "closed" at the end of May. The coding protocols and database were developed by 

CRC; data were coded by BLM staff in Gle1mallen. The river data were coded by June; analysis 

and report writing began afterward. 

In all, 358 individuals received surveys and 245 returned them, a response rate of 68%. A 

smmnary of the sampling frame and response rates for sample frame.groups is given in Table 2. 

This overall response rate is typical for surveys of this type ( a similar study among Gulkana River 

boaters had a 64% response rate). 

Table 2. Sample frame and response rates by major sample sources. 

Sample source # in Sample Frame1 # Returned Response Rate 

2000 launch registers 24 14 58% 

2001 launch registers 43 24 56% 

2002 launch registers 27 21 77% 

2003 launch registers 38 22 58% 

2004 launch registers 39 30 77% 

1997-2003 BLM survey respondents2 33 28 85% 

All launch register users 204 139 68% 

Local area networking 15 14 93% 

Motor access user networking 73 40 55% 

Non-motorized boater networking 46 38 83% 

East Alaska RMP comment providers 4 2 50% 

Commercial guides/lodges 4 3 75% 

All networking users 142 97 68% 

Requested surveys 12 9 75% 

All respondents 358 245 68% 1 Number after wrong addresses removed. 2 SLM offered a self-administered on-site survey at the launches in these years. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 10 

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Sub-group Sample Sizes 

The diversity of ways that individuals could enter the sample frame means the study did not 

represent a random sample of Delta River /Tangle Lakes users. Instead, the study tried to 

represent groups of known user types or stakeholders, and developed sufficient sub-group 

samples for those major groups (e.g., motorized boaters, non-motorized boaters, & ATV users; 

lake users & river users). The sampling strategy created several stratified sub-samples for these 

various groups, and the goal was to have representative samples within those strata. 

Table 3 summarizes sample sizes for important sub-groups. Disaggregated analysis of these 

groups helped characterize differences. When different groups show diverse results, the study 

does not combine them to represent "all users," and we strongly recommend against assessing 

preferences of a theoretical "average Delta River user" in these cases. For readers interested in 

the relative use levels from different groups on this river, Appendix A provides some information 

on these topics. Readers should also note that some groups overlap (i.e., sub-groups were created 

by segments used, as well as by type of use); more details about sub-group comparisons are 

provided when results are presented. 

Table 3. Sample sizes for different user groups. 

Sub-group Number 

Hiker 1 

Upper Tangle Lakes only 31 

Upper and Lower Lakes / no river 59 

Lower Tangle Lakes only 16 

Lower Tangles & Delta River 27 

Multiple lake and river segments 61 

{but no A TV use) 

Lower river powerboaters 10 

A TV-only users 20 

Multiple segments and A TV users 20 

Total for segment sub-groups 245 

Non-motorized boaters/hiker 152 

Small HP boaters 33 

Medium HP boaters 30 

Large HP boaters 10 

A TV-only users 20 

Total for boat type sub-groups 245 

Top of the World ATV use 36 

Other Delta/Tangles A TV use 25 

A TV use {but not in Delta) 55 

Non-ATV user {anywhere) 129 

Total for ATV use sub-groups 245 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 

% of sample 

< 1 

13 

24 

7 

11 

25 

4 

8 

8 

100 

62 

14 

13 

4 

8 

100 

15 

10 

22 

53 

100 

Comments 

Total lake-only sub-sample = 107 or 44% 

Total "through trip" sub-sample= 88 or 36% 

Total lower river and A TV sub-group = 50 or 

20% 

Total non-motorized users = 62% 

Total motorized boat users = 73 or 31 %; 

Total medium & large HP motorized users = 

40 or 17%. 

Total ATV users= 116 or 47%; 

Total Delta ATV users= 61 or 25%. 

11 
4. Visitor Characteristics 

This chapter reviews visitor characteristics for various groups, including trip experience, use of 

powerboats and ATVs, descriptions of most recent trips, and reasons for taking Delta I Tangle 

Lakes trips. The data are generally useful for understanding the group sub-samples. 

Trip Experience 

Respondents were asked to report the number of trips that they had taken in the past ten years. 

Table 4 summarizes the percent of the sample reporting each type of trip, and the number of trips 

for those who report taking any. 

Results indicate that many respondents take several types of trips, but lake-based trips were more 

common (about two thirds of the sample report them) than Delta River "through trips" (about 

one-third of the sample have taken them), and Lower River powerboat, Black Rapids, and ATV 

trips were even less common (9 to 15 % ). These data do not indicate the frequency of trips 

among all Tangle Lakes I Delta River users because this is not a random sample of users. 

However, results indicate that many users take a variety of trips in the conidor. 

Among those who report taking any trips, most respondents rep01ted several trips over the last ten 

years, with median responses about 2 to 4, depending on the trip type. The relatively higher 

numbers of trips for Lower Delta powerboat trips indicates that the few who take this trip do so 

regularly (annually, in most cases). In contrast, the standard Delta River "through t1ip" has 

generally been taken less frequently ( e.g., every two or three years), perhaps because it is a more 

involved trip because of shuttle logistics and the p01tage. 

Table 4. Experience taking different trip types in past ten years. 

Trip Type % reporting 

trip type 

Upper Tangle Lakes 68 

Lower Tangle Lakes 65 

Delta River ("through trips") 38 

Lower Delta powerboat trips , 9 

Black Rapids 9 

ATV trips 15 

1. Defined by the 25th and 75th quartile responses. 

Year of First Trip 

Of those reporting any trips ... 

Average# Median# Typical range1 

6.1 3.0 1 to8 

8.1 3.0 1 to 6 

3.3 2.0 1 to 4 

14.6 7.0 2 to 30 

10.5 2.0 1 to 3 

11.1 3.8 1 to 8 

Respondents were asked to repmt the year of their first trip. The earliest reported trip was 1950, 

but three-quarters of the sample bad taken their first trip after 1985 and before 1998. The median 

year of first trip was 1995. As with trip type experience results, data indicate respondents have 

considerable experience on the river and lakes. 

Powerboat Use 

Respoi1dents who use powerboats to access the Tangle Lakes or Delta River were asked to 

describe boat type, length, and horsepower. Of those who reported any powerboat use, 33% use 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 12 

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jetboats, 31 % use propeller-driven boats, 23% use kickers on rafts or canoes, 3% use air boats, 

and 10% use other types of powerboats. 

On the Lower Delta, jetboat use is most common (83%) although 17% use propeller-driven boats. 

Boats typically ranged from 14 to 22 feet long, with a median length of 18 feet. Horsepower 

ranged from 20 to 350, with a median of 115. 

On the Upper Tangles, 39% use kickers on canoes or rafts, but 32% use propeller-driven 

powerboats and 14% use jetboats. On the Lower Tangles, 27% were kickers on canoes or rafts, 

45% were propeller-drive powerboats, 27% were jetboats, and the rest were classified as "other." 

Most lake powerboats were less than 18 feet long (median length was 15 feet) and 57% were 

under 15 horsepower (the current recommended BLM limit). However, other boats had as much 

as 115 horsepower. 

ATV Use 

Twenty-five percent of the sample reported using ATVs in the Delta River or Tangle Lakes 

corridor. Of those, 60% use the Top of the World Trail and the remaining 40% use ATVs in 

other areas. As discussed above, it is unclear where these "general" Delta ATV users travel 

(there are no other known ATV trails in the corridor), but many respondents may be referring to 

A TV use off the Denali Highway in the vicinity of the river or lakes. Among those who report 

ATV use, over 90% reported using 4-wheelers and less than 10% used tracked vehicles; only one 

used an Argo. 

General Boating and ATV Experience 

Respondents were asked how long they had been using non-motorized craft, powerboats, or 

riding ATVs. Results are summarized in Table 5; they indicate that most respondents had 

experience with non-motorized boating, but only about half used motorboats or ATVs. Among 

those with experience, however, the number of years was generally high. The fewer years of 

experience with A TV riding probably reflects the more recent development of that activity 

(reliable mass-production 4-wheelers did not emerge until the late 1980s). 

Table 5. Years of general experience boating and ATV riding. 

% Reporting Any 

Non-motorized boating 91 

Motorized boating 53 

ATV riding 47 

1. Defined by the 25th and 75th quartile responses. 

Socio-demographics 

Average 

26.3 

19.9 

13.4 

Median 

27 

20 

10 

Typical Range1 

18 to 35 

3 to 35 

1 to 22 

The majority of respondents were male (64%), and most ranged from 43 to 58 years old with a 

median of 50. The vast majority (97%) were Alaskan residents. These statistics are not 

necessarily representative of Delta River users in general because the purposive sampling frame 

probably over-sampled local and Alaskan users (people from outside the state generally entered 

the sample through the launch registration sample rather than the networking sample). 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 13 
Profile of Respondents' "Most Recent" Trips 

Respondents were asked to describe characteristics of their most recent trip, including the year 

and month, type of transport, segments visited, number of days, number of people, and whether 

they fished or hunted. 

Year and Month 

The median year ofrespondents' most recent trip was 2003 for lake and "through trip" users, and 

2004 for Lower Delta powerboaters and Top of the World ATV users, suggesting that the latter 

two groups generally take trips annually, while lake and "through trip" users may not go every 

year. 

The percent of recent trips taken in each month for different trip types is given in Figure 1. Lake 

users tend to go in June, July and August; Delta "through trip" boaters tend to go earlier in the 

summer (particularly in July), and Lower Delta power boaters and ATV users are more likely to 

go in the latter part of the summer (probably associated with hunting trips). These data are 

consistent with overflight use data (see Appendix A). 

o/o taking trip in each month 

60% 

50% 

40% 

30% 

20% 

10% 

O'lo 

57% 

0% 0% 0% 

May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct 

Tangle Lake users "Through Trips" 

SDo/e 

0% 0% 0% 

May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct 

Lower river 

powerboaters 

5D0/, 

May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct 

Top of the World 

ATV users 

Figure 1. Reported month of "most recent trip" for different trip types. 

Type of Transport 

Respondents reported diverse transpo11 types on their most recent trips, and several trips used 

more than one type (totals can therefore exceed 100%). 

On recent trips to the Upper Tangle Lakes, most (71 %) used using canoes, although 3% used 

rafts, 21 % used powerboats and 7% used A TVs. Given that portages are required to travel 

beyond the "first lake," it is likely that few powerboats use the second lake (Upper Tangle Lake) 

and fewer still use the third lake (Mud Lake). The ATV results are curious, because there are no 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 14 

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designated A TV trails or evidence of ATV use in the Upper Tangles. ATV respondents may be 

reporting use on trails just outside the corridor such as the Swede Lake/Middle Fork Gulkana 

trail. 

Among respondents who rep011ed using both the Upper and Lower Tangle Lakes on their recent 

trips, 59% used canoes, 5% used rafts, 32% used powerboats, and 29% used ATVs. Powerboat. 

use on the Lower Tangles is common, but there are no designated ATV trails or obvious off-trail 

A TV use in the Lower Tangles. Respondents who reported ATV use on the Lower Tangles may 

be referring to use on the Landmark Gap Trail (which is outside the corridor). 

Among respondents \1/hO reported only using the Lower Tangle Lakes, 52% used canoes, 12% 

used rafts, 32% used powerboats, and 16% use ATVs. 

Among respondents taking "through trips" on the Delta River, 90% report using canoes and 

23% report using rafts (the overlap is accounted for by mixed trips). None reported using 

powerboats or A TVs. 

Lower Delta power boaters by definition used some kind of powerboat, but an additional 17% 

reported using A TVs. Some users may bring ATVs on j etboats on this segment of the river, or 

they may meet other users who bring ATVs. Among Top of the World ATV users, 33% report 

also using powerboats on their trips, fmther documenting this potential overlap among uses. 

Actual use information (see Appendix A) suggests about 84% of non-motorized boats (on all 

segments) were canoes and only 14% were rafts, which is generally consistent with survey data. 

Similarly, overflight use information suggests that the prop011ion of non-motorized boats ranges 

from 67 to 81 % on the lake segments, 83 to 97% on the river segments above Eureka Creek, but 

only 29% on the Lower River below Eureka Creek. 

Trip Length 

Most people take trips to the area for 2 to 6 days. The median trip length for lake and "through 

trip" users is 3 days, although it was slightly higher ( 4 days) for respondents who reported using 

both the Upper and Lower Tangle Lakes. Lower Delta River powerboat users take longer trips, 

with a median length of 6 days, while Top of the World ATV users take shorter trips, with a 

median of 2.5 days. 

Group Size 

Most respondents repo11ed group sizes between 2 and 6 people (16 was the highest). The median 

group size for Tangle Lakes and ATV trips was 3.0, while it was slightly higher (4.0) for 

"through trips" and slightly lower (2.5) for Lower Delta powerboat trips. 

Fishing Participation 

Majorities of all trips fish, but it is slightly more common on lake trips, "through trips," and ATV 

trips. It was most common on Upper and Lower Tangles (85%), the Lower Tangles (72%), or on 

"through trips" (71%). About 67% of ATV users reported fishing on recent trips compared to 

50% of Lower Delta powerboat users. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 15 
Hunting Participation 

All Lower Delta powerboaters rep011ed hunting for either moose or caribou on their recent trips, 

as did two-thirds of ATV (with an additional 33% hunting for other species). In contrast, over 

one:-quarter of Tangle Lakes users hunt for caribou on recent trips, but less than 20% hunt moose 

or other species. None of the "through trip" users reported hunting for any species. 

Reasons for Taking Trips 

Users were asked to rate the importance of 12 different reasons for taking trips in the corridor. 

Comparisons of mean scores for different sub-groups suggest the largest differences were 

between motorized users (motorized boaters and ATV users) and those who never use motors on 

Delta / Tangle Lakes trips; those comparisons are highlighted in Figure 2. Findings include: 

• Users in both groups rate several attributes important, indicating that recreation experiences 

in the corridor are multi-faceted. 

• The only att1ibute relatively less important for both groups was "meeting other river users," 

while "solitude" was rated much higher. Few users appear interested in "social recreation" 

found at other lake or reservoir settings (particularly those with beaches), so minimizing 

interaction and competition between users is probably an appropriate management goal. 

Both groups, however, rated "being with friends and family" very important, indicating that 

they are interested in intra-group socializing. 

• Non-motorized users rated most reasons slightly more important than motorized users, and 

their top seven reasons are generally associated with "non-consumptive" backcountry 

recreation in primitive or wildemess-like settings ( e.g., being in a natural place, scenery, 

wildlife, camping, and solitude). 

• In contrast, motorized users rated consumptive activities such as fishing, small game hunting, 

and large game hunting higher than non-motorized users (although they also rated several 

backcountry attributes highly). 

• Whitewater boating was rated much higher for non-motorized users, many of whom take the 

"through tiip" that includes whitewater and a po11age that prevents most motorized use. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 16 

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Being in a natural place 

Solitude 

Camping 

Scenery 

Being with frineds/family 

Wildlife 

Boating in general 

Fishing 

Whitewater boating 

Large game hunting 

Small game hunting 

Meeting other users 

4.7 

4.0 

4.0 

3.1 

~7 

2.0 

5.0 4.0 3.0 

Mean importance 

Non-motorized users 

1.7 

2.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 

Mean importance 

Motorized users 

Figure 2. Mean importance ratings for reasons for taking trips 

among non-motorized and motorized respondents. 

4.1 

5.0 

Comparisons between other sub-groups suggested other interesting findings, as summarized 

below ( only statistically significant and important differences highlighted). 

• Lake users rated fishing and hunting higher than river or multiple segment users (3.6 vs. 2.9 

for fishing; 2.7 vs. 1.7 for big game hunting). This is partially explained by a higher 

proportion of motorized use on the lakes, but could also reflect other differences between lake 

and river users. 

• For users who rated fishing and hunting less important, "being in a natural place" and 

"solitude" were rated 4.8 and 4. 7 respectively, suggesting that these users may be particularly 

interested in "wilderness-like" experiences. In contrast, respondents who report engaging in 

big game hunting and fishing rated those activity reasons higher (4.7 and 4.6, respectively) 

than solitude (3.7) and "being in a natural place" (4.0). 

• For obvious reasons, lake users rated whitewater less impo1iant than did river users (2.0 vs. 

3.2). However, even for river users, whitewater was not rated important compared to other 

backcountry experience attributes such as "being in a natural place," "scenery," and "wildlife. 

There is not much whitewater on the Delta and it does not appear to be a major focus of trips 

for any group. 

• Lower river powerboaters were slightly less interested in fishing than A TV users (3 .3 vs. 3. 7) 

or people who participated in both powerboating and ATV use. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 17 
5. General Evaluations 

This section examines fishing information and perceived fishing quality, perceived environmental 

conditions, and overall trip quality. These overall measures are usually less useful for 

establishing specific standards or making management decisions, but they can help characterize 

user perceptions of the river and its management. The chapter also compares reported and 

preferred types of experiences available on different segments of the river/lakes. 

Fishing Information and Perceived Fishing Quality 

Respondents were asked to report whether they fish on their trips, the number of hours they fish, 

and to specify target species, typical number of fish caught per hour, and overall quality of fishing 

on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 = poor and 5=excellent) for each segment. Results indicate that about 69% 

fish, with similar prop01tions for motorized and non-motorized users. Of those who fish, the 

average length of time fishing was 3.7 hours per day (median 3.0; typical range of2 to 5 hours), 

with slightly fewer hours (2.9 per day) reported by non-motorized users (possibly because they 

have to spend more time traveling). 

The proportion of anglers who fish for different species for each segment is given in Table 6. 

Results indicate that grayling is the primary sport fishery, but many lake users also fish for lake 

trout, or both species. Relatively few fish for whitefish or burbot. 

Table 6. Percent of respondents who fish for different species by segment (among those who fish). 

Segment Grayling Lake Trout Other (Whitefish, burbot) Multiple species 

Upper Tangles 62 13 3 22 

Lower Tangles 52 17 3 28 

Upper Delta 91 2 0 7 

Lower Delta 94 0 0 6 

The number of fish caught and mean evaluations of fishing quality for different segment/species 

combinations are summarized in Table 7. Results indicate that the highest catch-rates are 

associated with grayling on the river segments (particularly the lower river), and evaluations of 

quality generally follow from reported catch rates. 

Table 7. Mean numbers of fish caught per hour and overall fishing quality for different species and segment 

combinations (among those who fish). 

Species / Segment Number of fish caught per hour Average 

Average Median Typical range1 evaluation2 

Lake trout/ Upper Tangles 1.1 1 Oto 3 2.1 

Lake trout/ Lower Tangles 1.2 1 0 to 3 2.°4 

Grayling I Upper Tangles 4.7 3 2 to 6 3.1 

Grayling I Lower Tangles 4.5 3 1 to 5 3.1 

Grayling I Upper Delta 5.3 5 2 to 6 3.7 

Grayling I Lower Delta 7.8 6 4 to 10 4.0 

1. 25% and 75% responses. 

2. On 5-point scale with 1 =poor and S=excellent. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 18 

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Overall fishing quality ratings can be broadly compared to similar evaluations from the Gulkana 

and three Togiak Refuge rivers in Western Alaska (the Kanektok, Goodnews, and Togiak Rivers). 

In general, ratings for grayling fishing on the Delta (although not on the lakes) were similar to 

ratings for salmon and trout fishing on the more remote and "world class" Togiak rivers (3.8 to 

4.0), and they were higher than ratings for the Gulkana (where both trout and salmon evaluations 

were under 3.4). However, ratings for grayling and lake trout on the Tangle Lakes were lower 

than those on the Gulkana. 

Perceived Environmental Conditions 

Users were asked to rate the overall environmental condition of the Delta River / Tangle Lakes on 

a 1 to 10 scale (with l=poor and 10 = excellent) on their first trip and most recent trip. Table 8 

summarizes average responses and paired comparisons of means for those who-gave both 

evaluations. Results indicate that users consider the river environment "healthy," but on average 

they rated recent trips slightly lower than first trips. (Note: Results reflect perceived 

environmental conditions, not actual environmental conditions.) 

Most (60%) rated conditions the same, but additional analysis shows that 35% reported lower 

scores for their recent trips compared to their first trips. Those most likely to report a decline 

were "through trip" users (43% of that group), while only 31% oflake users and 28% oflower 

river motorized users reported the same .. Similarly, about 38% of the non-motorized users 

reported a decline compared to 29% of motorized users. In general, users focused on nonconsumptive recreation and wilderness-like trips appear slightly more likely to repo11 changes in 

environmental conditions. 

A similar overall evaluation question was asked about "most recent trips" on the nearby Gulkana 

River and three Togiak Refuge rivers in western Alaska. Ratings for the Delta were similar to the 

Gulkana (7.4 to 8.2, depending upon the group), a surprise because the Gulkana certainly has 

higher use and impact levels. The Togiak Refuge rivers elicited higher ratings (8.7 to 9.1), but 

those rivers are not on a road system, feature week-long trips, and generally have lower use and 

impact levels than either the Gulkana or Delta. It is possible that the question format, which 

asked about first trips and recent trips, had some effect on evaluations ( on other surveys, these 

evaluations were only asked for recent trips). 

Table 8. Overall evaluations of environmental conditions on first and most recent trips. 

Average Average for most t value for mean p 

for first trip recent trip comparison 

All respondents 8.4 7.5 7.3 <.001 

Non-motorized users 8.4 7.4 6.3 <.001 

Motorized users 8.5 7.7 3.9 <.001 

Overall Trip Quaiity Evaluations (Satisfaction) 

The "satisfaction" concept appears prominently in many social science fields, _and recreation is no 

exception. Dating back to pioneering recreation researchers (Wagar, Lucas, Heberlein, Stankey, 

and Lime), "user satisfaction'' was broadly considered a goal ofrecreation management (Kuss, et 

al., 1990; Manning, 1999), and the general idea is still commonly used by many managers, 

researchers, stakeholders, politicians, and the public in rec;;reation management contexts. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 19 
This general evaluative dimension has been measured in a variety of ways, from economic 

"willingness to pay" fmmats to multiple item scales to single item scales. The distinctions 

between these variables and their advantages and disadvantages, are beyond the scope of this 

report. However, the simplicity and intuitive reasonableness of a simple Likert-type satisfaction 

scale has led to its inclusion in many recreation surveys. Sometimes the scale has included the 

word satisfaction in the item (e.g., a 6-point single-item scale ranging from "poor" to "perfect" as 

developed by Heberlein & Vaske, 1977 and used in several subsequent studies), while in other 

cases visitors have been asked to rate something like "overall trip quality" on a scale from "poor" 

to "excellent" (as was done in the present study). Item wording is important, but the response 

scales are arguably similar and appear to be measuring the same underlying general dimension: 

an overall evaluation of visitor trips. 

Unfortunately, these general measures have limited utility (Shelby and Heberlein, 1986). It is 

possible to detect small differences in satisfaction among users with different characteristics or 

link satisfaction with some setting variables such as crowding, impacts, weather (Shelby and 

Neilson, 1976; Cole and Stewart, 2002, Vaske et al., 2002). However, most studies indicate that 

these broad indicators vary little among recreation users across resources or setting 

characteristics. In general, people tend to rate their recreation trips highly and the lack of 

variation in those evaluations makes the concept problematic. It has rarely been correlated with 

use density or crowding measures, and appears to suffer from a consistent finding in social 

psychology studies: general measures are usually poor predictors of more specific evaluations 

(Ajzen and Fishbein, 1980; Fiske and Taylor, 1991; Eagly and Chaiken, 1993). 

Having noted these limitations, a general measure of satisfaction is usually requested by 

managing agencies and was included in the present study for completeness. Table 9 shows 

overall quality of experience ratings for all respondents, non-motorized and motorized users, and 

users that fish and hunt vs. those who do neither. 

Results indicate that users generally rate experiences highly, and there are few differences 

between groups. On average however, users rated early trips higher than recent trips, indicating 

at least some perceived decline over the years. 

Additional analysis showed that about 32% of respondents reported lower scores for recent trips 

than first trips, and there were a few notable differences between sub-groups. However, Delta 

"through trip" boaters or those who took multiple-segment trips were slightly more likely to 

report a decline (38% of the sub-group), compared to 30% oflake users and 28% oflower river 

motorized μsers. There were no statistically significant diffi:~rences in the proportion of nonmotorized and motorized users reporting the decline between first and most recent trips (32 vs. 

31%). 

As with overall environmental conditions, trip quality evaluations were asked on surveys for the 

nearby Gulkana River and the three Togiak National Wildlife Refuge rivers in Westem Alaska. 

Results show the Delta was similar to the Gulkana (7. 6 to 8.2, depending upon the group), while 

Togiak experiences were rated higher (8.7 to 9.1). 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 20 

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Table 9. Overall evaluations of trip experiences on first and most recent trips. 

Average Average for most t value for mean p 

for first trip recent trip comparison 

All respondents 8.8 7.9 7.0 <.001 

Users that fish/hunt 9.0 8.0 6.3 <.001 

Users that don't fish/hunt 8.6 7.4 3.2 .002 

Non-motorized users 8.9 7.9 5.4 <.001 

Motorized users 8.8 7.8 4.4 <.001 

Report~d and Preferred Types of Experience Settings 

Respondents were asked to compare the type of experience available on different segments of the 

river or lakes with the type of experience they think should be provided on those segments. The 

specific survey question appeared as below: 

People seek different kinds of recreation experiences in different settings. Listed below are five "experience 

settings" available on different segments of the Tangle Lakes/ Delta River. Please choose the letter that 

best describes ... 

• the setting you experienced during your most recent trip (for each segment you visited) 

• the setting you prefer to experienc~ on those segments 

A. Primitive Setting: Where one expects to find solitude, very few traces of previous use, no 

motorized use or A TV trails, and no development. 

B. Primitive Motorized Setting: Similar to primitive setting, but motorized use may occur and ATV 

trails may occasionally be visible. 

C. Semi-Primitive Setting: Where one expects to meet few other groups, but solitude is still 

possible, particularly at camps. There is little or no motorized use or A TV trails, occasional 

evidence of previous use, and a few developments such as trails or outhouses. 

D. 

E. 

Semi-Primitive Motorized Setting: Similar to a semi-primitive setting, but motorized use may 

occur and A TV trails may occasionally be visible. 

Undeveloped Recreation Setting: Where one expects to meet other groups, and solitude is 

difficult to find. There is motorized use, A TV trails are visible at several locations, evidence of 

previous use at many sites, and some developments such as trails and outhouses. 

Figures 3 through 8 show percentages of non-motorized and motorized users that experienced 

different settings on different segments on their most recent trip, as well as the setting they would 

prefer. Results illustrate contrasting perceptions and preferences for different types of 

opportunities, and they help suggest areas where there may be problems with overuse or use 

conflicts ( when a more primitive or lower use experience is desired than the one people are 

getting). 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 21 
Upper Tangle Lakes 

Primitive 19% 1 

Primitive motorized 25% 

Semi-primitive 30% 

Semi primitive motorized 13% 

Undeveloped recreation ~3% 

Lower Tangle Lakes 

Primitive 16% I 

Primitive motorized 27% 

Semi-primitive ~3% 

Semi primitive motorized 22% 

Undeveloped recre~tion 1 12% 

I 

60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 

% setting on recent trip % setting should be provided 

Figure 3. Percent of non-motorized users reporting and preferring 

different settings on the Tangle Lakes segments. 

Upper Tangle Lakes I 

I 

Primitive 16o/o 

Primitive motorized 22% 

Semi-primitive I 

15% 

Semi primitive motorized 371/p 

Undeveloped recreation 9% 

!,ower Tangle Lakes 

I 

Primitive 15% I 

Primitive motorized 31% 32%1 

Semi-primitive 18o/q 

Semi primitive motorized 28o/~ 

I 

Undeveloped recreation I I 8% 'I ' I. 

I • I 

60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 

% setting on recent trip % setting should be provided 

Figure 4. Percent of motorized users reporting and preferring 

different settings on the Tangle Lakes segments. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 22 

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Upper Delta I 

Primitive 41'% 61% 

Primitive motorized 6% 

I 

Semi-primitive •41% 

Semi-primitive motorized 6% 

Undeveloped recreation 

Portage Area 

Primitive 3,3% 

Primitive motorized 

Semi-primitive 57% 

Semi-primitive motorized 

Undeveloped recreation I 

. I. 

70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 

% setting on recent trip % setting should be provided 

Figure 5. Percent of non-motorized users reporting and preferring 

different settings on the Upper Delta River segments. 

Upper Delta 

Primitive 

Primitive motorized 

Semi-primitive 

Semi-primitive motorized 

Undeveloped recreation 

Portage Area 

Primitive 

Primitive motorized 

Semi-primitive 

Semi-primitive motorized 

Undeveloped recreation 

I 

:31% 

I ,......!:======= 34% 

: '---;---;,.===== 19% 1 

28o/~ 

~===~~ 

24% 

I 

14% . I , I 

70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 

% setting oh recent trip % setting should be provided 

Figure 6. Percent of motorized users reporting and preferring 

different settings on the Upper Delta River segments. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 23 
Lower Delta 

Primitive 

Primitive motorized 

Semi-primitive 

Semi-primitive motorized 

Undeveloped recreation 

Black Rapids 

Primitive 

Primitive motorized 

Semi-primitive 

Semi-primitive motorized 

Undeveloped recreation 

38% 

16% 

30% 

I 1--- ---- 28o/d I ....__-;-,::=== 170/4 I ,--.--!.....:=== 

28o/~ 

11% 

17% - I 

~8% 

70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 

% setting on recent trip % setting should be provided 

Figure 7. Percent of non-motorized users reporting and preferring 

different settings on the Lower Delta River segments. 

Lower Delta 

Primitive 

Primitive motorized 

Semi-primitive 

Semi-primitive motorized 

Undeveloped recreation 

Black Rapids 

Primitive 

Primitive motorized 

Semi-primitive 

Semi-primitive motorized 

Undeveloped recreation 

46ro 

I 

23% 

I '---,::=~~ 

'-----,---.--;==~ 

I 

27% 

15% 

3~% .__ ______ _ 

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28% 

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27% 

70% 60% 50Yo 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 

% setting on recent trip % setting should be provided 

Figure 8. Percent of motorized users reporting and preferring 

different settings on the Lower D~lta River segments. ,) 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 24 

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Considering all of these results about settings, highlights include: 

• Users generally recognize there may be different opp01tunities provided on different 

segments, and these differences are desirable. 

• In general, there appears to be a continuum of opportunities from the primitive/non-motorized 

end of the spectrum to the semi-primitive motorized end. However, relatively fewer 

respondents thought any segment provided or should provide a higher density "undeveloped 

recreation" setting. 

• Users generally thought the Upper Delta provides and should provide more primitive 

opportunities than the Tangle Lakes or the Lower Delta. 

• In general, differences between reported and preferred experiences are greater for nonmotorized users, suggesting they are more sensitive to higher use densities, development, or 

motorized use and would prefer less of each. 

• Non-motorized users recognize that the Delta River portage area provides and should provide 

slightly less primitive conditions than the Upper Delta (but they still strongly prefer one of 

the two non-motorized settings). 

• About half of the motorized users recognize that the Upper Delta and portage offer nonmotorized opportunities at present, but slightly fewer prefer that situation (presumably 

opposing any non-motorized restrictions in the corridor). 

• Motorized users prefer slightly more primitive settings than they reported, but they do not 

generally support non-motorized versions of more primitive settings. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic• River User Survey 25 
6. Crowding, Impacts, and Tolerances 

This section examines more specific measures of experience quality and impacts. It includes data 

about perceived crowding, impact priorities, and comparisons of reported and tolerated impact 

levels. Results fi-mn this chapter are the central inputs into the Limits of Acceptable Change or 

Visitor Impact Management planningfiwneworks. 

Perceived Crowding 

Most theorists recognize a difference between density (or reported contacts) and crowding, but 

even scientists sometimes use the word "crowding" inappropriately when referring to highdensity (Shelby et al., 1989). Density is a descriptive term that refers to the number of people per 

unit area. It is measured by counting the number of people and measuring the space they occupy, 

and it can be determined objectively. Crowding, on the other hand, is a negative evaluation of 

density; it involves a value judgment that the specified number is too many. The tennperceived 

crowding is often used to emphasize the subjective or evaluative nature of the concept. 

Perceived crowding combines descriptive information (the density or encounter level experienced 

by the individual) with evaluative information (the individual's negative evaluation of that density 

or encounter level). When people evaluate an area as crowded, they have at least implicitly 

compared the condition they experienced (impacts) with their perception of what is acceptable 

(standards). If they conclude that the area is crowded, it would appear that the existing conditions 

exceeded their definition of a standard (one criterion for an area being over capacity). 

Researchers have developed a relatively simple measure of perceived crowding (Heberlein & 

Vaske, 1977). The question asks people to indicate how crowded the area was at the time of their 

visit. Responses are given on the scale below: 

1 2 

Not at all 

Crowded 

3 4 

Slightly 

Crowded 

5 6 

Moderately 

Crowded 

7 8 .9 

Extremely 

Crowded 

The advantage of this approach is that it is simple and easy to apply. Two of the nine scale points 

on the crowding scale label the situation as uncrowded, while the remaining seven points label it 

as crowded to some degree. 

The scale can be analyzed in different ways. When describing a "wilderness experience" where 

the goal is to provide an opportunity for low-density solitude-oriented recreation, the scale has 

traditionally been collapsed into a dichotomous variable (not crowded versus any degree of 

crowding; the fonnula that was used here). This provides a conceptually meaningful break point 

between those who labeled the situation as not at all crowded (scale points 1 and 2, a positive 

evaluation), and those who labeled the situation as slightly, moderately, or extremely crowded 

(scale points 3 through 9, a negative evaluation). 

Since 1975, this single item indicator bas been used in over 200 studies conducted across the 

United States ( e.g., Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Maryland, Michigan, 

Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oregon, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Wisconsin), Canada 

(British Columbia, Alberta), New Zealand, Australia, and Korea resulting in crowding ratings for 

' over 500 different settings/activities. The activities included hiking, backpacking, wildlife 

viewing, wildlife photography, hunting of many types, fishing of many types, rafting, canoeing, 

tubing, motor boating, rock climbing, sailing, and driving for pleasure. The areas studied 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 26 

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represented considerable diversity, with some showing extremely high density and use impact 

problems, others illustrating low densities and no problems, and still others actively utilizing 

management strategies to control densities and use impacts. 

A meta-analysis of 35 studies (Shelby, et al., 1989) identified five "rule of thumb" categories of 

crowding when the scale was collapsed in the manner described in Table 8. A substantially larger 

meta-analysis by the same authors (to be submitted for publication this year) supports use of this 

simple analytic technique. Settings where fewer than 35% of the visitors perceived the area as 

crowded appear to provide relatively unique low-density experiences, and managers should be 

concerned about preserving the conditions that maintain these relatively rare opportunities. Areas 

where perceived crowding is between 50-65% should be carefully scrutinized because they are 

probably approaching capacity. When more than 65% of visitors feel crowded, there is usually a 

capacity problem. When more than 80% of visitors feel crowded, the focus usually shifts to 

managing for high-density experiences. 

Table 10. Carrying capacity judgments based on levels of perceived crowding. 

% Feeling Capacity Judgment Crowded 

0-35% Very low crowding 

35-50% Low normal 

50-65% High normal 

65-80% Over capacity 

80-100% Greatly over capacity 

Source: Shelby, Vaske, & Heberlein (1989). 

Comment 

Crowding usually limited by management or situational factors (remote location, 

difficult access). 

Problem ~ituation does not exist at this time. 

Should be studied if increased use is expected, allowing management to 

anticipate problems. 

Studies & management necessary to" preserve experiences. 

Manage for high-density recreation. 

Perceived crowding scores for a sample of rivers are given in Table 11, along with overall 

perceived crowding scores from segments on the Delta (shown in bold). Table 12 provides more 

detail about crowding scores for different segments and groups, and Figure 9 shows crowding 

scores for different segments by month. Results indicate several general findings: 

• For all respondents taken together (Table 11), no segment is "over capacity," and only the 

Lower Tangle Lakes are in the "high n01mal" category. In general, both the Delta and 

Tangle Lakes are generally un-crowded resources, and crowding scores are well below those 

of nearby rivers such as the Gulkana and several Susitna Basin rivers. 

• The Upper and Lower Delta River segments have particularly low crowding ratings, 

suggesting they offer relatively unique low density opportunities. 

• Analysis by segments and sub-groups (Table 12) suggest a few situations with slightly higher 

crowding scores, with Lower Tangle Lake boaters having the highest percentages reporting 

some degree of crowding. Of any segment, the Lower Tangles is probably the most likely to 

develop social capacity problems. 

• Table 12 also shows that a majority of Lower Delta River powerboaters report some degree 

of crowding, but results are from a very small sample size (9). Similarly, the Black Rapids 

results are from small sub-group samples and probably do not indicate a "real" capacity 

problem (anecdotal information suggests that use is far lower on this segment than any other). 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 27 
Table 11. Percent feeling some degree of crowding on selected resources (entries collected from Vaske, 

Whittaker, Shelby). 

% Feeling Crowded Resource Population/Comments 

Greatly over capacity: Should be managed for high densities; might be described as sacrifice area 

100 Deschutes River, Or Boaters on weekends 

100 Kenai River, Ak Upper river bank anglers on high use days 

97 Deschutes River, Or Lower river boaters on weekends 

94 Colorado River, Az Anglers at Thanksgiving 

92 Kenai River, Ak Lower river powerboaters on high use days 

89 Little Susitna River, Ak All users 

88 Deschutes River, Or Boaters on weekdays 

86 Kenai River, Ak Upper river driftboaters on high use days 

84 Gulkana River, Ak All users - Richardson Highway Bridge 

Over capacity: Studies and management likely needed to preserve quality 

80 Kanektok River, Ak Guides 

78 Kenai River, Ak Middle River powerboaters on high use days 

78 Lake Creek, Ak All users 

75 Waimakariri and Rakia Rivers, NZ Salmon anglers 

73 Boundary Waters, Mn Cancers/boaters 

72 Grand Canyon, Az. Rafters 

70 Klamath River, Ca Anglers 

69 Kanektok River, Ak Unguided floaters 

65 Gulkana River, Ak All users - Sourdough Launch Area 

High Normal: Should be studied if use increases expected; managers might anticipate problems 

65 Kenai River, Ak Lower river bank anglers on low use days 

64 Talachulitna River, Ak ~ All users 

63 Gulkana River, Ak All users - Lower Main Stem 

62 Kenai River, Ak Middle river bank anglers 

60 Gulkana River, Ak All users - Sourdough Segment 

59 Kanektok River, Ak All users 

55 Kenai River, Ak Middle River driftboaters on low use days 

54 Delta River, AK Lower Tangle Lakes 

54 Brule River, Wi Anglers 

53 Grand Canyon, Az. Rafters in winter 

53 Snake River in Hells Canyon, Or/Jd Rafters 

53 Goodnews River, Ak Guided users 

53 Kanektok River, Ak Guided users 

52 Brule River, Wi Canoers 

52 Goodnews River, Ak Non-floaters 

51 Gulkana River, Ak All users - Upper Main Stem 

51 Kroto Creek (Deshka), Ak All users 

51 Upper Youghiogheny, Pa Kayakers 

Low Normal: Unlikely to be a problem; may offer unique low density experiences 

49 Goodnews River, Ak 

48 Delta River, Ak 

46 Kenai River, Ak 

45 Rakaia River, NZ 

44 Delta River, Ak 

43 Goodnews River, Ak 

43 Brule River, Wi 

42 Togiak River, Ak 

41 Kenai River, Ak 

40 Poudre River, Co 

38 Klamath River, Ca 

38 Poudre River, Co 

37 Brule River, Wi 

36 Goodnews River, Ak 

No Crowding: no problem; may offer unique low-density experiences 

35 Upper Youghigheny, Pa 

34 Delta River, Ak 

33 Gulkana River, Ak 

33 Togiak River, Ak 

27 Delta River, Ak 

26 Illinois River, Or 

25 Delta River, Ak 

25 Savage River, Md 

14-19 Gwali Haanas, BC 

1-9 Athabasca-Sunwapta Rivers, Al 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 

North Fork users 

Upper Tangle Lakes 

Middle river powerboaters on low use days 

Anglers upstream 

All respondents - overall 

All users 

Tubers 

King salmon season 

Lower river powerboaters during catch/release 

Anglers 

Floaters 

Kayakers 

Canoers during low use 

Middle Fork users 

Rafters 

Black Rapids segment 

All users - Middle Fork 

All users 

Lower River 

Rafters 

Upper Delta and Portage Area 

Anglers 

Touring kayakers at various areas 

Whitewater rafters at various areas 

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Table 12. Percent feeling some degree of crowding on different segments for different groups. 

Sub-group Upper Lower Upper Portage Lower 

Tangles Tangles Delta Delta 

Upper Tangles only 46 

Upper & Lower Tangles users 56 56 

Lower Tangles only 71 

"Through trip" river users 41 19 23 15 

Multi-segment boaters (no ATVs) 56 65 33 27 28 

Lower River power boaters 86 

ATV only users 31 27 22 20 0 

Multiple segment + A TV users 25 22 0 0 15 

Non-motorized boaters 50 57 27 25 22 

Small HP powerboaters (<15 hp) 52 50 0 0 0 

Medium HP power boaters (16-85) 61 63 35 50 

Large powerboats (>85 hp) 20 27 · 22 27 

Bold cells - denotes segment not used by sufficient users in the sub-group to calculate a useful estimate. 

% reporting some degree of crowding 70 

60 . _______ / --------

Black 

Rapids 

44 

50 

0 

17 

50 

Lower Tangle Lake / 

50 - · ·- - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -, - - - - /-- - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~ -

Upper Tangle Lake _ _ __-/ 

40 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Upper Delta River ~ - - - - -- _. - - - - - - - - -

30 -- - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --_ ::,... - -/ ~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - _-_ --------- ~ - Lower Delta River __ /,. --- - --- - - - - - - --- - 20 -·- - -· - - - - - - - - - - - .. - - - - --- - - - ·- - -· - - - - - - - -· -· - - - - - - - - .... - - - - - - - - -- -

10 - - - - - - - - - · - - .. - - -- - -- - - - - - - - - - .. - - -- · · - - -·- - - - .. - - · - - - - - - - - -- - - -::---:_ -

0 

Overall 

50 

53 

71 

25 

43 

88 

29 

21 

40 

60 

50 

39 

June July August September 

Figure 9. Perceived crowding for different segments by month. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 29 
• Analysis of crowding ratings by years revealed no pattern of higher scores in more recent 

years. However, there were some patterns among crowding ratings for various segments by 

mo~th (Figure 9). In general, lake segments are higher during the subsistence hunting 

seasons in August and September, although the Lower Tangles also sees relatively high 

ratings in July. River segments reniain low through the entire recreation season, but Lower 

Delta ratings are slightly higher in hunting season. Results are consistent with anecdotal 

infonnation about how hunters use the lakes and lower river by setting up long tenn camps 

and traveling via powerboats in search of game, which might lead to· slightly higher crowding 

scores. 

Impact Priorities 

Users were asked to rate the priority of various impacts ( on a 1 to 5 scale) that "deserve more 

management attention on the Tangle Lakes and Delta River" Table 13 ranks impacts by mean 

scores and shows the percentage of respondents rating impacts as high vs. low priorities. The 

figure combines all respondents because sub-group differences were generally small; additional 

discussion of group differences is given below. 

Litter 

Human waste 

Discourteous behavior 

Camp sharing 

ATV trails 

Camp competition 

ATV encounters 

Large group encounters 

Motorboat encounters 

Camp encounters 

Beat out camps 

Encounters (general) 

Multiple trails - Portage 

Fishing competition 

Multiple trails - camps I 

Launch congestion !8% ; 

100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 

% low or moderate priority 

72% 

:::;:::;::::;=.:;;:::;=========;' 71% 

~~:;::;==========l 71% 

68% 

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 

% high or very high priority 

Figure 10. Respondents' priorities among different impacts. 

Overall impact priority results suggest several findings: 

• About half of the impacts were repmied a high or very high priority by a majority of users, so 

users may be interested in management attention addressing these issues. However, a handful 

of impacts were rated high priorities by less than a third of respondents. Low priority ratings 

could mean either )a) the impact itself is unimportant , orb) the impact level on the Delta is 

low and therefore doesn't need attention. 

• Signs of use impacts (litter and human waste) were rated the highest priorities; a clean 

environment appears to be a starting point for high quality experiences. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 30 

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• .Discourteous behavior was also rated high, and while it is unclear how different users might 

define "discourteous," comments from some users appear concerned about "out of norm" 

behaviors such as being drunk (see comments Appendix C), 

• Camp competition, camp sharing, and camp encounters ( camping within sight or sound) were 

relatively higher priorities than "beat out" camps, suggesting that users are more concerned 

about getting a camp to themselves than conditions at those camps. · 

• ATV trails and ATV encounters are high priorities for just over half of all users, but there 

were differences between motorized and non-motorized groups for these impacts (see below). 

• Encounters with motorboats are rated a higher priority than encounters with floating users. 

This foreshadows the motorized use issue developed more fully in other sections of the 

report. 

• Fishing is a primary activity in the corridor, but fishing competition was not a very high 

priority for many users. The ubiquity of good fishing areas on the Delta may diminish the 

importance of this impact compared to similar ratings from salmon rivers ( where it is usually 

rated a higher priority). 

Comparisons between motorized and non-motorized users on impact priorities suggest significant 

differences for six impacts (Table 13, ordered by the largest differences). In every case, more 

non-motorized users reported the impact as a higher priority, and for two impact types (motorboat 

encounters and A TV encounters), the differences are striking. These results are consistent with 

motorized/non-motorized use conflict results examined in other sections of the report. They are 

also consistent with non-motorized users being more "sensitive" to impact issues, which is 

consistent with their greater interest in attributes such as "being in a natural place" or "solitude." 

Respondents could also respond to the question by reporting that an impact "is not an issue on the 

Delta River/ Tangle Lakes." In general, fewer than 20% chose this response for any impact, with 

the two exceptions being fishing competition (22%), ATV trail conditions (27%), and launch 

congestion (28%). 

Table 13. Percent reporting an impact is "high" or "very high" priority for non-motorized and motorized users 

(when there were differences between group means). 

Impact Non-motorized users Motorized users 

t value for mean 

comparison p 

Motor boat encounters 61 22 6.2 <.001 

ATV encounters 63 34 4.1 <.001 

Human waste 76 61 3.7 <.001 

A TV trail conditions 62 48 2.8 .005 

"Beat out" camps 49 34 2.5 .014 

Encounters with large groups 57 42 2.3 .020 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 31 
Impacts and Impact Tolerances 

Encounters 

"Encounters" - the number of other contacts with other groups per day- has been a focus of 

· backcountry recreation researchers for 30 years. The consistent finding has been that 

backcountry users prefer contact with less than about 4 to 5 other parties per day in order to have 

a high quality "wilderness," "primitive," or "backcountry" experience (Vaske et al., 1986). As 

one moves into less primitive or frontcountry settings, however, findings show more variation 

(Shelby et al., 1996). 

Users on the Delta were asked to report encounter levels for various segments, as well as their 

preferences and tolerances for encounter levels. Table 14 summarizes statistics for each segment, 

providing the mean, median, typical range (the 25% and 75% responses), the percentage 

unwilling to report a preference or tolerance, and the cumulative percentage reporting certain 

thresholds or less. The median response represents "50% of the sample reported this number or 

less," and is probably a better measure of central tendency than means because of the potential 

influence of outliers. Responses are given for all users because differences between 

motorizeq/non-motorized groups were small. 

Table 14. Statistics regarding reported, preferred, and tolerable encounters. 

Typical % "don't 

Cumulative percentage 

Segment Mean Median range1 care" 3 or 6 or 10 or 0 less less less 

Reported encounters 

Upper Tangles 5.0 3.0 2 to 5 10 54 81 91 

Lower Tangles 6.1 3.0 .2 to 8 12 53 73 84 

Upper Delta 2.7 1.0 Oto 3 33 84 92 95 

Lower Delta 2.9 1.0 Oto 3 31 78 90 97 

Preferred encounters 

Upper Tangles 3.3 2.0 0 to 4 19 36 71 94 98 

Lower Tangles 3.8 2.0 Oto 4 24 35 71 88 94 

Upper Delta 2.9 1.0 Oto 3 16 48 84 96 99 

Lower Delta 2.9 1.0 a.to 3 17 47 84 97 99 

Tolerable encounters 

Upper Tangles 10.0 6.0 4 to 10 17 2 22 51 80 

Lower Tangles 10.7 6.0 4 to 10 26 1 25 56 78 

Upper Delta 6.3 4.0 2 to 10 22 3 43 72 91 

Lower Delta 5.6 3.5 2 to 6 22 6 50 76 94 

1. 25% and 75% responses. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 32 

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Encounter results suggest several conclusions: 

• For the lake segments, reported encounters were higher than preferences (p<.05). For the 

river segments, they were higher but not statistically different. 

• For all segments, reported encounters were significantly lower than tolerances (p<.01). 

• Taken together, people generally have more encounters than they prefer, but not more than 

they can tolerate. 

• Encounter tolerances for the river segments (less than 4, using medians) are similar to those 

found in many other studies of backcountry settings (Vaske et al, 1986), but preferences are 

even lower. On the lake segments, slightly higher tolerances suggest that at least some users 

perceive them to be higher-density backcountry settings. 

• Data suggest that few users are interested in substantially higher encounter levels than occur 

now. 

• Differences between lake and river segments are not substantial, but they make sense. Rivers 

have more "closed" viewsheds, so encounters occur only when trips are in close proximity ( or 

pass each other). In addition, river users travel in the one direction, while lake users go out 

and back, increasing the likelihood of encounters. 

We analyzed respondents who reported more than 6 encounters per day. Over half were on trips 

in July (the highest use month on the Lower Tangles and through-trips), and there were 

differences by segment (55% were from Lower Tangle Lake users, 35% from the Upper Tangles, 

and only 19%. each from the two main river segments. In general, results suggest that the lowest 

encounter levels occur on river rather than lake segments, which is consistent with overflight data 

showing lower use there (see Appendix A). 

Campsite Impacts 

Overnight users were also asked to report impact and tolerance levels for several campsite 

impacts (see example question on next page). Table 15 summarizes statistics for each impact, 

providing the mean, median, typical range (the 25% and 75% responses), ~e percentage 

unwilling to report a tolerance, and the cumulative percentage reporting certain thresholds or less. 

The median response represents the number that 50% of the sample reported and is probably a 

better measure of central tendency than means because of the potential influence of outliers. 

Responses are given for all users because differences between motorized/non-motorized groups 

were small. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 33 
Campsite impact question: 

We are interested in other impacts you experienced on your most recent trip, as well as your tolerance for those 

impacts. For the following questions, please ... 

• estimate the amount you experienced on your most recent trip. 

• estimate the amount you will tolerate before your trip is compromised. 

If an impact does not matter to you, place an X in the "tolerance"· column. 

NOTE: This question asks about percentages. Please round estimates to the nearest ten percent (0%, 10% .... 90%, 

100%). 

Percent Percent 

you experienced you will tolerate 

Impact on your most before your trip is 

recent trio compromised 

Percent of sites with substantial litter (more than a handful) 

Percent of sites with visible human waste or toilet paper 

Percent of nights you camped within sight or sound of others 

Percent of nights you had to share a camp with another group 

Percent of times you passed up campsites because they were occupied 

Percent of campsites that were "beat out" (had unacceptable levels of fire 

ring scars, bare ground, or cut trees) 

Table 15. Statistics regarding reported and tolerable camp impacts. 

Impacts Mean Median Typical % "don't Percentage reporting ... 

range care" 0 S10% S25% 

Reported impacts (percent of sites you observed impact) 

Litter 14 0 Oto 10 53 79 84 

Human waste 18 10 0 to 20 46 73 78 

Nights in sight/sound 30 0 Oto 50 52 58 63 

Nights sharing 5 0 0 90 91 94 

Camp competition -19 0 0 to 30 52 67 75 

"Beat out" camps 16 0 0 to 20 55 73 81 

Tolerable impacts (percent of sites you will tolerate each impact) 

Litter 14 10 Oto 20 3 38 73 86 

Human waste 11 0 0 to 10 2 53 81 89 

Nights in sight/sound · 31 20 Oto 50 6 30 47 57 

Nights sharing 11 0 0 to 10 6 66 78 88 

Camp competition . 28 20 0to50 6 27 46 56 

"Beat out" camps 20 10 Oto 30 5 31 53 72 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 34 

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Figure 11 shows the percent of overnight respondents reporting tolerances for three important 

camp impacts. It graphically illustrates level of agreement about potential "standards" for these 

impacts. 

Percent of respondents 60% 

50% ~,------------------------------------------------------

\ Human waste 

' 

40% -- - - - '.\_ - · - - .. - - - .. · - - - - · .. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - · - - - - - - - - - - -

\ 

30% ~"-:::-_ -----,---------------------------------------------

~'-,_ '" 

20% 

10% 

- - - -- -~ -~=-=-=-'-:.'\;__-=-.:- .: : · - -- - -- -------- - - - -----····- ::_..::..::-- . "'-._ , - - _ :•seat out" camps ---

Camp in sighUsound -..,__ --

" , -, , , , ---- _-:::-=:-: ----, , , -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -~--~-== --=-=.: ~-=- - - - - - - - - - - -'~-:..:. - - - - -

- - - - 0% I 

0 10 20 30 40 to 50 Over50 

Percent of camps with impact 

Figure 11. Percent of respondents reporting tolerances for three important camp impacts. 

Taken together, campsite impact findings indicate several conclusions: 

• The only impact where repo11ed levels were higher than reported tolerances ( on average) was 

for human waste, and this difference was small. In all other cases, average impacts were 

similar to, or less than, tolerances. Results indicate these impacts are not substantial 

problems at this time. 

• Delta River/ Tangle Lake camp impact tolerances appear to be similar to those for the 

Gulkana. However, Delta users reported slightly lower impact levels, so fewer "impact 

problems" exist. 

• These findings have implications for BLM crew effo11s, which currently occur roughly three 

times a year on the Delta and four times on the Gulkana. Because there is substantially 

higher use (and presumably higher impacts) on the Gulkana, crews may have a harder time 

"staying ahead" of litter or similar impacts on that river even with the extra trip. 

• The human waste results reflect "no tolerance" standards for those types of impacts, a 

persistent result in several previous studies. A clean environment is a starting point for high 

quality recreation (Whittaker & Shelby, 1988). Users will apparently accept some litter and 

waste impacts at a small percentage of sites, but they expect those problems to be addressed 

by other users or management if they become more pervasive. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 35 
Reported Group Size Encounters and Tolerances 

Respondents were asked to report the largest group they had encountered on trips to the Tangle 

Lakes and Delta River, and to identify the largest group they would tolerate before their trip was 

compromised. Results are given in Table 16 for all users, and show that most have not 

encountered groups larger than about 9 or 10, and only 4% saw groups larger than 20. For 

tolerances, large majorities would tolerate groups no larger than 12, and almost all users (98%) 

indicate a tolerance for less than 20. However, 16% "did not care" about this impact. 

Differences between segments or between non-motorized and motorized users were generally 

small, although 27% of small powerboat users "don't care" about this impact. Additional 

analysis profiled the 60 respondents (24% of the sample) who were willing to tolerate encounters 

with groups over 12 or reported they "don't care." Only two of these respondents actually took 

recent trips with large groups (and none were larger than 16), but they were more likely to be 

motorized boaters (3 7% of the sub-group) than non-motorized boaters or A TV users (20% of 

each sub-group). There were no impmiant differences between lake users, "through trip" river 

users, or lower river users for these questions. 

Table 16. Statistics regarding largest reported and tolerable group sizes. 

Segment Mean Median Typical % "don't Percentage reporting ... 

range1 care" S12 S20 

Reported largest group sizes 7.8 5 4 to 9 82 96 

Largest tolerable group sizes 8.1 7 4 to 10 16% 86 98 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 36 

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7. Coping with Impacts and Perceived Change 

Avoiding High Use 

Respondents were asked whether they planned trips to avoid high use and related impacts (Figure 

12). Results suggest that about half of all users adjust their plans to address potential crowding, 

with small differences between lake and river users. There were some differences between 

motorized and non-motorized users; about two-thirds of the motorized users (and 70% of those 

who use ATVs in the conidor) planned trips to avoid crowding compared to only 43% among 

non-motorized users. A possible explanation is that motorized users are focused on hunting 

activities during a defined season, and the tradition of establishing a good base camp means 

many groups plan trips to "beat the crowds" by going mid-week or during the shoulder season. 

All users 51% 

43% : 

Motorized users 65% 

I I 

Lake users ~I~:ir~~f;ifJ°)t!fi~~t&¥!:F~ft~e'l~~ 51% I I 

I 

River users 

ATV users 

0% 10% 20% 30% . 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 

Percent that "plan to avoid crowding" 

Figure 12. Percent of sub-groups that plan trips to avoid crowding. 

Users who plan to avoid high μse may employ several strategies, as shown in Figure 13. More 

than a third of all groups consider taking their trips mid-week, and a similar proportion of nonmotorized users, river users, or lake users consider taking trips during the "low season." 

However, motorized users as a group and ATV users in particular were less likely to go offseason, probably because many are focused on hunting, and regulations define that season. 

Over half of lake users were also likely to report using lower use segments or areas to avoid 

crowding, presumably by going farther from the launches, while only about a fifth of river users 

said the same. "Through trip" river users have to travel through lake and river segments, which 

precludes use of this coping strategy ( although they can spend more of their time on the river 

rather than higher use lake segments). 

Delta National Wild and Scenic Riv~r User Survey 37 
Go mid-week 

Go in low season 

Take shorter trip 

Take longer trip 

Go to low use segment 

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 

' • Non-motorized 

' 15Z1Motorized 

• Lake users 

GJRiver users 

ATV users 

50% 60% 70% 

% reporting behavior to avoid crowding 

Figure 13. Percent of sub-groups reporting various behaviors to avoid crowding 

ATV users are also less likely to go to a different segment, and are constrained by trail locations. 

Powerboats have similar limitations in getting past the first lake on Upper Tangles, traveling past 

the shallow necks between lakes on the Lower Tangles, or on to the shallower or rapid reaches of 

either reach of the Delta. 

Relatively fewer respondents from any group reported taking shorter or longer trips to avoid 

crowding (this is not surprising given the distance of the Delta from major population centers). 

Because the corridor is relatively well-defined and linear, a longer trip generally does not 

translate into improved ability to avoid other users. The exception might be some of the smaller 

lakes in the Upper Tangles, accessible generally by small non-motorized craft like canoes. 

• • 

,;, 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 38 

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Perceived Change in Trip Quality 

About 70% of all respondents had taken more than one trip on the Delta River or Tangle Lakes. 

This group answered questions about 1) whether trip quality has improved, stayed the same, or 

declined over time, and 2) if it has declined, whether that led them to change their expectations, 

take fewer trips, or stop taking trips. Results for different groups are represented in Figure 14. 

All respondents 

Non-motorized 

Motorized 

Lake users 

River users 

ATV users 

100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 

% substantially or slightly declined % stayed the same or improved 

Figure 14. Percent reporting that trip quality has improved or declined. 

Majorities of all groups indicated that the Delta / Tangles had stayed the same or improved, with 

slightly higher percentages for motorized and lake users. However, 44% of non-motorized and 

45% of river users reported some decline (although most rep011ed a slight decline). 

It is difficult to assess whether a perceived decline is related to actual changes in conditions or a 

general human response that "things aren't like they used to be." If memories of negative 

conditions fade sooner than memories of positive ones, it may be difficult for any recent trip to 

compare to previous ones. Nonetheless, impacts may have increased in recent years, and these 

data may reflect some of those changes. 

Responses to a Decline in Trip Quality: Product Shift and Displacement 

For users who indicated a decline in trip quality, the survey asked whether they responded to the 

decline by changing expectations ( a cognitive shift in the "product" they were seeking) or by 

adjustiJ;1g their-behavior by 1) taking fewer trips or 2) stopping trips to the area altogether 

(indicating displacement). Results for different sub-groups are given in Figure 15. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 39 
Reported slight decline 

Changed expectations 

Taken fewer trips 

Stopped taking trips 

Reported substantial decline 

Changed expectations 

Taken fewer trips 

Stopped taking trips 

0% 

I 

17"/o 

83o/o 

DI Non-motorized 

Ill Motorized 

• Lake users 

l=lRiver users 

IEl!ATVusers • 

67% 

67% 

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9&e,'Z,lij3t J u::& iii 1JC4: 75% 1 

I 

20% 40% 60% 80% 

% reporting responses to declined trip quality 

Figure 15. Percent reporting responses to a perceived decline in trip quality. 

100% 

Note: Percentages do not necessarily sum to 100 within groups (respondents could choose more than one response. 

For those reporting a slight decline, most users in all groups (68 to 87%) responded by changing 

their expectations, with slightly higher percentages among motorized users and A TV users. 

However, about one-third (27 to 37%) reported taking fewer trips. Relatively few (0 to 17%) 

stopped taking trips, but apparently even small declines can cause sensitive users to search for 

alternative opportunities at least some of the time. 

For those reporting a substantial decline, response patterns were somewhat different. All groups 

were less likely (25 to 67%) to change expectations, and more likely to take fewer trips (20 to 

67%) or stop taking trips (9 to 75%). The shift to fewer trips was most pronounced amend 

motorized and lake users, and stopping trips was most pronounced among non-motorized and 

river users. Although sub-samples who reported substantial declines were small, the contrast in 

responses deserves additional research. One hypothesis is that sensitive non-motorized river 

users are more likely to "give up" on a resource with crowding or impact problems, while 

sensitive motorized users more easily redefine the setting. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 40 

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8. General Management Strategies 

This chapter describes support for and opposition to a series of possible management actions that 

could be used to address crowding or other impact issues on the Delta and Tangle Lakes. The 

sections are organized by types of alternatives, including development, education, regulation, 

fees, and use limits; subsequent chapters cover use conflict issues such as motorized boating, 

ATV use, and mining access. 

The list of management actions in the survey was developed by managers and researchers based 

on information from scoping meetings for the East Alaska Plan, orfi·om a review of common 

management regimes used on other rivers in Alaska and the West. No decisions about any of 

these actions have been advanced by the BLM; the research was designed simply to assess user 

group opinions toward them. 

Results are presented in a series of graphs showing percent support and opposition by different 

user groups, as well as by float and powerboat guides. The survey asked users to respond to 

each alternative on a five-point scale from strong support to strongly oppose (with a neutral midpoint); for simplicity we have collapsed the "strongly" and "slightly" categories on each side. 

The percent that chose "neutral" responses can be calculated as JOO- (support+ opposition). 

River Clean-up Progra~s, Education, and Law Enforcement 

Respondents were asked about two clean-up actions, increased "leave no trace" educational 

efforts, and increased law enforcement. Figure 16 shows results for all respondents ( differences 

among sub-groups were small and are discussed below); specific items are listed below: 

• Continue river clean-up programs (2 to 3 patrol trips per year) 

• Increase river clean-up trips (4 to 5 patrol trips per year) 

• Increase information about "leave no trace" practices 

• Increase enforcement of existing laws and regulations 

Continue river clean-ups 83% I 

I 

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Increase river clean-ups '9% '58% I I 

I I 

Increase LNT information 83% 

I 

I I 

Increase enforcement 18% 68o/o I 

100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 

% oppose or strongly oppose % support or strongly support 

Figure 16. Opinion toward clean-up, education, and law enforcement strategies. 

Results show the greatest support (83%) for existing patrol levels and increased educational 

effo11s, with slightly lower (but still majority) support for increased enforcement and increased 

river clean-ups. Results are consistent with findings from other rivers, where these actions are 

commonly supported. The slightly lower support for increased clean-up patrols probably reflects 

general satisfaction with current patrol levels and is consistent with the impact-tolerance 

information rep01ted earlier. Both results are consistent with the idea that the river is in relatively 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 41 
"good shape" with regard to litter, so there may not be compelling reasons to increase clean-up 

efforts. 

Differences between groups were small although A TV users and motorized boaters/ A TV users 

were slightly less likely to support all these options ( although there was still more support than 

opposition). The largest difference was for law enforcement, where only 44% of ATV users 

suppmied the action. 

Support for education strategies deserves additional comment. Education efforts employ a 

"cognitive fix" approach and represent systematic persuasion eff011s by managers to modify 

behavior that may be causing unacceptable biophysical or social impacts. As a way. to address 

human-caused impact problems, managers and. the public sometimes view these types of 

programs as a panacea (Roggenbuck, 1992), which they are not. Compared to regulatory 

approaches, however, education is prefe1red by many managers because it is less intrusive. 

Education actions in river settings focus on minimum impact practices (e.g., no trace camping, 

human waste disposal), resource competition ethics (e.g., codes of behavior in "combat fishing" 

settings), and angling ethics (e.g., catch and release of non-anadramous species). Attempts to 

establish norms for these behaviors are evident in agency literature, information boards, and in 

the popular media (e.g., Outside, Backpacker, Field and Stream). However, while most users are 

probably aware of these education efforts, their influence on behavior is less clear. Persuasion 

research suggests that messages change both attitudes and behavior over the long te1m can be 

complex and challenging to develop, and that many users' practices are leamed from peers and 

relatives rather than agency communications (Manfredo, 1992). 

Facility Improvements 

General Improvements 

Respondents were asked about three general facility improvements as listed below. Figure 17 

shows results for all respondents ( differences among sub-groups were small and are discussed 

below); specific items are listed below: 

• Develop new outhouses at 2 to 4 high use campsites 

• Create steps (with rocks or logs) to and from camps with erosion problems 

• Improve access to Mile 212 on the Richardson Highway (road grading) 

New outhouses at camps 

Steps at camps 

Improvements at 212 

I 

I 

18%: 

100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 

% oppose or strongly oppose 

0% 

I 

nro 

66% : 

: 39% 

I ' I • • • 

20% 40% 60% 80% 

% support or strongly support 

Figure 17. Opinion toward facility improvements and regulation actions. 

100% 

Results show majority support (66 to 71 %) for camp improvements such as toilets and steps, with 

more support than opposition (but not majority support) for Mile 212 improvements. In general, 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 42 

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Delta users support modest development if they are designed to address an impact problem, even 

if t~ese slightly diminish "purist" wilderness values ( e.g., the Wilderness Act generally prohibits 

permanent structures). 

Differences between groups were generally small, although A TV users were less likely to support 

these actions than boaters (e.g., support for pit toilets at camps among ATV users was about 50%; 

support for steps at camps was about 42%). Of course, steps may be less important for users 

who generally don't access camps from the river or lakes. Surprisingly, lower river power 

boaters were also less supportive ofMile 212 improvements (this is their primary access point); 

only 30% of this small group supported improvements. It is possible that these·users are 

concerned that improvements would attract additional use; it also suggests most are satisfied with 

current facilities (an informal ramp and open gravel parking areas). 

Delta River Portage Improvements 

Respondents that use the Delta River portage area were asked about eight actions that might be 

used there (see specific items below). Figure 18 shows results. 

• Improve main portage trail with wood boardwalks and/or steps 

• Improve main portage trail with "local" materials (mostly rock) 

• Leave the main portage trail "as is" to avoid attracting more use 

• Improve trails to the falls and "vista overlook" in the portage area 

• Close or rehabilitate some side trails in the portage area 

• Limit camping to designated areas at the downstream end of portage 

• Remove outhouse to provide a more primitive setting 

• Remove "warning-falls ahead" sign to provide a more primitive setting 

Improve main trail with wood 

Improve main trail with local materials 

Leave main trail "as is" 

Improve trails to falls 

Close or rehab side trails 

Limit camping to end 

Remove outhouse 

Remove s,ign 

I 

32% 

I 

:38% 

I 

I 

42% 

32% I 

I 

61% 

100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 

% oppose or strongly oppose % support or strongly support 

Figure 18. Opinion toward Delta River portage improvement actions. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 43 
Results indicate that most river users do not support substantial pmtage area improvements, 

although there was majority support for improving the main trail with local materials, and there 

was more supp011 than opposition for rehabilitating some side trails in the area. 

Majority opposition toward removing the portage warning sign and the outhouse further suggest 

that few users feel these substantially detract from the primitive nature of the corridor. 

Interestingly, there was nearly majority opposition to improving the portage trail with wood 

boardwalks (while a majority still wanted the trail improved), and divided opinion over 

improving the trail to the falls or the overlook. This suggests many users may still be sensitive 

about "too much" improvement in the area. Taken together, results generally support the current 

development balance at the portage. · 

Fire Pan and Carry-Out Waste Regulations 

Respondents were asked about two campsite regulations that ~re cmmnon on multi-day rivers in 

the Lower 48 (see specific items below). Figure 19 shows results for all overnight users (there 

were no statistically significant differences between groups). 

• Prohibit open fires on the ground. Require fire pans or stoves. 

• Require portable toilets (users would have to carry out their solid waste) 

Fire pans 

Carry-out waste 

100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% 

I 

I 

30% I 

20% 40% 60% 80% 

% oppose or strongly oppose % support or strongly support 

Figure 19. Opinion toward two campsite impact regulations. 

100% 

Results show majority opposition to either strategy, with less than a third supporting fire pans and 

only a fifth supporting waste carry-out systems. Waste carry-out results are similar to those for 

Gulkana boaters (although a majority of Gulkana guides were supportive). This regulation, in 

place on many rivers in the Lower 48, requires a significant change in equipment and nonns, but 

has become well-accepted in many areas ·and has virtually eliminated human waste impacts. 

These data, however, suggest that some Delta users are not prepared to support this type of 

change, even though they notice human waste impacts more often than they would like (the only 

impact for which this was true). Even among the 41 respondents who rep01ted human waste at 

more than 20% of campsites, only 37% supp011ed this strategy. 

Opposition toward a regulation requiring fire pans was similarly strong. This type of regulation 

(which is also in place on many Lower 48 rivers where ash waste is an aesthetic issue and fire 

danger is a concem) also requires an equipment and behavior norm change. Delta users do not 

appear ready for such measures (similar to Gulkana users). Note: BLM patrols cmTently 

dismantle all but one fire ring per site (and keep them to reasonable sizes), which may limit 

concern about this impact for many users. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 44 

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User Fees 

User fees are increasingly being used to help offset the costs of managing recreation areas in an 

era of fiscal austerity. Various federal agencies have day use, camping, and boat launching fees 

at facilities across the state, although most are not levied for backcountry use. However, on some 

rivers in the Lower 48 (e.g., Oregon's Deschutes, Idaho's Middle Fork and Main Sahnon rivers), 

daily fees have been in place for many years and are widely accepted. 

On the Delta, fees are currently only assessed for camping at developed campgrounds, but the 

survey asked if users would be willing to pay general use fees to help manage the river, as 

follows: 

BLM facility maintenance and river patrols are currently funded by the general public through 

federal taxes. Do you support having users pay a fee if it were used to help support Delta River 

management or facility improvements? 

1. No • SKIP TO NEXT PAGE 

2. Yes 

If you are willing to pay a fee, how much should it be? (Write a dollar amount for each; if you don't 

think a type offee is appropriate, place an X in the blank). 

I am willing to pay .... 

__ dollar(s) per person per day 

__ dollar(s) per perso.n per season 

__ dollar(s) per group per trip 

Results indicate a majority (58%) of all users with an opinion (10% did not answer the question) 

would be willing to pay a fee, although there were interesting differences between groups. A 

majority of non-motorized boaters (61 %) and powerboaters that use small engines (65%) were 

willing to pay fees, while proportions were much lower among other powerboaters (42%) and 

ATV users (33%). Results for non-motorized users were similar to Upper River Gulkana users. 

Among those willing to pay, mean amounts for different groups were between $3 to $5 per 

person per day (median: $5); $20 to $40 per person per year (median: $25); and $10 to $20 per 

group per trip (median: $15). 

When considering fees, planners should re.cognize the variable acceptability across groups, and 

the potential for fee collection to introduce a larger "management footprint" on trips. In addition 

to these direct effects on users, fee programs may also impact future management choices in 

subtle ways. If user fees lead to lower legislative appropriations for management, for example, 

a$ency revenue streams could become dependent upon higher use levels and lead some managers 

to favor developing higher density opportunities. Agencies might also become more interested in 

developed opportunities that typically feature higher fees and revenues. Taken together, fee 

programs run the risk of "commercializing" recreation experiences, with both direct and indirect 

(and perhaps unintended) consequences. User fee programs can be an important source of 

management revenue, but fees may be more appropriate for some situations than others, and 

probably deserve consideration beyond the issue of whether people are willing to pay them. 

Additional information about fees (their history, advantages, disadvantages, and public Sl"!.pport 

for them) is available in an annotated bibliography on the topic (Puttkamer, 2001). 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 45 
Use Limits 

Another class of regulatory actions adopts a use limit or "can-ying capacity" approach. The 

fundamental idea that higher use levels equate with higher impact levels persists in the recreation 

management field and among the public, even though data suggests links between use and 

impacts can be relatively complicated (Shelby & Heberlein, 1986; Kuss et al., 1990). Several 

visitor impact plam1ing frameworks ( e.g., C-CAP, LAC, VIM, and VERP) are essentially efforts 

to cope with this complexity instead of focusing on use limits as a single "magic" solution 

(Washbume, 1982; Shelby and Heberlein, 1986; Graefe et al., 1990). Nonetheless, use limits 

remain a powerful management strategy for dealing with some impacts, especially in 

geographically-concentrated areas such as river corridors. 

In general, use limit alternatives appear to have greater efficacy when addressing social impacts 

such as encounter levels or competition for sites and facilities. In contrast, many biophysical 

impacts appear less directly related to use levels because initial or relatively low levels of use 

may create proportionately larger impacts (Hammitt & Cole 1987; Kuss et al., 1990). For 

example, the first few groups to pioneer a campsite appear to have the greatest impacts on 

vegetation loss; subsequent groups then camp in the same areas and typically cause marginal 

additional impact (Cole, 1987). Some wildlife disturbance impacts may also fit this pattern, 

because many animals adjust or habituate to human uses over time (Knight & Cole, 1995; 

Whittaker & Knight, 1998). 

In river settings like the Delta, use limits are a potentially effective tool because some social 

impacts are likely to be related to numbers of users, and limits on use might prevent some 

"impact problems'' from becoming unacceptable. The trade-off with use limits, however, is loss 

of access and a heavier managerial footprint. Several questions in the survey asked users to 

assess this trade-off and respond to the philosophy of use limits for the Delta. The idea was to 

fmd out if the "cure" (use limits) is more acceptable than the "disease" (higher use and impact 

levels). 

Respondents' Philosophy toward Use Limits 

One question focused on respondents' general "philosophy" toward use limits on the river or 

lakes, with response options ranging from "yes, limits are needed now" to "no, I'll always want 

unlimited access." Specific question wording is given below; results for non-motorized and 

motorized users are given in Figure 20. 

Would you be willing to compete for a limited number of permits to take overnight trips on the Tangle 

Lakes and Delta River (if it meant that there would be fewer other users)? (Circle one number) · 

1. Yes, some limits on use are needed now. 

2. Maybe, but it depends on how many permits would be available each day. 

3. Maybe, but it depends on how the permit system works. 

4. Maybe, but it depends on how many permits would be available and how the permit systen:i works. 

5. No, I'll always want unlimited access to the river/ lakes, even if use and impact increase. 

6. It doesn't matter to me. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 46 

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Yes, limits now O"lo 

Maybe, depends on number 

Maybe, depends on details 

Maybe, depends on # and details 

No, keep unlimited 

Doesn't matter 

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 

Percent of respondents 

• Non-motorized 

13Motorized 

50% 60% 

65% 

70% 

Figure 20. "Philosophy" toward use limits among non-motorized and motorized users. 

Results show striking differences between motorized and non-motorized users. Nearly two-thirds 

of motorized users were philosophically opposed to use limits even if use or impacts were to 

increase, and no motorized user thought limits need to be established now. In contrast, while 

only 10% of non-motorized users thought limits were needed now, 57% chose the "maybe" 

responses. Taken together, about two-thirds of the non-motorized users support or might support 

limits, while only about one-third of the motorized users said the same. 

Opinion toward Use Limit Options 

A "full-on" permit system is not the only use limit option. Users were also asked to react to six 

specific use limit options as given below; they were also asked about support for developing more 

camps as a way to handle increasing use during peak periods (possibly minimizing the need for 

use limits). Figure 21 shows results for non-motorized and motorized users, the groups with the 

greatest differences. 

• Limit the number of guided trips 

• Limit the number of private or non-guided trips 

• Limit the number of all trips 

• Develop more campsites to handle peak use 

• Require all overnight groups to register ( on a free website) so people can adjust their plans to 

avoid crowding 

• Set up a reservation_ system for campsites 

• Limit the length of stay at heavy use campsites to one night 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 47 
Limit guide launches 

Limit private launches 

70% 

I 

Limit all launches 

69% 

Develop more camps 

Require registration 

59% 

Campsite reservations 

Limit length of stay 45% 

69% 

100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 

% oppose or strongly oppose 

0% 

Top in P.air: Non-,notorize 

, Bottom ,in pair: Motorized 

33% 1 

I , , I 

20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 

% support or strongly support 

Figure 21. Opinion toward specific use limit options for non-motorized and motorized users. 

Overall, results suggest little enthusiasm in either group for most use limit options. But they also 

illustrate consistent differences between non-motorized and motorized users ( differences were 

statistically significant for 5 of the 7 items). In general, more motorized users are opposed to 

these options than non-motorized users. 

There was majority (66%) support among non-motorized users for limiting commercial use, and 

there was more support than opposition among motorized users as well. This result is consistent 

with findings from several other rivers in Alaska. It is worth noting that the Delta currently has 

low levels of commercial use (probably less than a dozen trips per year on the river or lakes), so 

this may reflect general attitudes toward commercial use rather than a real guide/private conflict 

that has been evident on rivers such as the Kenai (Whittaker and Shelby, 1993) and Situk 

(Watson, Christensen, & Whittaker, 2004). 

If use limits are contemplated, managers should recognize that use limits have trade-9ffs and may 

create unintentional consequences. They undeniably involve greater regimentation, as well as 

administrative costs (Brunson et al., 1992). There are also several considerations in how use 

limits should be implemented, including how to allocate use among different groups (e.g., 

cmmnercial vs. non-commercial users, lake vs. river users, motorized vs. non-motorized users) 

and which rationing method to use ( e.g., reservations, lotteries, first-come/first-served, merit 

systems, or pricing). Existing information in the research literature about users' attitudes toward 

these choices and the trade-offs they present could prove useful if planners want to further 

explore use limit options (Shelby & Danley, 1980; Shelby et al., 1982; Shelby, Whittaker & 

Danley, 1989; EDAW, 1995). 

Final note on use limits: The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act requires carrying capacities to be 

specified for river segments in the system (WSRA, title 16, chapter 28, 1274), even though many 

managers have interpreted this as simply a requirement to develop a visitor impact management 

program (that may or may not involve use limits). A recent federal appellate court ruling 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 48 

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addressing this issue on Yosemite's Merced River (9th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals, Oct. 

2003) implies that capacities include real standards or a numerical use level. NPS is in the 

process of revising Merced plan, so it is premature to assess whether this ruling mandates 

revisions to the 300+ river plans across the nation that do not have explicit capacities. Some 

researchers have advocated that all new plans or plan revisions include numeric capacities (Haas, 

2004 ), and given the court ruling, this advice seems prudent. 

Group Size Limits 

Group size limits are a final type of use regulation common in many backcountry settings. 

Respondents were asked if they support or oppose limiting the size of groups, and a follow-up 

question asked what it should be. The follow-up question preamble included information about 

maximum group sizes observed by BLM rangers on the Delta, and typical group size limits on 

other rivers (see below): 

Groups on the Tangle Lakes and Delta River are usually small, but some have had as many 

as 29 people. Typical group size limits on other rivers are between 12 and 25. If you support 

a group size limit, what do you think it should be? (Fill in the blank or check the box). 

I support a limit of __ people per group, or ... 

• I don't support group size limits. 

For the simple support-opposition question, a majority (57%) of non-motorized uses supported 

group size limits, with 24% opposed. Among motorized users, only 27% supported limits, with 

4 7% opposed. 

For the follow-up question, 29% of all respondents reiterated their opposition to group size limits. 

Among those who supported them, specified limits were between 10 and 15 people (the average 

was 11.9). Nearly three quarters (74%) specified limits of 12 or less, 91 % specified 16 or less, 

and 97% specified 24 or less. Overall, most respondents support some controls, with relatively 

small group size limits compared to other rivers ( and much lower than the largest groups recently 

observed in recent years by BLM on the Delta). 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 49 
9. Motorized Boating 

Motorized/non-motorized conflicts are among the most common and contentious issues in many 

river settings, and the existing management plan for the Delta River recommends powerboat 

horsepower limits on the Tangle Lakes(< 15 hp). Respondents were asked whether they support 

or oppose several motorized boating restrictions on different segments, and follow-up questions 

had them rate the importance of reasons Joi· restricting motors. 

As with other management strategies addressed in the survey, actions were developed by 

managers and researchers based on information.from scoping meetings for the East Alaska Plan, 

or from a review of common management regimes used on other rivers in Alaska and the West. 

No decisions about any of these actions have been advanced by the BLM; the research was 

designed simply to assess user group opinion toward them. 

Opinion toward Motorized Boating Restriction Options 

Restrictions on the Tangle Lakes 

Respondents were asked about five different boating restriction options on the Tangle Lakes (see 

below). Figure 22 shows support and opposition for these options among motorized (top bar in 

each pair) and non-motorized users (bottom bar in each pair). 

Upper Ta11gle Lakes: 

• Prohibit all motorized use 

Lower Tangle Lakes: 

• Prohibit motors larger than 15 horsepower "downstream" of Round Tangle 

Lake ( the first lake) 

• Prohibit motorized use downstream of Long Tangle Lake (shallow area about 6 

miles from the put-in) 

• Prohibit PWCs Get skis) 

• Prohibit all motorized use 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 50 

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Upper Tangle Lakes 

Prohibit all motors 

59% 

Top bar: Motorized users 

Lower Tangle Lakes Bottom bar: Non-motorized users 

No motors over 15 hp 37% below Round Tangle Lake 

81% 

No motors below 15% Long Tangle Lake 

74% 

NoPWCs 59% 

91% 

Prohibit all motors 4% 

49'3⁄4 

100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 

% oppose or strongly oppose % support or strongly support 

Figure 22. Opinion toward Tangle Lakes boating restriction options. 

In general, results follow a classic user conflict pattern: most non-motorized users supp011ed 

restrictions and most motorized users opposed them. The exception was for prohibiting personal 

watercraft, which was supported by a majority of motorized users. 

Results indicate the existence of a conflict, but they also show that a substantial number of nonmotorized users tolerate motorized use on the lakes ( even though they may prefer some segments 

or lakes to be non-motorized). Motorized users were generally united in opposing total 

prohibitions, but non-motorized users were also less supportive of those bans, particularly on the 

Lower Tangles (only 49% support a total ban and 32% oppose it). 

Some motorized users believe that larger motorboats may not be necessary on some lakes, or that 

not all lakes may be appropriate for motorized use. A small proportion (15%) of motorized users 

support a motorized ban below the shallow reach downstream of Long Tangle Lake, while 37% 

support a 15 horsepower restriction below Round Tangle Lake (many already use small motors, 

as discussed below). Taken together, however, a majority of motorized users clearly value 

access to the area, and do not want any motorized restrictions. 

The support for a PWC (jet ski) ban among both groups, however, provides one point of 

agreement. Although motorized support (59% vs. 91 %) for this restriction is weaker, it appears 

that neither group is interested in having the Tangle Lakes provide the kind of "sport-boating" or 

"social recreation" commonly associated with PW Cs ( e.g., higher densities of users who travel at 

high speed, jump wakes, or perform other maneuvers). 

Restrictions on the Delta River Segments 

Respondents were asked about four different boating restriction options on the Delta River 

segments (see below). Figure 23 shows suppo11 and opposition for these options among 

motorized (top bar in each pair) and non-motorized (bottom bar in each pair) users: 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 51 
Upper Delta: 

• Prohibit all moto_rized use 

Lower Delta: 

• Prohibit motorized use except during subsistence hunting season (after mid-August). 

• Prohibit airboat use. 

• Prohibit all motorized use. 

Upper Delta River 

Prohibit all motors 

Lower Delta River 

No motors except 

subsistence hunting season 

No airboats 

Prohibit all motors 83% 

8% 

72% 

60% 

49% 

55% 

82% 

100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 

% oppose or strongly oppose % support or strongly support 

Figure 23. Opinion toward Delta River boating restriction options. 

Results are similar to those for the lakes, with large majorities of non-motorized boaters generally 

supporting motorized restrictions and large majorities of motorized boaters generally opposing 

them. The notable exception was for banning airboats, which had more support (49%) than 

opposition (3 7%) even among motorized users. 

As with the lake findings, results fail to suggest any "elegant" zoning solutions that would be 

supported by both groups. Both a temporal zoning option (no motorized use outside of the 

hunting season) and a spatial zoning option (no motorized use on the Upper Delta) were strongly 

opposed by most motorized users. 

Differences between Sub-groups 

Follow-up analysis for three restriction options examined differences by type of craft as shown in 

Figure 24. •"Small motor" users were respondents who cu1Tently use engines fo 15 horsepower or 

less (includes kickers on canoes or rafts); "medium motor" users have 16 to 85 horsepower 

engines.; and "large motor" users have engines over 85 horsepower. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 52 

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No motors > 15 

Non-motorized users 

Small motor users 

Medium motor users 

Large motor users 

No motors below Long Tangle 

Non-motorized users 

Small motor users 

Medium motor users 

Large motor users 

No motors Lower Delta 

except subsistence 

Non-motorized users 

Small motor users 

Medium motor users 

Large motor users 

100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% 

% oppose or strongly oppose 

81% 

67% 

74% 

60% 

, I 

20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 

% support or strongly support 

Figure 24. Opinion toward boating restriction options by non-motorized and motor-size sub-groups. 

Results show that motorized users with small engines are more like non-motorized users in regard 

to the 15 horsepower restriction, but more like other motorized users for other options (which 

would restrict their access). 

Rating Reasons for Restricting Motorized Boating 

Respondents were also asked to rate the importance of I I reasons for motorized restriction 

options. The reasons were developed from public comments or findings from other river studies; 

the idea was to assess their relative importance for different groups to help understand the 

underlying issues in the conflict. Response choices ranged on a four point scale from "not 

important" to "extremely important" and "restrictions would not address this." Figures 25 and 26 

show the ranked reasons; there were statistically significant differences between motorized and 

non-motorized users for all I 1 reasons. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 53 
Discourteous behavior 

Safety 

Noise 

Other bio/physical impacts 

Motors inappropriate 

in some places 

Erosion from wakes 

Ensure availability of 

non-motorized experiences 

Minimize fishing pressure 

Cultural impacts 

Minimize use levels 

Minimize hunting pressure 

100% 

39%: 

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80% 60% 40% 20% 

% "would not address" 

or "not Important" 

0% 

I 

20% 40% 60% 80% 

% slightly, moderately, 

or extremely important 

100% 

Figure 25. Ranked most important reasons for restricting motorized boating use among motorized users. 

Noise 

Motors inappropriate 

in some places 

Ensure availability of 

non-motorized experiences 

Discourteous behavior 

Other bio/physical impacts 

Erosion from wakes 

Safety 

Minimize use levels 

Cultural impacts 

Minimize fishing pressure 

Minimize hunting pressure 

100% 

I 

3p% 

I 

3Z% 

80% 60% 40% 

% "would not address" 

or "not important" 

20% 

_..._ ___ 95% ...._ _________ ... 

0% 

80% 

I 

77% 

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20% 40% 60% 80% 

% slightly, moderately, 

or extremely important 

100% 

Figure 26. Ranked most important reasons for restricting motorized boating use among non-motorized users. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey · 54 

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Differences between the two groups were striking. There were only four reasons important to a 

majority of motorized users (discourteous behavior, safety, noise, and biophysical impacts), while 

majorities of non-motorized users reported that all 11 were important. This highlights the 

sensitivity of non-motorized users toward several aspects of motorized use, while motorized users 

are much less likely to consider those potential concerns to be important. 

Regarding the relative ranking of specific reasons, motorized users rated discourteous behavior at 

the top of their list, which may reflect issues associated with PWC or airboat use, the only 

powerboat restrictions that many of them supported. Safety and potential biophysical impacts 

were also rated highly for motorized users. 

Non-motorized users, in contrast, rated noise, the notion that motors are inappropriate in some 

places, and ensuring the availability of non-motorized experiences as their most important 

reasons. Of these, only noise was considered important for a majority of motorized users. This 

highlights the fundamental difference between the two groups - non-motorized users may 

purposely seek out places or times with no motorized use, while most motorized boaters do not 

see that as important ( or at least do not consider it a reason to deny access to motorized use). 

Regarding other issues, a substantial minority of motorized boaters (about 40 to 50%) recognize 

that there may be erosion or other biophysical impacts from motorized use. Although even higher 

prop011ions of non-motorized users are concerned about these impacts, they were ranked l0wer 

than social or experiential reasons. Historically, managers have utilized biophysical resource 

impacts to justify most motorized use restrictions, but these data suggest that some users 

recognize the equal or higher impo11ance of social issues. 

Finally, there were some similarities between groups' overall rankings. Both groups report that 

motor restrictions are less likely to minimize use levels, fishing pressure, or hunting pressure, and 

that neither considers these restrictions to be an effective way to limit use. Similarly, both groups 

placed cultural impacts from motorized use well down the list. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 55 
10. ATV Use and Mining Access 

ATV use and mining access were the final set of issues addressed in the survey. Questions 

focused on whether users had encountered ATVs, ATV trails, mining equipment, or mining access 

impacts, as well as opinions toward management options addressing those impacts. As with 

other management strategies addressed in the survey, potential actions were developed by 

managers and researchers based on information fiwn scoping meetings for the East Alaska Plan, 

or from a review of common management options used on other rivers in Alaska and the West. 

No decisions about any of these actions have been advanced by the BLM; the research was 

designed simply to assess opinions toward them 

ATV Use Issues· 

The cunent management plan for the Delta River allows ATV use in the corridor on existing 

trails. However, BLM is also responsible for managing ATV use to minimize impacts on 

outstanding recreation, scenic, or ecological values. Respondents were asked about ATV use and 

trails in the corridor, the acceptability of trail conditions, and opinions about ATVs and 

management options that might be used to minimize impacts. 

In most cases, results were analyzed for four groups: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Top of the World ATV users: People who reported tiips on the Top of the World Trail that 

crosses the Lower Delta (this is the primary A TV trail in the corridor, with access to the Yost 

Trail on the far side of the corridor, although some A TV users inay also travel on the Rainey 

Creek mining access route). 

Other Delta/Tangle ATV users: People who reported A TV use in the corridor but did not 

report Top of the World Trail use (they may believe other trails off the Denali Highway are in 

the Delta Corridor or may actually take cross country trips in other pa11s of the corridor). 

General ATV users: People who report having A TV experience but not in the Delta corridor . 

Non-ATV users: People with no ATV experience anywhere . 

Presence of ATV Trails and A TV Encounters 

Respondents were asked whether they had seen or used ATV trails in the corridor. Among nonATV users, 64% had not seen an ATV trail (many were lake users), while 59% of the general 

ATV users reported the same. However, all of the Top of the World and Other Delta ATV users 

saw or used trails (by definition). Among non-ATV users and general ATV users, only 29% 

actually encountered ATV use during their trips, while 64% of the Top of the World ATV users 

encountered other ATV groups and 46% of Other Delta ATV users reported the same. Taken 

together, results suggest most non-ATV users don't even know ATV trails exist and less than a 

third actually have had encounters with ATVs. It confinns that ATV use in the conidor is 

relatively low. 

Survey inf01mation about locations of trails and encounters is somewhat less conclusive. Among 

general and non-ATV users, similar percentages (15 to 19%) reported seeing ATV trails at the 

south end of the Upper Tangles, near or along the Lower Tangles, and along the Lower Delta 

River (Top of the World Trail). Among Top of the World ATV users, 31 % reported seeing or 

using trails in the Upper Tangles, with 33% reporting trail use in the Lower Tangles, and all of 

them repo11 using the trail that crosses the Lower River. Among other Delta ATV users, 44% 

said they saw or used trails in the Upper Tangles, and 28% saw or used trails along the Lower 

Tangles. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 56 

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The only location with docwnented A TV use in the corridor is along a short stretch of the Lower 

Delta {Top of the WorldNost Trail). Reconciling this fact with wider reported ATV use and 

trails in the rest of the corridor is difficult. Some respondents may actually use trails in those 

other areas. However, it is also possible that some A TV users mistakenly believe that certain 

nearby trails (e.g., Gulkana Middle Fork Trail/Swede Lake Trail, Landmark Gap Trail) are in the 

corridor. We believe that ATV users were probably accurate in describing their use of the Top of 

the World Trail or overall use of A TVs in the corridor because those questions came at the :{font 

of the survey; these are the questions we used to create the four different A TV sub-groups. 

Evaluating A TV Trail Impacts 

Respondents were asked to rate the acceptability of three photos with varying degrees of A TV 

impact. Photos were taken in or near the corridor (the Top of the World Trail). Impacts (amount 

of bare ground or erosion) in the photos were not quantified; instead, they were designed to cre~te 

three ordinal levels of impact (low, medium, and high) so we could compare perceptions of 

various groups. Mean acceptability ratings for the four groups are given in Figure 27. 

Mean evaluation 

Totally .---------------------------. 

acceptable 

--= _ "Top of the World" Trail 

- ==-: --.. ATV users Slightly ._ _____ __ _ _____ ">..,,. _____ - _ - _ ~ _ ..,_ - - - - - - - - - - - -

acceptable ... -,,_- ....._ 

Neutral 

':'·----...__ -- - '----...__ Other Delta & 

Tangle A TV users 

' , Some A TV experience 

... , ... (not on Delta) 

Slightly 

unacceptable 

:.-::..... __ :_________ ____ _ .. 

-..._ ' - - ...._ ~ot an ATV user 

- Totally ._ _____ ...... 1 ______ _._1 _____ __. _____ ___, 

unacceptable Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3 

/ t 

Figure 27. Average acceptability of ATV-caused impacts shown in photos for different groups. 

Results show interesting differences between the groups, with current ATV users in the corridor 

(Top of the World and Other Delta ATV users) rating low and mediwn impact photos acceptable, 

while the highest impact picture approaches unacceptable levels. In contrast, non-A TV users rate 

only the lowest impact photo acceptable. General A TV users were in between: the low impact 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 57 
photo was acceptable, the high impact photo was unacceptable, and they were divided over the 

medium impact photo. 

Results suggest that user group affiliations affect evaluations of physical resource conditions, but 

also illustrate when disparate groups might be able to agree. With both the lowest and highest 

impact photos, a consensus among many users from different groups may eventually emerge 

about what constitutes damage on the ground, which could lead to improvements supported 

across multiple groups. 

Attitudes related to ATV Issues 

Respondents were also asked to agree or disagree with a series of statements about ATV use, 

impacts, and management strategies to address them. Results (Figures 28-31) have been 

organized by the four groups. 

Top of the World 69% 

ATV impacts are not Other Delta/Tangle 27% 

increasing; no additional 

management General ATV is necessary I 

Not an ATV user 73ro 

Top of the World 

Reducing A 1V impacts is Other Delta/Tangle important, but ensuring 

motorized access is more General ATV important 44% 1 

Not an ATV user 73ro 

Top of the World 

It doesn't matter if ATV Other Delta/Tangle use is low, motorized use 28% I 

is not appropriate in General ATV some places 

63% 

100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 

% slightly or strongly disagree % slightly or strongly agree 

Figure 28. Attitudes toward general ATV use and management. 

Three items addressed general attitudes about ATV use and management in the corridor (Figure 

28). There is a common pattern throughout these questions: pro-ATV use opinions are more 

widely held by Top of the World ATV users and Other Delta/ Tangle ATV users, while users 

with (non-Delta) ATV experience and non-ATV users held more anti-ATV opinions. 

Some specific results are also illuminating. For example, Top of the World ATV use~s were the 

only group where a majority agree that no additional ATV management is necessary in the · 

corridor. However, they were joined by Other Delta ATV users in believing that access is more 

important than reducing impacts. 

Most current A TV users in the corridor strongly disagree that A TV use is a kind of "social values 

conflict" (the notion that actual encounters are the problem, and "some places simply should not 

have any motorized use"). In contrast, 8 of 10 of the non-ATV users agree with this idea. In 

general, this supports the notion that the conflict does have a values-basis for non-ATV users .. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 58 

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BLM should improve trails Top of the World 

to minimize places with Other Delta/Tangle 

unacceptable impacts General ATV (geo-block, planking, or 

water bars) Not an ATV user 

Top of the World 

BLM should re-route ATV Other Delta/Tangle 

trails in some steep or wet 

areas. General ATV 

Not an ATV user 

Top of the World 

It is important to leave the Other Delta/Tangle trails "as is" because 

improvements may attract General ATV more A TV use. 

Not an ATV user 

I 

Top of the World 

Rough or muddy Other Delta/Tangle conditiosn are part of the 

64%: 

:::::::::;::====::::::.-;-----' 

fun of some ATV trails General ATV and should not be 

improved. Not an A TV user 70% 

100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 

% slightly or strongly disagree % slightly or strongly agree 

Figure 29. Attitudes toward ATV trail improvements. 

Four items addressed opinions toward ATV trail improvements (Figure 29), with majorities of 

most groups supporting at least some improvements, and more support than opposition even for 

Top of the World users (the group with a majority saying additional management is unnecessary). 

There were similar results for re-routing trails in steep or wet areas, but here Top of the World 

users were distinct from other groups. This may reflect concern that a re-routed trail would not 

provide them access to the areas they use. It also may reflect physical characteristics of the trail, 

which is steep on both sides of the river. A re-routed trail would probably have to switchback 

several times or traverse the ridges for longer distances. 

Comments in East Alaska Plan public meetings suggested some local users fear improvements 

could attract more use, and that keeping trails "as is" - potentially rough and muddy - will 

prevent this from happening. Data from these questions suggest that about half of current users 

{Top of the World and Other Delta AiV users) feel this way, and a quarter to a third of general 

ATV users and non-ATV users also agree. 

A majority of Top of the World ATV users agree that rough and muddy conditions are part of the 

fun of the activity; no other group had more agree than disagree with this statement. It suggests 

that this trail may be attracting some users who enjoy the "sport" component of ATV use rather 

than solely using ATVs for hunting or fishing access. Understanding the proportions of, and 

differences between, "sport-oriented" and "access-oriented" ATV users is an area in need of 

additional research. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 59 
As long as ATV-caused 

erosion does not put 

sediment in the river or 

cause other biological 

impacts, ATV use is not a 

problem. 

Even if they don't cause 

many biological impacts, 

ATVs detract from the 

primitive setting of the 

corridor. 

Top of the World 

Other DeltafTangle 

General ATV 

Not an ATV user 84% 

Top of the World 

Other DeltafTangle 

General ATV 

Not an ATV user 

1

78% 

1170 

=:::;::::=:;--:---~ 

59% 

86% 

100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 

% slightly or strongly disagree % slightly or strongly agree 

Figure 30. Attitudes about the relative importance of biological and social impacts of ATV use. 

Two questions addressed relative concern over biological and social impacts of ATV use (Figure 

30). The split between in-corridor ATV users and those who use ATVs elsewhere or not at all 

was particularly large. In general, most in-corridor ATV users appear to believe that potential 

biological impacts are the primary concern; if those are low, they do not appear to have much 

concern about whether ATV use changes the primitive nature of the setting. In contrast, most 

general ATV users and non-ATV users appear concerned about experiential impacts as well as 

biological ones. 

Existing ATV trails are not a 

problem, but its important 

not to let new trails develop 

in the corridor. 

As long as impacts only 

occur on existing trails, 

ATV use in the corridor is 

not a problem. 

It is okay to cross the 

corrlor to provide access 

to other areas, but trails 

along the river should be 

minimized. 

Existing trails are not a 

problem, as long as the 

number of pe·ople useing 

them does not increase 

substantially. 

Top of the World 

Other Deltaffangle 

General ATV 

Not an A TV user 

Top of the World 

Other Deltaffangle 

General ATV 

Not an A TV user i66% 

Top of the World 

Other DellafTangle 

General ATV 

Not an A TV user 

Top of the World 

Other DeltafTangle = ;:==#iF -r..J 50o/o 

General ATV 

Not an A TV user 

100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 

% slightly or strongly disagree % slightly or strongly agree 

Figure 31. Attitudes toward existing and potential ATV use and impacts. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 60 

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The last set of ATV attitude questions addressed potential differences between e.."'Cisting trails or 

impacts and potential new trails or impacts (Figure 31 ). In general, groups appeared more 

divided about these issues. For example, two-thirds of in-corridor ATV users didn't think 

impacts on existing trails were a problem, while a similar proportion of the non-ATV users 

disagreed. 

Interestingly, all groups except Top of the World ATV users showed substantial agreement that 

trails across the corridor might be acceptable, but routes along the river should be minimized. It 

is notable that the Top of the World Trail parallels the river for about a mile, so it makes sense 

that current users of that trail would disagree with this concept. 

Access to Mining Claims 

An access route to valid, existing mining claims crosses and follows the glacial water segment of 

the Lower Delta River between Rainey Creek and Mile 212. Current mining laws and regulations 

allow "reasonable access" to valid claims, but mining access may be restricted by season or 

limited to designated routes to minimize impacts. 

Respondents were asked if they had personally seen mining equipment or vehicles in the mining 

access corridor, and whether they had seen the access route or impacts from it. Only 13% of all 

respondents had seen mining equipment, but 26% had seen the access route or other impacts. 

Motorized users were more likely to report these encounters (18% encountered mining equipment 

and 28% saw access routes or impacts), probably because many spend more time in upland areas 

on ATVs (and some may actually use the mining trails). 

Respondents were also asked if they supported or opposed three potential strategies for managing 

mining access. Specific wording for the alternatives is given below; results for motorized and 

non-motorized users are given in Figure 32. · 

• Limit mining access to a designated road that is routed away from the river and sensitive 

terrain. 

• Prohibit mining access across the corridor from June to September. 

• Prohibit mining access across the corridor for new claims if other reasonable access exists. 

Non-motorized users generally support restrictions on mining access, while motorized users 

generally show more opposition than support. The largest differences in the two groups were for 

designating and re-routing mining access away from the river and prohibiting access if 

alternatives exist. 

Prohibiting summer access only (the time of year when nearly all boating use occurs) was 

supported by fewer non-motorized users (not even a majority) while a majority of motorized 

users were opposed. For non-motorized users, concern over surface disturbance impacts from 

mining access ( outside the corridor) rather than encounters with mining equipment itself may be 

more important, so allowing winter access fails to solve the problem. This suggests that support 

for mining restrictions may have more to do with social values positions toward mining in 

primitive areas than concern about actual contact with mining equipment or impacts. It is 

unlikely that any lake users would encounter these mining impacts, and river users probably 

spend less time in the glacial water segment of the river than the clearwater segments (which have 

better fishing and camps). 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 61 
Designated access route 

away from river 

Motorized 

Non-motorized 

Prohibit access in summer 

Motorized 

Non-motorized 

Prohibit access across· 

corridor if alts. exist 

Motorized 

Non-motorized 

100% 

56% 

80% 60% 40% 20% 

o/o oppose or strongly oppose 

0% 

35% 

81% 

45% 

34% 

76% 

20% 40% 60% 80% 

% support or strongly support 

100% 

Figure 32. Opinion toward mining management strategies among motorized and non-motorized users. 

Delta National Wild ahd Scenic River User Survey 

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11. Implications and Recommendations 

Data from the 2005 Delta River User Survey provide extensive information about recreation 

opportunities, impacts and standards, user conflicts, and opinions about management actions that 

might be used to address these issues. Taken together, these have implications for future 

planning, management, and monitoring. The recommendations discussed below are based on 

researchers' experience with studies and management plans on other rivers; they do not 

necessarily represent the views of BLM or the State of Alaska. They are provided for 

consideration during future planning. 

Manage for a Diversity of Recreation Opportunities 

Data from this survey suggests there are diverse recreation opportunities available in the Delta 

corridor. Different segments and types of use provide opportunities for different trips at different 

times of the year, and users recognize and take advantage of those differences. Different use 

densities, types of users, and levels of impacts are associated with each of these opportunities, and 

users have developed tolerance levels that fit with those impact levels. Managing agencies 

should recognize this diversity through proactive management, which means identifying (1) 

opportunities to be provided; (2) defining "high quality" opportunities by articulating appropriate 

indicators and standards; and (3) choosing appropriate management actions to keep impacts at or 

below those standards. 

A planning effort utilizing the Limits of Acceptable Change process or a similar framework may 

be the most effective way to achieve this, but less formal collaborative planning that steps-down 

from the forthcoming East Alaska Plan or revises the existing 1983 River Management Plan may 

also suffice. The important goal is to "manage by design" rather than "manage by default." 

Manage for High Quality 

The management goals described in the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act include the protection of 

biophysical resources and "outstandingly remarkable" recreation experiences. The Tangle Lakes 

and Delta River provide a diversity of motorized and non-motorized opportunities, some of which 

may be compromised by impact levels that exceed standards or conflict with other opportunities. 

Data in this report help define differences in impacts and user standards for different segments 

and types of use. Managers need to take that information and collaborate with stakeholder groups 

to define which opportunities they are trying to provide by location and time. Then monitoripg 

activities will show the public and managers when conditions are changing, and when actions 

need to be taken to prevent unacceptable change. 

Key Issues and Potential Management Initiatives 

Given the data from the survey, we think it makes sense to identify important issues on the 

various lake and river segments and suggest management initiatives that are likely to be effective 

and publicly acceptable for addressing them. Continued collaboration with stakeholders is 

important when considering these options, but the survey suggests several useful starting points 

for future planning discussions. The legislative guidelines for a National Wild River offers 

general direction for management, but we think a focus on the following specific issues will be 

necessary to specify how current management fits with the broader directives of the Wild and 

Scenic Rivers Act. This discussion focuses first on types of recreation and potential use limits for 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 63 
each segment, then addresses use conflicts, mining, and human waste regulations for the entire 

system. 

Upper Tangle Lakes 

The Upper Tangle Lakes appear to offer low density boating, canoeing, and hunting opportunities 

that may be slightly more primitive than those on the Lower Tangle Lakes (particularly Round 

Tangle Lake). Current users tolerate current levels of use and impacts, and would probably 

support standards that maintain semi-primitive conditions on the first lake, and more primitive 

conditions on lakes past the first portage. 

Regulations prescribing use limits {permit system) do not appear necessary to address cmTent onlake encounter or crowding issues, and even peak use appears to maintain encounters and other 

social impacts at or below co1mnonly-cited "wildemess" standards. A permit system to limit use 

is also widely opposed by most lake users. 

Even so, defining a "working capacity" (the level of use that is likely to begin creating impacts 

that exc_eed standards) makes sense; it also appears to be required by a recent federal court ruling 

about capaciti~s on Wild and Scenic Rivers. As that capacity is approached, the agency, 

stakeholders, and the public will have time to review a range of ways to address problems. 

If such a capacity is to be developed, we recommend that it be focused on overnight use, and it 

should probably be based on camp competition/camp sharing standards, among the higher 

priority impacts. There is relative consensus among all groups that sharing camps is undesirable, 

and that users should not have to pass up ·camps (because they are occupied) more than about 

20% of the time. 

There are approximately 25 camps on the Upper Tangles (but only about 10 on the first lake, with 

several in sight and sound of each other). We estimate that more than about three overnight 

groups 011 the first lake, and five on all of the Upper Tangles per night might start to exceed 

standards (although monitoring may be necessary to hone these estimates). Current peak use 

levels probably do not exceed this working capacity, and the average is probably closer to two or 

three. This produces virtually no camp sharing and limited camp competition (probably most 

evident during hunting season on the first lake because fewer motorized uses travel beyond the 

first portage). 

A related impact focuses on long term camping. Patrol crews have noted that a few users 

establish long tenn camps on the Upper Tangles for several weeks each year, and this exacerbates 

camp competition (or at least tie up the best camps for a single group). Although survey data do 

not show supp011 for camp occupation limits {particularly among motorized users), limiting the 

length of stay at these sites could prove effective. A common regulation on unclassified state 

lands limits camping to 14 days, and this is one potential model. It is also possible to design a 

camp occupancy regulation that allows long-tenn camping at some lower demand sites (with a 

permit) while precluding it at higher demand camps (so those have more turnover through the 

hunting season). Discussions with key stakeholders and the State are important if these options 

are pursued. 

Recreation patrol crews also note that a few popular camps tend to be "beat out" by the end of 

each year, and a few groups also leave behind considerable trash ( old visquine, 2x4 furniture, 

large fire rings with half-burnt trash, etc.). Some attention to these sites may be necessary over 

time (and might include rehabilitation of satellite sites or user trails), but clean-up trips just after 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 64 

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the hunting season are probably the most cost effective way of addressing the problem. Given 

current levels of use, monitoring and clean-up efforts at current levels will be needed to meet 

other resource standards. Some increased education efforts directed at proper human waste 

disposal may help with that impact, but we are pessimistic that education alone will solve this 

problem (see discussion below). 

Lower Tangle Lakes 

The Lower Tangle Lakes offer slightly higher density boating, canoeing, and hunting 

opportunities than the Upper Tangles, and Round Tangle Lake in particular attracts greater day 

use (and motorized use) than other segments in the corridor. However, current users tolerate 

existing levels of use and impacts, and would probably support standards that maintain semiprimitive conditions on Round Tangle Lake, with more primitive conditions "downstream." 

As with the Upper Tangles, regulations prescribing use limits do not appear necessary at this 

time, and peak use levels in recent years maintain encounters or other social impacts at or below 

commonly-cited "wilderness" standards. Lower Tangle users (particularly motorized users) also 

appear less sensitive to some impacts. However, if a "working capacity" is to be developed, the 

camp competition/camp sharing standards discussed for the Upper Tangles provide a useful basis 

for that capacity. 

There are approximately 18 camps on the Lower Tangles (with none on Round Tangle Lake, not 

including Tangle Lakes Campground), but 16 are clustered in a short three mile reach at the start 

of Lower Tangle Lake. Based on a review of the geography of these camps, we estimate that 

more than about six overnight groups on the Lower Tangles per day would begin to change the 

type of experience that is currently offered (although continued monitoring is probably necessary 

to hone this estimate). Currently, peak use levels probably do not exceed this capacity even on 

the highest use weekends, and the average is probably closer to two or three. In addition, the 

Lower Tangle Lakes do not appear to have as much long term camping as the Upper Tangles, 

making campsite occupancy limits less necessary. 

Most of the camps on the Lower Tangles are in good shape, although at least one popular site 

toward the end of the segment sees regular use by "through trip" users and has erosion issues on 

the informal trails from the water to the main camp area. These have been partially addressed by 

patrol crew or scout group erosion control efforts, but more might be done to redirect sUiface 

water from some trails and to rehabilitate other (redundant) trails. While steps and water bars 

might make the site appear less primitive, existing eroded trails arguably detract as much. Some 

increased education efforts directed at proper human waste disposal may also help address that 

impact (see discussion below). 

Upper Delta and Portage Area 

The Upper Delta and portage area are mostly used by "through trip" boaters, and these segments 

offer the lowest density opportunities in the corridor. Through trip users, however, are generally 

more sensitive to impacts and appear more willing to accept management actions (including 

regulations and use limits) that could be used to meet standards. They generally appear interested 

in primitive conditions on the upper river and semi-primitive conditions at the p011age (the trails, 

warning sign, and outhouse are acceptable). 

As with the lake segments, regulations prescribing use limits do not appear necessary at this time, 

and even peak use levels in recent years probably maintain encounters and other social impacts at 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 65 
or below commonly-cited "wilderness" standards. However, if a "working capacity" is to be 

developed, camp competition/camp sharing standards for the entire "through trip" probably 

provide the most reasonable basis for a capacity. 

There are approximately five camps in the Upper Delta and portage area, but many "through trip" 

users camp on the Lower Tangles their first night and the Lower Delta their second, so the 

number of camps in Upper Delta may not be important. If one assumes that about half of the 

Lower Tangle Lake overnight capacity sites (three of the six) are used by "through trip" groups 

the Upper Delta probably provides capacity for two more trips (one on the Upper Delta and one at 

the portage). Taken together, we estimate that launching more thanfive "through trips" per day 

would begin to unacceptably change the type of experience offered. Currently, peak use levels 

probably approach this level only on the 4th of July weekend, but the average is probably closer to 

two or three on other summer weekends and lower on weekdays. 

Most camps in this segment are in good shape, but the two camps at the portage have some 

shortcomings (lack of flat terrain, encroaching vegetation). The camp at the sta11 of the portage is 

very small and is probably only used when the "lower camp" ( at the end of the portage) is 

occupied. The lower camp works fine when water levels are low and a gravel beach is available, 

but at higher flows campers use satellite tent sites strung out down the river in the riparian 

vegetation. In recent years, the number and size of satellite sites has increased as campers have 

cut alder trees and trampled the understory. 

In order to prevent additional impact but still provide camping opportunities in this area, BLM 

could "formalize" up to five tent sites, close and rehabilitate the others, and then limit group sizes 

to preclude expansion. There was strong supp011 among "through trip" boaters for group size 

limits of 12 or less, and the only large groups in recent years appear to be scout trips. Pe1mits for 

these large groups could include stipulations that prohibit use of the lower portage site ( or 

requires them to use only the fonnally identified tent areas). 

Users showed strong support for keeping the falls/portage warning signs and the pit toilet, so no 

changes to those developments seem warranted. Users were also interested in some portage trail 

improvements, but using local rather than lumbered materials. Our sense is that current users 

prefer the primitive feel of the rocky portages, and they may worry about use increasing if the 

portage were made too "easy." However, during wet periods, long segments of the trail can be 

muddy or under water, and some of that sediment,-laden water makes its way into the river on the 

lower end (it all drains into an intermittent creek that runs from the beaver pond). Additional 

water bars, steps, and perhaps judicious boardwalk using local materials would probably be 

supported, and is unlikely to attract additional use. 

Several informal or user trails in the portage area lead to views of the two falls, the gorge, or the 

Alaska Range. Some of these are overgrown by alder, while others have occasional erosion 

problems. Formalization of a few trails to these places might prevent expansion of redundant 

trails and improve resource impact issues. Occasional brushing is the main requirement to cue 

users about where to go. 

Lower Delta 

The Lower Delta is used by "through trip" boaters, power boaters who travel upstream from Mile 

212 on the Richardson Highway, and ATV users on the Top of the World Trail. Use levels in 

mid-summer are similar to those on the Upper Delta and reflect mostly "through trip" use. After 

subsistence hunting season opens in mid-August, powerboat and ATV use increase as "through 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 66 

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trip" use decreases. This creates de facto seasons with different types of users; "through trip" 

users appear to be more sensitive to crowding, motorized use, and other social impacts than 

hunting-oriented users, and it probably makes sense to recognize and manage for those 

differences and opportunities. The first half of the season could emphasize opportunities for 

solitude and (possibly) require non-motorized use, while the second half of the season would 

offer less primitive conditions. 

As with other segments, regulations prescribing use limits do not appear necessary at this time, 

and even peak use levels in recent years probably maintain encounters and other social impacts at 

or below commonly-cited "wilderness" standards. However, if a "working capacity" is to be 

developed, camp competition/camp sharing standards for the lower river provide a most 

reasonable basis for that capacity. 

There are approximately 14 camps on the Lower Delta, but many are in sight or sound of each 

other. · We estimate that more than aboutfive overnight groups on the reach per night would 

start to exceed competition/camp sharing standards and change the type of experiences that are 

currently offered. However, continued monitoring as use levels rise may be necessary to hone 

these estimates. Currently, even peak use levels probably do not exceed these estimates, and the 

average is probably closer to two or three. This produces virtually no camp sharing and limited 

camp competition. 

Most of the camps on the Lower Delta are in good shape, although a few popular forested camps 

see regular use dμring the summer season and are sometimes used as long-term hunting camps 

later in the year. These tend to have greater erosion problems between the river and the camp, 

and some groups also cache equipment for future use ( e.g., visquine, camp furniture, pots). It is 

legal to cache equipment (but not food) on BLM land for up to 12 months (43 CFR 8365.1-2) as 

the owner includes identification information with the cache, but it may make sense to revisit this 

issue in a recreation corridor like the Delta. There is no question that discovering an equipment 

cache at a campsite detracts from its otherwise primitive nature. 

The erosion impacts at these camps are probably best addressed by judiciously-placed steps 

(using local materials) and closures ofredundant bankside trails. The removal of caches that are 

inappropriately located or without identification becomes a responsibility of the recreation crews 

that travel the corridor about three times per year. 

It is unclear whether Lower Delta camps are used for longer than a. week or two during hunting 

season, and the survey shows opposition toward camp occupation limits (particularly among 

motorized users). However, a common regulation on general unclassified state lands limits 

camping to 14 days at a site, and a similar regulation in the corridor would ensure that prime sites 

were not controlled by a single group for the entire season. As with the Upper Tangles, it is also 

possible to design a camp occupancy regulation that allows long-term camping at some· lower 

demand sites (with a permit) while precluding it at higher demand camps {so those have more 

turnover through the hunting season). This would also allow BLM to monitor the long-term 

camping sites and perhaps ensure that users do a better job of cleaning up before they leave. 

Discussions with key stakeholders and the State are important if these options are pursued. 

The Lower Delta is the one segment with potential conflicts between boaters and ATV ~sers, but 

these are localized at present, a11-d ATV use remains very low (particularly during the main part of 

the summer when more non-motorized users are present). Additional discussion of ATV issues is 

given bel~w. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 67 
Black Rapids 

This segment has very low use, and fieldwork conducted in August 2004 suggests there are few if 

any tangible impacts from that use. Although the highway, the pipeline/pump station, and a 

military exercise compound are in view along much of this segment, it also has spectacular alpine 

and glacial scenery, nice beaches for picnicking and camping away from the road, and more than 

a mile of Class III/IV rapids. If it weren't far from population centers, more people would 

certainly boat it. 

As with other segments, regulations prescribing use limits are not necessary at this time. 

However, if a "working capacity" is to be developed as required by the Wild and Scenic Rivers 

Act, daily river encounter standards would probably provide the most reasonable basis (because 

the segment is unlikely to attract much overnight use). Based on our experience from other day 

use rivers, even ten launches per day is unlikely to result in more than about five encounters per 

day given the length, continuous swift flow, and braided nature of the segment. 

Motorized/Non-motorized Boating Conflicts 

Survey data document motorized/non-motorized boat conflicts in the corridor. Some nonmotorized boaters are particularly sensitive to these conflicts, but many appear to accept 

motorized use on some segments (particularly the lakes). A majority of powerboat users, in 

contrast, are opposed to any segment-wide prohibitions for general motorized boat use, even 

though a majority of all users support PWC and airboat restrictions. 

Results do not suggest any "elegant" zoning solutions that would be suppo11ed by both groups 

(the usual way that managers address use conflicts of this nature). Both temporal zoning options 

(no motorized use outside of the hunting season) and spatial zoning options (no motorized use on 

the Upper Delta) were strongly opposed by most motorized users. The pattern of responses is 

consistent with positions based on "principles" rather than attention to the de facto geography and 

existing use of the area. For example, the Upper Delta is rarely used by power boaters because it 

is too shallow, and the Lower River is not commonly used by motorboats .before hunting season, 

so restrictions in these specific locations and times would affect few current motorized users. 

Additional information about these use patterns is given in Appendix A. 

Results have implications for the cu1Tent BLM motorized use recommendations (which limit 

boats on the lakes to less than 15 horsepower and restrict motorized use on the river except during 

traditional subsistence activities). Most use in the corridor is non-motorized and that group is 

generally supports restrictions, so one could argue that it makes sense to carve out some times 

and places where motorized use would be limited or prohibited (fonnalizing existing 

recommendations or developing new restrictions). On the other hand, motorized use appears well 

established (particularly on the lakes and the lower river), and because motor use is currently low, 

few other users see them. The conflict is likely to escalate only if motorized use increases 

substantially. 

If planners pursue more formal motorized use regulations, they should expect some controversy, 

and supportable decisions will require explicit information about the ~npacts of motorized use on 

safety, biophysical resources, and/or experiences. Of these issues, we suspect that 

social/experiential impacts are at the heart of the conflict, and the data collected in this study 

should prove helpful. However, extensive work with the relevant stakeholders ( e.g., floaters, 

"quiet rights" advocates, powerboaters, boating groups, and state agencies) will also be necessary 

to "manage" the conflict (we don't suspect any solution will resolve it). 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 68 

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If a compromise exists for the lakes, we suspect it will involve short non-motorized use periods 

for some of the lakes (those farther from the launches, with shallows or portages delineating 

them) in mid-summer, but with fewer or no restrictions in the subsistence season. For the Lower 

Delta, compromise options might look at limiting the number of motorized groups (or all groups), 

or restricting motors to the hunting season. This could limit number of motorized encounters, 

while still allowing some motorized use (particularly in the late summer and fall when motor use 

is higher and non-motorized use is low). 

Regarding other types of motorized restrictions, th~re is probably support for a PWC (jet ski) ban, 

even among many motorized users. PWC use on the lakes is currently rare (during 37 overflights 

from 2000 to 2004, PW Cs were observed just once on the Upper Tangles, in August 200 I). In 

addition, the lakes are not great candidates for "sport boating" compared to many others in 

Southcentral or interior Alaska because they are remote from population centers (Anchorage and 

Fairbanks), cold, and s~allow. Support for this type of ban is also consistent with providing a 

more primitive or semi-primitive experience that is focused on access to hunting, fishing, and 

backcountry recreation (rather than higher density or socially-oriented boating activities). 

An alternative to an outright ban on PW Cs is to target restrictions on speed of travel and sport 

boat maneuvers instead of specific types of boats. This would allow use by PW Cs or variants of 

that craft ( e.g., a "Mokai," which is a quiet, low speed motorized kayak that uses a small jet 

pump), but would prevent the kind of use that causes conflicts for others. 

Another motorized restriction that is likely to be supported by most users is an airboat and 

hovercraft prohibition, particularly on the Lower Delta. Both craft types are rare on the Delta, 

and they are distinguished from other motorized craft by their noise levels and potential safety 

issues (they typically can't tum as sharply as other craft). Survey results suggest that many 

motorized boaters are interested in minimizing the noise or safety issues associated with some 

types of motorized use, while retaining access for their craft. 

Regarding lake horsepower limits, many boaters ignore the cun-ent recommended 15 horsepower 

limit, even though non-motorized users and people who use small motors generally support 

horsepower limits. Lake depths and portages partly regulate horsepower already ( only the first 

lake on the Upper Tangles and Round Tangle Lake on the Lower Tangles are suited to large 

powerboat use), so users who want to avoid larger craft can simply travel a little farther. In spite 

of this, there is a consistency in advocating smaller craft in an area where the management goal is 

to provide low density primitive and semi-primitive opportunities. Two decades after the 

horsepower limit was recommended, it appears that 15 horsepower may be too low given 

widespread use of slightly larger engines. A limit about 25 or 35 horsepower, or which requires 

the use of quieter four-stroke engines, may make more sense. 

ATV Issues 

The survey also documents at least some conflicts between non-motorized boaters and A TV 

users, even though most boaters do not encounter ATV users or notice the one prominent ATV 

trail in the corridor (on the Lower Delta). However, many non-motorized users are conc~med 

about even the potential for these types of impacts, and they generally support efforts to minimize 

or eliminate A TV trails. 

The heart of this conflict appears focused on perceived environmental and trail impacts, so 

maintaining designated ATV trails to ce11ain non-degradation standards is a reasonable 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 69 
management goal. The 1983 management plan recommends that ATVs remain 011 existing trails 

and opposes expanding trails in the river corridor, so this actually does not require a change in 

current management. However, enforcement programs and a marked trail may be needed to 

implement this decision. In addition, there may be specific parts of the Top of the World Trail 

where trail work or re-routing may help minimize existing impacts. Because the trail crosses the 

river, routing the trail to the most benign crossing location is probably the highest primity; 

minimizing noticeable erosion on the steeper portions of the trail on either ridge is also important. 

The differing responses to ATV impacts in the survey indicate that users are not of "one mind" 

about how much impact is too much on an ATV trail. Additional research is probably necessary 

to develop consensus about when impacts are unacceptable, and can be combined with 

monitoring to "trigger" appropriate trail improvements, re-routes, seasonal closures, or outright 

closures. ATV impacts are an increasing concern in backcountry Alaska because the level of use 

has increased in the past decade. Information from the current survey represents a "pilot study" 

on how different groups perceive A TV impacts and management options, but more research will 

be needed to further clarify different groups' positions and the oppo1tunities for consensus 

management programs to address the problems. 

Mining Issues 

Current mining impacts are relatively minor and are limited to an access route from Mile 212 

upstream to Rainey Creek. While this route is occasionally visible from the river, and can be 

easily followed if one walks along the bank, it is in the glacial segment where most users spend 

little time. As the survey documents, most users were unaware of the access route and had no 

encounters with mining equipment. As long as mining use of the route stays at current levels, 

major changes in mining access stipulations ~re probably not needed. 

Having noted this, there is obvious sensitivity to mining impacts among some groups (particularly 

non-motorized users), who support more restrictive access regulations. Limiting access during 

the prime non-motorized season (June through mid-August) is one obvious solution, and hying to 

screen or minimize the aesthetic impacts of the route is another. 

We think concern about the existing mining access route is largely associated with a social values 

conflict about mining impacts that may occur outside the c01Tidor. There has been increased 

mining exploration in the region, and opposition to mining development appears to be coalescing 

in response. Delta River recreation experiences could be affected by new exploration that 

increases helicopter traffic, mining equipment on the access route, or expansion of the access 

route. However, with intensive management, most of these impacts could be directed away from 

the corridor during the recreation season. There may be environmental reasons to minimize or 

prohibit large scale mine development in primitive areas adjacent to the Delta c01Tidor, but as 

long as most mining activities occur outside the basin, specific effects on Delta users are likely to 

be small. 

Human Waste Disposal Regulations 

A final issue relates to a perennial problem in river corridors, the appropriate disposal of human 

waste. As discussed in the report, this is one impact which apparently occurs at greater levels · 

than users will tolerate. If recreation crews did not clean popular camps three times per year, this 

impact would probably be a major problem. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 70 

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On many rivers in the Lower 48, managers have required users to carry out their human waste 

(using portable toilet systems designed for the purpose), virtually eliminating the impact on many 

multi-day rivers. Recent innovations such as the PETT toilet (which uses plastic bags and 

chemicals that allow waste to be directly deposited in the garbage and eliminates the need to 

clean portable toilets) make these systems even easier to use. 

These systems only came into widespread use on Lower 48 rivers after regulations required them; 

education alone does not appear to substantially increase their use. It is not our intention to take 

an advocacy position on these kinds of regulations, but they clearly solve a difficult impact 

problem, and have been highly effective in other settings. Many current Delta users are opposed 

to them, but this was also true on Lower 48 rivers before regulations required them. Once 

regulations were adopted, and users acquired the systems and learned how to use them, they 

becanie widely accepted (and are often used voluntarily in areas where they are not required). 

We think this would happen among Delta (and Gulkana) users, particularly ifrental systems and 

clean-out facilities were available. If BLM took the lead on this issue, the experience of several 

Lower 48 rivers could prove helpful. The regulations could also be phased in or added to 

commercial use permits first, as a way to improve diffusion of this innovation. 

Planning and Monitoring Needs 

All of the recommendations above assume that managing agencies (BLM, DNR, and ADF&G) 

would engage in a collaborative planning effort when they decide to revise the current river 

management plan. While BLM could probably implement some regulations unilaterally (e.g., 

commercial use limits or regulations), these data suggest there is sufficient coQtention among user 

groups (particularly regarding conflict issues) to warrant broad-based involvement in any larger 

decision-making. Several visitor impact frameworks prescribe ways to include stakeholders in 

the process, and NEPA requires public input as final actions are contemplated. The survey 

provides one important source of information about public opinion, but other sources and 

mechanisms for capturing that sentiment should also be built into the process. As that process is 

defined, formal roles for cooperating agencies make sense. 

We also recommend continued monitoring to ensure that planners and stakeholders have factual 

information to consider when making management decisions. The Delta has extensive use, 

resource impact, and social impact data available, including information from this report. 

Additional analysis of this data set is also possible as planners and stakeholders focus on key 

issues. Over time, however, use levels, user behaviors, and subsequent impacts may shift; 

agencies need to track them into the future. We recommend continuation of the current 

monitoring program (with a particular focus on photographic documentation of camp and ATV 

impacts). 

Summary and a Disclaimer 

The current study provides a snapshot of user opinions from recent Delta River and Tangle Lakes 

users. It also supports the need to continually monitor key impacts, and institutionalize periodic 

discussions with stakeholders and other land managing agencies. Recreation areas and users 

change over time, and good management pays attention to those changes. 

Visitor management on the Delta has been essentially static since Wild River designation in 1980. 

While BLM has an active patrol/clean-up program and improved access points, major initiatives 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 71 
to address social or biophysical impacts have not been taken. This is a sign that users have 

generally treated the river and each other's experiences with respect. . However, use may be slightly higher in recent years than when the river was designated in 1980, 

and some use patterns have and will probably continue to change. There is also potential for 

future use increases; the population of the state continues to grow, and out-of-state tourist 

visitation appears to be growing even faster. Increased use is likely to cause additional impacts, 

often in an incremental way that may be difficult to notice from one year to the next. Good 

management requires attention to these changes, and agreement about how much change is 

acceptable before actions should be taken. The data in this report can be inserted into planning 

efforts to help define high quality recreation on the Delta, ensuring that impacts do not degrade 

the river's resources or experiences. 

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References 

Brunson, M., B. Shelby, and J. Goodwin. (1992). Matching impacts with standards in the design 

of wilderness permit systems. In Standards for Wilderness Management. Pacific Northwest 

Research Station Gen. Tech. Report #PNW GTR 305, Portland, Oregon. 

Bureau of Land Management. ( 1999). Inventory of campsites on the Delta River. Unpublished 

report. 

Bureau of Land Management. (1983). Delta National Wild River: River management Plan. 

Cole, D. N. 1987. Research on soil and vegetation in wilderness: A state of knowledge review. 

USDA Forest Service Research Paper INT-288, Ogd~n Utah. Intermountain Research Station. 

Donnelly, M. P., Vaske, J. J., Whittaker, D., & Shelby, B. (2000). Toward an understanding of 

norm prevalence: A comparative-analysis. Environmental Management, 25(4), 403-414. 

EDAW. (1995). Reservation systems for boating on the Lower Deschutes River. Consultant 

report for Oregon Parks and Recreation Division, Salem, OR. 

Graefe, A. R., Kuss, F. R., & Vaske, J. J. (1990). Visitor impact management: The planning 

framework .. Washington, DC: National Parks and Conservation Association. 105 pp. 

Haas, G. R. (2004). On the waterfront: Vital judicial ruling addresses visitor capacity. Parks and 

Recreation. September. 

Hammitt, W. E., and Cole, D. N. (1987). Wildland recreation: Ecology and Management. New 

York: Wiley and Sons. 

Heberlein, T. A., & Vaske, J. J. (1977). Crowding and visitor conflict on the Bois Ende River. 

Technical Report WIS WRC 77-04. Madison, WI: University of Wisconsin, Water Resources 

Center. 

Knight, R. L., and Cole, D. N. (1995). Wildlife responses to humans. In Knight, R. L. and 

Gutzwiller, K. J. (Eds.) Wildlife and Recreationists: Coexistence through management and 

research. Washington, D.C.: Island Press. 

Kuss, F. R., Graefe, A. R., & Vaske, J. J. (1990). Visitor impact management: A review of 

research. Washington, DC: National Parks and Conservation Association. 

Lucas, R. C. 1982. Recreation regulations -when are they needed? Journal of Forestry. 80(3): 

148-151. 

Manfredo, Manfredo, M. J. (Editor). (1992). Influencing human behavior: Theory and 

applications in recreation tourism, and natural resources management. Champaign, Illinois: 

Sagamore Publishing. 

National Park Service. (1997). VERP: The visitor experience and resource protection (VERP) 

framework, a handbook for planners and managers. Denver, CO: USDI, National Park Service, 

Denver Service Center. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 73 
Puttkammer, Annette. 2001. Linking wilderness research and management-volume 3. 

Recreation fees in wilderness and other public lands: an annotated reading list. (Wright, Vita, 

series ed.) Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-79-VOL 3. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of 

Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 29 p. 

Roggenbuck, J. W. (1992). Use of persuasion to reduce resource impacts and visitor conflicts. 

In Manfredo, M. J. (Editor). Influencing human behavior: Theory and applications in recreation 

tourism, and natural resources management. Champaign, Illinois: Sagamore Publishing. 

Shelby, B. (1976). Social psychological effects of crowding in wilderness: The case of river 

trips in the Grand Canyon. Ph.D. Dissertation. Boulder, Colorado: University of Colorado. 

Shelby, B. (1980). Contrasting recreation experiences: Motors and oars in the Grand Canyon. 

Journal of Soil & Water Conservation 35(3):129-130Shelby & Danley, 1980 

Shelby, B. & M. Danley. (1980). Allocatin•g river use. USDA Forest Service, Region 6, Portland, 

December. 

Shelby, B. B, Vaske, J. J., & Donnelly, M. P. (1996). Norms, standards and natural resources. 

Leisure Sciences, 18, 103-123. 

Shelby, B., & Heberlein, T. A. (1986). Social canying capacity in recreation settings. 

Corvallis, OR: Oregon State University Press. 

Shelby, B., D. Whittaker and M. Danley. (1989). Idealism versus pragmatism in user evaluations 

of allocation systems. Leisure Sciences 11(1):61-70. 

Shelby, B., M.S. Danley, K.C. Gibbs, and M.E. Petersen. (1982). Preferences of backpackers and 

river runners for allocation techniques. Journal of Foreshy 80(7):416-419. 

Shelby, B., Vaske, J. J., & Heberlein, T. A. (1989). Comparative analysis of crowding in 

multiple locations: Results from fifteen years ofresearch. Leisure Sciences, 11, 269-291. 

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acceptable change (LAC) systemfor wilderness planning (Report INT-176). Ogden, Utah: US 

Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. ~ntennountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. 

Vaske, J. J., & Dom1elly, M. P. (1999a). A value-attitude-behavior model predicting wildland 

preservation voting intentions. Society and Natural Resources, 12, 523-537. 

Vaske, J. J., & Donnelly, M. P. (1999b). Generalizing the encounter, crowding, n01m 

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Colorado. 

Vaske, J. J., Decker, D. J., & Manfredo, M. J. (1995). Human dimensions of wildlife 

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Washington, DC: Island Press. 

Vaske, J. J., Donnelly, M. P., & Heberlein, T. A. (1980). Perceptions of crowding and resource 

quality by early and more recent visitors. Leisure Sciences, 3(4), 367-381. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 74 

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Vaske, J. J., Donnelly, M. P., & Puttkammer, A. (1995). Goal specificity, goal attainment and 

· satisfaction. Colorado State University. Unpublished manuscript. 

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the Columbia lcefield: Applying the Visitor Impact Management fiwnework. (HDNRU Rep. No. 

11). Fort Collins, CO: Colorado State University. 

Vaske, J. J., Donnelly, M. P., Heberlein, T. A., & Shelby, B. B. (1982). Differences in reported 

satisfaction ratings by consumptive and non-consumptive recreationists. Journal of Leisure 

Research, 14(3), 195-206. · 

Vaske, J. J., Donnelly, M. P., Wittmann, K., & Laidlaw, S. (1995). Interpersonal versus socialvalues conflict. Leisure Sciences, 17, 205-222. 

Vaske, J. J., Shelby, B., Graefe, A. R., & Heberlein, T. A. (1986). Backcountry encounter 

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norms: Theory, method and empirical evidence. Journal of Leisure Research, 18~ 137-153. 

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contacts in Brule River visitors perception of crowding. Masters Thesis. University of 

Wisconsin, Madison. 

Whittaker, D. (1990). Susitna Basin Recreation Rivers: "White papers" on critical planning 

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Whittaker, D. (1992). Selecting indicators: Which impacts matter more? In B. Shelby, G. 

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Wildlife, 2, 37-49. 

Whittaker, D. (1991). Nenana River corridor recreation study. Anchorage, AK: National Park 

Service, RTCA project report. 126 pp. 

Whittaker, D. (1996). Kanektok, Goodnews, and Togiak Rivers: User Survey Findings and 

Implications. Dillingham, AK: US Fish and Wildlife Service. 48 pp. 

Whittaker, D., & Knight, R. L. (1998). Understanding wildlife responses to humans: A need for 

greater clarity in research and management. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 26: 312-317. 

Whittaker, D., & Shelby, B. (1988). Types of norms for recreation impacts: Extending the social 

norms concept. Journal of Leisure Research, 20, 261-273. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 75 
Whittaker, D., & Shelby, B. (1992). Developing good standards: Criteria, characteristics and 

sources. In B. Shelby, G. Stankey, & B. Shindler (Eds.), Defining wilderness quality: The role of 

standards in wilderness management-A Workshop Proceedings (pp. 6-12). (General Technical 

Rep011 PNW-GTR-305). Portland OR: USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research 

Station. 

Whittaker, D.,.& Shelby, B. (1993). Kenai River can-ying capacity study: Important conclusions 

and implications. Repmt to Alaska State Parks. Anchorage, AK: National Park Service, RTCA 

project repo11. 

Whittaker, D., & Shelby, B. (1996). Nonns in high-density settings: Results from several 

Alaskan rivers. Paper presented at the 6th International Symposium on Society and Resource 

Management. The Pennsylvania State University, May. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 76 

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Appendix A 

Selected Use Level Information 

This appendix summarizes use information for the Delta River and Tangle Lakes. Not intended 

as a complete analysis of all available use information, the goal is to describe how use varies over 

seasons or years on different segments, and to compare the relative amounts of different types of 

users. Methods and results are discussed as figures are shown. 

Overflight Information, 2000-2004 

BLM operates an overflight program to estimate use on the Gulkana and Delta rivers. The 

resulting "at-one-time" information is accurate enough to gauge use trends for different segments 

through the seasons and over several years. The agency flew the Delta River corridor on 37 

occasions from 2000 through 2004, spacing flights relatively evenly through the use season from 

June through early September. Observers counted the number of ATVs and boats of various 

types (motorboats, driftboats, canoes, kayaks, rafts, PWCs) for each segment (Upper Tangles, 

Round Tangle Lake, Other Lower Tangles, Upper Delta, Lower Delta above Eureka Creek, 

Lower Delta below Eureka Creek, and on the Black Rapids segment). The technique provides an 

accurate count of boats and ATVs (especially in the relatively open tundra of the Delta), but it 

does not attempt to count groups or the numbers of people. For the purposes of this report, we 

assume each overflight count represents the total number of boats or ATVs for that day. 

Observations by Year, 2000 to 2004 

The average number of boats across all overflights shows no obvious pattern from 2000 to 2004. 

Individual years averaged between 10.9 (2001) and 15.0 (2000 and 2002) boats per day, with one 

outlier year at 27.5 boats per day (2004). As discussed with RMIS use estimates (see below), the 

2004 result appears to be a function of a few large Boy Scout trips ( 14+ canoes per group), which 

apparently were observed on three overflights in 2004. 

Observations by Segment, All Years 2000 to 2004 

Exploring overflight data in greater detail, we calculated the percent of days that each segment 

had any use, any non-motorized use, and any motorized use. Results are given in Table 17; they 

show relative levels of use by segment ( and whether that use is more likely to be motorized or 

non-motorized). 

Data suggest two important conclusions. First, use levels are relatively low. On the lake 

segments, 19 to 35% of the days had no boating use, and on the main river segments this was true 

for 45 to 65% of the days (97% on Black Rapids). 

Second, the highest use levels are on the lake segments (particularly Round Tangle Lake), with 

boats observed on 65 to 80% of the days when overflights occurred. In contrast, use was 

observed on 35% to 54% of the days on the main river segments (and only 3% on the Black 

Rapids segment). This is consistent with the number of respondents reporting lake vs. river use in 

the user survey, as well as with RMIS use estimates. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 77 
Table 17. Percent of days with boating use. 

Other Lower Lower 

Upper Round Lower Upper Delta Delta Black 

Tangle Tangle Tangles Delta (above (below Rapids 

Eureka} Eureka) 

% of days with no boating use 35 19 24 65 46 59 97 

% of da~s with an~ boating 65 81 76 35 54 41 3 

% of days with non-motor boats 62 76 68 35 45 11 3 

% of da~s with motor boat use 40 62 38 3 19 32 0 

For the days when any use was observed on a segment, we calculated the average nwnber of 

motorized and non-motorized boats. Results are given in Table 18; they show that when there is 

use, it generally involves small numbers of b~ats. 

Table 18. Average number of boats (on days when any were observed). 

Other Lower Lower 

Upper Round Lower Upper Delta Delta Black 

Tangles Tangle Tangles Delta (above (below Rapids 

Eureka} Eureka} 

Non-motorized boats 3.8 3.6 4.3 4.5 1.7 2.0 1.0 

Motorized boats 1.9 2.1 1.9 2.0 3.4 1.7 

Note: Do not multiply these averages by the number of days per season to estimate total use; there were many days with no 

boating use of each type (see Table 17). 

On the lakes, the average is 3-4 non-motorized craft and 1-2 motorized boats. On the river 

segments, the average is 2-5 non-motorized boats (with that higher number influenced by large 

boy scout groups in 2004) and 1-3 motorized boats. These use estimates are roughly consistent 

with encounter data in the survey, which suggested encounter rates of 2 to 4 groups per day. 

(Note: Encounters occur among groups. Overflight information does not estimate the number of 

groups because it only counts boats, and nwnber of groups on a lake or river does not equal the 

number of encounters, because encounters are affected by geography, schedules, and travel 

pattems. As a result, overflight information provides only a rough sense of encounter rates, based 

on assumptions about group sizes and likelihood of encounters among groups.) 

Observations by Season, 2000-2004 

To examine seasonal variation for each segment, we calculated the average number of motorized 

and non-motorized boats per day for each month. Results are given in Figures 33 and 34. Nonmotorized use levels are higher in July on most segments except for the Upper Delta, which is 

higher in August. Motorized use on the Upper Tangles and Lower Delta is higher in August and 

September ( coinciding with the hunting season). On Round Tangle Lake, other Lower Tangles, 

and the Upper Delta, motorized use is higher in July. Results are consistent with survey 

responses regarding the timing of "most recent" trips. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 78 

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Average non-motor boats per overflight 

5 

4 - - -

Round Tangle Lak , , 

3 

___ ---; ~ 0~ --_ ~:her Lowe; Tangles 

--: ; ~-7 -uppe;gres "''\:-~----_ -_ ~ ~: :-----: : : : : : _- _-: _-:: _-: _-_- -

- ........... 

2 

1 ---------------------------------------

Lower Delta (Below Eureka) '\r -- - - - - -'9-

0 

June July 

V 

Aug 

- -Low; Delta - -

(Above Eureka) 

Figure 33. Average non-motorized boats per day on segments in different months 

Average motor boats per overflight 

3 

2.5 

2 

Lower Delta / ,, 

1.5 - - - - - - - / , (Above Eurek~ ,, , 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - ·- - - - - - ·- - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - .- - - - - :. ... .:::---: - - -

Other Low-.rangles ,, ;::- ' 

,., /' 

1 - -. - - - - -_ -_ - ~ 0 - < :'_ -_ - - - : C , ' : - -_ -_ - ~ - - - ---l;-"'' -- ---- ---- , ,~ -:-- __jpper Tangles-- ~ '.:>,::/ -

0.5 --:. ------. --------::-::-:::..-A-- -~ :.. -- -3,,,,--'--':.-,-, - - Lo_w~D~lt~B~low E_ureka)_ ~ - . , /' ~----L_ ' Upper Delta 

Sep 

June Aug Sep 

Figure 34. Average motorized boats per day on segments in different months. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 79 
Motorized vs. Non-Motorized Use on Various Segments 

Of the 560 boats observed on overflights from 2000 to 2004, 422 or 75% were non-motorized and 

13 8 or 25% were moto1ized. Although we don't know the average number of people per boat in 

either type of craft, these data suggest that most current use is non-motorized. 

Upper Tangles 

Round Tangle Lake 

Other Lower Tangles 

Upper Delta 

Lower Delta 

(above Eureka) 

Lower Delta 

(below Eureka) 

16% 

67% 

81% 

83% 

I 

73% 29% 

Black Rapids 0% • 100% 

100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 

Motorized Non-motorized 

Figure 35. Proportion of motorized and non-motorized craft by segment, 2000-2004 

Relative proportions by segment (Figure 35) show that 67 to 100% of boats were non-motorized, 

except for the Lower Delta below Eureka Creek (this is the braided glacial section and few boats 

of any kind were observed there). 

Overflight information might be used to improve assumptions in the RMIS system described 

below (which requires estimates of the proportion of use in motorized and non-motorized 

categories). Based on these data, we would argue for a 75-30 split on the lakes, and an 85-15 

split on the river. 

Having noted that non-motorized use is more widespread overall, there are times of the year when 

proportions of motorized and non-motorized use are more similar on certain segments. For 

example, in August there are only slightly higher numbers of non-motorized craft on the Lower 

Delta (1.3 to 0.9) and Upper Tangles (1.5 to 1.0). 

Type of Boat 

Only two of all the motorized boats observed during overflights were PW Cs (in 2001 ), and no air 

boats were observed, suggesting these craft are currently rare. Among non-motorized boats, 

about 84% canoes, 14% rafts, and 2% kayaks. Because overflights cannot discern which boats on 

the lakes will continue through to the river segments, we did not calculate proP,pt1ions of canoes 

and rafts on the lake vs. river segments. The conventional wisdom is that few users take rafts on 

"tlu·ough trips" because of the difficult portage, which is confirmed by survey data. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 80 

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Observed ATV Use 

ATVs were rarely seen during overflights. ATV use was observed on 6 out of37 flights (16% of 

days), and the number of ATVs rarely exceeded 2 per observation. Nearly all the observed ATVs 

were near the lower river (Top of the World Trail); the exception was two ATVs seen on the 

Upper Tangles (perhaps related to use from the Middle Fork Gulkana trail). ATVs were never 

observed during June or July, suggesting they are generally associated with hunting. 

BLM RMIS Information 

BLM has a nationwide system called the Recreation Management Information System (RMIS) 

that tracks annual recreation use at recreation facilities, and on its public lands ~nd waters. This 

system tracks broad indicators of use and proportions of use engaged in different categories of 

activities, focusing on annual visits (any person using a location for any amount ohime). The 

system is probably most useful for exploring long-term use trends and infonning national or 

regional budget decisions. Because RMIS focuses on annual use and data are not precise, it has 

lower utility for making on-the-ground management decisions. 

Delta River / Tangle Lakes Facilities 

For the Delta River, RMIS data provide broad estimates of annual use in the corridor for several 

facilities: Tangle Lake Wayside trailhead and interpretive site (Upper Tangles), Tangle Lakes 

Campground {Lower Tangles), Tangle Lakes Wayside boat launch, and Lower Tangle Lakes boat 

launch. Data from 2000 to 2004 are given in Figure 36. Infonnation was developed from 

voluntary registration forms and campground host counts, with estimates based on formulas and 

multipliers developed from registration compliance checks conducted in 2001. Note: Compliance 

during the checks was ve1y low (about 13%), so even small variation in these multipliers from 

year-to-year makes these estimates relatively imprecise. 

16,000 

14,000 

12,000 

10,000 

8,000 

Annual visits 

"' 

: - - - - - - - -' --:. : - -Tangle Lakes - - - - - - -_ -_ -_ -_ -_-_-:_ -_ ~ - - - - - - - - - - - . - - - - ~ :. .: :: .... ----- - -

',,campground_______ . ------ ---

r.-- '~ ---

------ ~ --- - - f--------:--:--::--...:::_------------------------~--- - ---------------- : - _ ~ Tangle Lakes Wayside 

- _ ~ trailhead & interpretive site 

6,000 - -- - - - - - - - - - - .. - - - - - - - - - - - - .. - - - - - - - - - · · - - - - - - - - - - - · · · · - - -

4,000 

Tangle Lakes · 

...__ - ...__ Wayside boat launch _ - -

. - - - - --- - - 2,000 -- -.:. ----- ------ -- -----· ----- --~ -..::- -------- ---- - --- --- --- :_:..::::. =-= =; ;:;... 

~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Lower Tangles - - - -

0 

2000 2001 2002 

boat launch 

2003 

Figure 36. Annual visits at Delta River corridor facilities on Denali Highway, 2000-2004. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 

2004 

81 
Figure 36 indicates that the highest use levels in the system occur at Tangle Lakes Campground 

and Tangle Lakes Wayside interpretive site. Lower boat launch use, in contrast, suggests fewer 

visitors to the con-idor take boats on the water; of those that do, more use is associated with the 

Upper Tangles launch (where all upper lake trips start and finish) than the Lower Tangles launch 

(perhaps because "through trips" put-in here but take-out elsewhere). For all four facilities, there 

is no trend over time; data instead suggest year-to-year variation that is probably due to factors 

such as weather, fires in the area, flow levels, etc. 

Delta River/ Tangle Lakes Use Estimates 

Estimates for on-water use on the Lower Tangle Lakes, Upper Tangle Lakes, and Delta River 

(including "through trips" and Lower Delta powerboat trips) are given in Figure 3 7.. Results 

indicate that use is generally higher on the Lower Tangles than the Upper Tangles (2004 was the 

only exception; discussions with BLM staff indicate 2004 decreases may be due to changes in 

calculation methods rather than a true drop in Lower Tangle use). 

More impo1tantly, estimates suggest that lake use ( on either the Upper or Lower Tangles) is 

substantially higher than "through trip" or lower river powerboat use, which is consistent with the 

responses on this survey and anecdotal evidence from patrol trips. Tangle Lakes estimates 

include shore-based fishing from the campground or wayside, as well as short day trips by people 

renting canoes or small powerboats from nearby lodges. 

As with facility use, on-water data do not show an upward trend in recent years, although Delta 

River estimates were higher in 2004. Review of specific registration data suggests 2004 

estimates may be due to several large scout trips (25+ per group) who signed the register (which 

multipliers then magnified). The number and size of those types of trips appears to have been 

smaller in previous years. 

Annual visits 

5,000 

---.... 

4,000 -.,,., -- -- -· - - - - - - ·- - - - - - - - .. -· - - : :.. :;. ~ - - - -- - - - - - - - .. - - -------_ -_ -_ - - - - - - - - - - - - ·- - - - -

Lower Tangle LakeJ __ - -

-- ' 3,000 ~- ---( ;;-;-- --= - - - --- . ' .... ,., __ .. 

~ _ _ _ _ _ --- -Upper Tangle Lakes ' , , 

2,000 .. - - - - - - - -- ·- - - - - - - - - - - ··- -- - - - . - ·- - ~- - - - ·- - - - - - .. -- - - ~. 

1,000 - - - - - - - - - .. - - . - - - -

-

. 

-

- - -

-

. 

-

- - -

-

- -- - - ·- - - - - - - - - ·- . . - - - -·--- - - - - -

0 

2000 

I 

2001 

Delta River "through trips" 

and Lower Delta trips 

I 

2002 2003 

Figure 37. Annual visits to the Tangle Lakes and Delta River, 2000-2004. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 

2004 

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Other BLM Use Estimates 

Other components of the RMIS system require estimating the proportion of visitors using an area 

involved in various activities and the length of time they spend doing them. For the Delta River, 

BLM has made simplifying assumptions about proportions and time based on professional 

judgments, and most of these have remained static over the past five years. However, it is notable 

that BLM estimates 66% of the use on the Delta River and Upper Tangle lakes as non-motorized, 

compared to 33% on the Lower Tangle Lakes. Based on overflight data (discussed above), these 

non-motorized proportions should be revised upward, at least for the Lower Tangles. 

Prior to the current RMIS system, the previous use information system also required BLM to 

estimate use in the area. While data cannot be specifically compared across systems because of 

the different ways they were developed and reported, broad comparisons of past and more recent 

estimates are interesting. 

For example, 1987 BLM estimates suggest about 1,600 people took Lower Tangles or Delta 

River trips, which is substantially lower than current estimates of about 4,000 to 5,000 ( even 

though most of this discrepancy may be attributable to the inclusion of shore-based anglers in the 

Lower Tangle estimates). However, 1987 data also suggest there were about 1,600 users on the 

Upper Tangle lakes, which would mean that current use levels of2,200 to 3,000 people are 

substantially higher. On the other hand, total camping use in the area in 1987 suggests there were 

about 29,000 visits, which is much larger than recent estimates of about 16,000 at the Tangle 

Lakes campground. 

1997 use data are also interesting for comparisons. These suggest that Tangle Lakes campground 

use in 1997 was similar to current use levels (16,000 visits per year), but that Wayside visits were 

actually higher (15,000 in 1997 compared to 7,000 to 10,000 in recent years). Similarly, Delta 

River use (presumably "through trips" and lower river use) was estimated at 1,660 in 1997, which 

is higher than the 500 to 1,200 in recent years. 

It is difficult to ascertain long term use trends from RMIS information. Use estimation in remote, 

relatively low use areas based on low compliance registration data and professional judgment 

simply does not provide sufficient precision. Increased state population and summer out-of-state 

visitation probably have increased use in the area over the past two decades, but hard data are not 

available to support this conclusion, and some types of trips ( e.g., through trips) may have 

declined or remained static. However, there is evidence that use levels in recent years are not 

trending upward, which provides some "breathing room" for addressing capacity and conflict 

issues. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 83 
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Survey Instrument n 

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Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 84 0 
J 

Bureau of Land Management • Alaska 

Tan le Lakes/ Delta River User Surve 

Dear Tangle Lakes/ Delta River user: 

The Bureau of Land Management, in cooperation with the State of Alaska, is revising the management plan for the 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River corridor. This includes the Upper and Lower Tangle Lakes, and the Delta River 

from Tangle Lakes to Black Rapids (see map inside). 

The goal is to maintain natural resource conditions and outstanding recreation opportunities. To do this, planners need 

to know about you - how you use areal and what you think it should provide. This survey asks about your trips and 

your opinions about impacts and management strategies. 

Participation ih the survey is voluntary, but we need your help. The survey was sent to a limited number of people, so 

your response is needed to accurately represent users' views. Your name was randomly chosen from people who 

registered at the access points, or from a list of Tangle Lakes & Delta River users developed through clubs, lodges, 

and outfitting stores. 

There are no right or wrong answers; the best responses reflect your own feelings and beliefs. Please try to answer 

every question, because missing responses decrease the value of your other responses. 

For more information about the survey, please call Bruce Rogers at the Bureau of Land Management, Glennallen Field 

Office at (907) 822 - 3217. 

Note: The identification number on this suNey only helps us know who returned it. Once a suNey is returned, we 

remove your name from our mailing list, no more reminders will be sent, and your answers cannot be associated with 

your hame (assuring confidentiality). 

0MB NO. 1004-0181 • Expires July 2005 

D~lta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 85 
Delta National Wild and Scenic Ri'ier I S/i=~. 

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/"',./ Trails 

A/ Trans-Alaska Pipeline 

A/ Highways 

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Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 

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This survey is divided into separate sections that refer to specific trip types or areas. Instructions indicate who should 

complete each section {or who should skip to the next). 

Section A. Your experience on the lakes or river• ALL USERS PLEASE ANSWER 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

How many trips have you taken on the Tangle Lakes or Delta River in the past 1 O years? (Write a number) 

Boating trips on Upper Tangle Lakes (motorized or non-motorized) 

Boating trips on Lower Tangle Lakes (motorized or non-motorized) 

Float trips on Delta River (from the Denali Highway to Mile 212 on the Richardson Highway) 

PoYierboat trips on the Lower Delta River (Mile 212 upstream) 

"Black Rapids" Delta River trips (any trip along river from Mile 212 through Black Rapids) 

ATV-based trips into the Lower Delta River area (access from pipeline/ Top of the World trail) 

If you have taken more than one trip, what was the year of your first trip? 

Please describe your most recent trip by completing the following table: 

Number 

of trips 

Year & month of trip (write year and circle month) Year: I May June July Aug Sept Oct 

Type of transport (check all that apply) • Canoe/kayak • Raft • Powerboat DA TV or tracked vehicle 

• Upper Tangle Lakes • Lower Tangle lakes 

Segments visited (Check all that apply) • Upper Delta River • Lower Delta River (See map to identify the segments) 

• Black Rapids section of Delta River 

Number of days (write number) 

Number of people (write number; include yourselQ 

Did you fish or hunt? (check all that apply) • Fish • Hunt (moose) • Hunt (caribou) • Hunt ( other) 

If you use a powerboat to access the Tangle Lakes/ Delta River, please list the type, length, and horsepower. 

Type of boat (check one) Length in feet Horsepower 

• Jetboat • Propeller-driven • Airboat • Boat with kicker • Other 

5. If you use A TVs (also known as 0HVs, ORVs, 4-wheelers) to access the Tangle Lakes/ Delta River, please identify the 

type(s) you use. (Check all that apply). 

6. 

O4-wheeler • Tracked vehicle • Argo • Other: 

Please report the number qf years you have been doing the following activities (not just on the Tangle Lakes/ Delta). 

Boating in canoes, kayaks, or rafts (non-motorized craft) 

Powerboating on rivers or lakes 

Riding A rvs or tracked vehicles 

Number of 

years of experience 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 87 
Section B. Setting preferences and reasons for visiting • ALL USERS PLEASE ANSWER 

1. 

2. 

Please indicate the importance of reasons for taking trips on the Tangle Lakes / Delta River. (Circle one number for each row). 

Potential reasons for trips Not Somewhat Important Very Extremely 

important important important important 

Fishing 1 2 3 4 5 

Camping 1 2 3 4 5 

ViewinQ or photooraphinQ scenery 1 2 3 4 5 

Viewing or photographing wildlife 1 2 3 4 5 

Waterfowl or small gam~ hunting 1 2 3 4 5 

Big game hunting 1 2 3 4 5 

Boating whitewater 1 2 3 4 5 

Boating in general 1 2 3 4 5 

Being in a natural place 1 2 3 4 5 

Opportunities for solitude 1 2 3 4 5 

Being with friends/family 1 2 3 4 5 

Meeting other river users 1 2 3 4 5 

People seek different kinds of recreation experiences in different settings. Listed below are five "experience settings" available 

on different segments of the Tangle Lakes/ Delta River. Please choose the letter that best describes ... 

• the setting you experienced during your most recent trip (for each segment you visited) 

• the setting you prefer to experience on those segments 

A. 

B. 

C. 

D. 

E. 

Primitive Setting: Where one expects to find solitude, very few traces of previous use, no motorized use or ATV 

trails, and no development. 

Primitive Motorized Setting: Similar to primitive setting, but motorized use may occur and ATV trails may 

occasionally be visible. 

Semi-Primitive Setting: Where one expects to meet few other groups, but solitude is still possible, particularly at 

camps. There is little or no motorized use or A TV trails, occasional evidence of previous use, and a few 

developments such as trails or outhouses. 

Semi-Primitive Motorized Setting: Similar to a semi-primitive setting, but motorized use may occur and ATV 

trails may occasionally be visible. 

Undeveloped Recreation Setting: Where one expects to meet other groups, and solitude is difficult to find. There 

is motorized use, A TV trails are visible at several locations, evider:ice of previous use at many sites, and some 

developments such as trails and outhouses. 

Segment Letter of setting on your Letter of setting that 

most recent trip should be provided 

Upper Tangle Lakes 

Lower Tangle Lakes (don't include Tangle Lake Campground) 

Upper Delta River (above portage) 

Portage area on Delta River 

Lower Delta River (portage to Mfle•212 on Richardson Highway) 

Black Rapids segment 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 88 

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~] Section C. Crowding • ALL USERS PLEASE ANSWER 

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1. 

2. 

In general, how crowded did you feel on your most recent trip to the Tangle Lakes/ Delta River? (Circle one number for 

each row. If you didn't use a segment, leave that row blank). · 

Segment Not at all Slightly Moderately Extremely 

crowded crowded crowded crowded 

Upper Tangle Lakes 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 

Lower Tangle Lakes 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 

Upper Delta River (above portage) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 

Portage area on Delta River 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 

Lower Delta River (portage to Mile 212) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 

Black Rapids segment 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 

Overall trip 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 

Do you plan your trips to avoid high use levels on the Tangle Lakes / Delta River? (Circle one number). 

1. No • SKIP TO QUESTION 3 BELOW 

2. Yes • CHECK ALL THAT APPLY BELOW 

• Take trips during the middle of the week 

• Take trips during the low use part of the season 

• Take a shorter trip 

• Take a longer trip 

• Spend time in lower use areas 

• Other (please specify): __________________ _ 

3. Have you taken more than one trip on the Tangle Lakes/ Delta River? 

4. 

5. 

1. No • SKIP TO SECTION D ON NEXT PAGE 

2. Yes 

Do you think the quality of trips on the Tangle Lakes/ Delta River has improved, declined, or stayed the same over the years? 

(Circle one number)). 

1. Improved 

2. Stayed the same 

3. Slightly declined (Please check all that apply ... ) 

• ... so I've adjusted by changing my expectations 

• ... so I've taken fewer trips than I used to 

• ... so I've stopped taking trips 

4. Substantially declined (Please check all that apply ... ) 

• ... so I've had to substantially change my expectations 

• ... so I've taken fewer trips than I used to 

• ... so I've stopped taking trips · 

If you reported a decline in quality, please list what you consider to be the major problems: 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 89 
Section D. Encounters with others• BOATING USERS ONLY -ATV USERS SKIP TO SECTION E BELOW 

1. W.e are interested in the number of encounters you have with other groups on the Tangle Lakes/ Delta River, as well your 

preferences and tolerances for encounters. Please estimate the average number of groups per day ... 

• ... you saw on your most recent trip 

• ... that are preferable for the best experience 

• ... that you will tolerate before your trip is compromised 

If encounters do not matter to you, place X's in the "preferable" and "tolerable" columns. 

If you did not u~e a segment, just leave those lines blank. Use the map on page 2 to identify segments. 

Segment Number you saw Preferable number for Tolerable number before 

on your most recent trip an optimal experience vour trio is compromised 

2. 

Upper Tangle Lakes 

Lower Tangle Lakes 

Upper Delta River & portage area 

Lower Delta River (below portage) 

What is the largest group you have encountered on trips to the Tangle Lakes/ Delta River, and what is the largest number 

you will tolerate before your trip is compromised? (Write a number or "X'' if this doesn't matter to you). 

Number of people in largest group you have actually encountered 

Largest number of people you consider acceptable to encounter 

Section E. Campsite impacts• OVERNIGHT USERS ONLY-DAY USERS SKIP TO NEXT PAGE 

1. We are interested in other impacts you experienced on your most recent trip, as well as your tolerance for those impacts. 

For the following questions, please ... 

• estimate the amount you experienced on your most recent trip. 

• estimate the amount you will tolerate before your trip is compromised. 

If an impact does not matter to you, place an X in the "tolerance" column. 

NOTE: This question asks about percentages. Please round estimates to the nearest ten percent (0%, 10% .... 90%, 100% ). 

Percent Percent 

you experienced you will tolerate 

Impact before your trip is 

on your most recent trip compromised 

Percent of sites with substantial litter (more than a handful) 

Percent of sites with visible human waste or toilet paper 

Percent of nights you camped within sight or sound of others 

Percent of nights you had to share a camp with another group . 

Percent of times you passed up campsites because they were occupied 

Percent of campsites that were "beat out" (had unacceptable levels of 

fire ring scars, bare ground, or cut trees) 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 90 

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Section F. Prioritizing impacts• ALL USERS PLEASE ANSWER 

Different impacts affect people's trips differentiy. Please prioritize the impacts you think deserve more management attention on the 

Tangle Lakes/ Delta River. (Circle X if you don't notice this impact or circle a number to indicate how important it is to you.) 

Not an issue on Low Moderate High Impact Tangle Lakes/ Delta 

River Priority priority priority 

Litter X 1 2 3 

Visible human waste / toilet paper X 1 2 3 

"Spider-webn of trails in portage areas X 1 2 3 

"Spider-webn of trails near some camps X 1 2 3 

Camping in sight or sound of others X 1 2 3 

Having to share camps with other groups X 1 2 3 

Competition for fishing areas X 1 2 3 

Competition for campsites X 1 2 3 

Encounters with other groups (in general} X 1 2 3 . 

Encounters with motorboats X 1 2 3 

Encounters with large groups X 1 2 3 

Discourteous behavior from other groups X 1 2 3 

"Beat our camps (bare ground, fire rings} X 1 2 3 

Launch congestion X 1 2 3 

A TV trail conditions X 1 2 3 

Encounters with A TV users X 1 2 3 

Other (please specify}: 

Section G. Questions about fishing • ALL FISHING USERS PLEASE ANSWER 

1. Please estimate how many hours per day you spend fishing on your trips to Tangle Lakes/ Delta River? 

___ hours per day or ... 

• I don't fish • Skip to next page 

Very high 

priority 

4 

4 

4 

4 

4 

4 

4 

4 

4 

4 

4 

4 

4 

4 

4 

4 

2. Please estimate the number of fish you typically catch and evaluate fishing on each segment on your most recent trip by 

completing the following table (leave row blank if you didn't fish that segment). 

Segment 

Upper Tangle Lakes 

Lower Tangle Lakes 

Upper river (above portage) 

Lower river (below portage) 

Target species 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 

Typical number 

caught per hour Poor 

1 

1 

1 

- 1 

Overall fishing evaluation 

Excellent 

2 3 4 5 

2 3 4 5 

2 3 4 5 

2 3 4 5 

91 
Section H. Overall evaluations • ALL USERS PLEASE ANSWER 

Please rate overall environmental conditions and your experiences on the Tangle Lakes/ Delta River on your first and most recent 

trips. (Circle one number for each; if you have only taken one trip just rate your first trip). · 

Poor Excellent 

Overall environmental conditions on my first trip were ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 

Overall environmental conditions on my most recent trip were ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 

Overall quality of experience on my first trip was ... -1 2 3 4 5 6· 7 8 9 10 

Overal! quality of experience on my most recent trip was ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 

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Managing impacts may involve trade-offs. The following sections ask about different management strategies that might be used to help 

improve trips. These strategies have been mentioned by the public or used on other rivers. No decisions have been made to implement [ ] 

any strategy; we are interested in what you think. 

Section I. General management strategies and user fees • ALL USERS PLEASE ANSWER [ ] 

Strongly Strongly Potential strategy Oppose Oppose Neutral Support Support 

Continue river clean-up programs (2 to 3 patrol trips per year) 1 2 3 4 5 

Increase river clean-up trips (4 to 5 patrol trips per year) 1 2 3 4 5 

Increase information about "leave no trace11 practices 1 2 3 4 5 

Increase enforcement of existing laws/ regulations 1 2 3 4 5 

BLM facility maintenance and river patrols are currently funded by the general public through federal taxes. Do you support having users 

pay a fee if it were used to help support Delta River management or facility improvements? (Circle one number) 

1. No • SKIP TO SECTION J BELOW · 

2. Yes 

If you are willing to pay a fee, how much should it be? (Write a dollar amount for each box; if you don't think a type of fee is appropriate 

place an X in that box). 

I am willing to pay ... 

dollar(s) per person per day 

dollar( s) per person per season 

dollar(s) per group per trip 

Section J. General facility improvements • ALL USERS PLEASE ANSWER 

Potential strategy Strongly 

Oppose 

Develop new outhouses at 2 to 4 high use campsites 1 

Create steps (with rocks or logs) to/from camps with erosion problems 1 

Improve access at Mile 212 take-out (road grading) 1 

Oppose Neutral 

2 3 

2 3 

2 3 

ATV USERS SKIP TO PAGE 9- BOATING USERS CONTINUE TO NEXT PAGE 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 

Support Strongly 

Support 

4 5 

4 5 

4 .5 

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Section K. Toilets and fire pans • OVERNIGHT BOATERS ONLY - DAY USERS SKIP TO SECTION M 

Potential strategy Strongly Oppose Neutral Support Strongly 

Oppose Support 

Require fire pans and prohibit open fires on the ground 1 2 3 4 5 

Require portable toilets (users would carry out solid waste) 1 2 3 4 5 

Section L. Delta River portage area • SKIP TO SECTION M IF YOU DO NOT USE THIS AREA 

Potential strategy Strongly Oppose Neutral Support Strongly 

Oppose Support 

Improve main portage trail with wood boardwalks and/or steps 1 2 3 4 5 

Improve main portage trail with "local" materials (mostly rock) 1 2 3 4 5 

Leave the main portage trail "as is" to avoid attracting more use 1 2 3 4 5 

Improve trails to the falls and "vista overlook" in the portage area 1 2 3 4 5 

Close or rehabilitate some side trails in the portage area 1 2 3 4 5 

Limit camping to designated areas at the downstream end of portage 1 2 3 4 5 

Remove outhouse to provide a more primitive setting 1 2 3 4 5 

Remove ''warning-falls ahead" sign to provide a more primitive setting 1 2 3 4 5 

Section M. Use and group size limits • BOATING USERS ONLY 

Potential strategy Strongly Oppose Neutral Support Strongly 

Oppose Support 

Limit the number of private overnight trips that can launch per day 1 2 3 4 5 

Limit the number of guided overnight trips that can launch per day 1 2 3 4 5 

Limit the number of all overnight trips (private and guided trips) 1 2 3 4 5 

Require all overnight groups to register (on a free website) so people 1 2 3 4 5 can adjust their plans to avoid crowding 

Set up a reservation system for campsites 1 2 3 4 5 

Develop more campsites along the lakes/river to handle peak use 1 2 3 4 5 

Limit the length of stay at heavily used campsites to one night 1 2 3 4 5 

Limit the size of groups 1 2 3 4 5 

Groups on the Tangle Lakes/ Delta River are usually small, but some have had as many as 29 people. Typical group size limits on 

other rivers are between 12 and 25. If you support a group size limit, what do you think it should it be? (Fill in the blank or check the 

box). 

I support a limit of_ people per group, or ... 

• I don't support group size limits 

Would you be willing to compete for a limited number of river permits to take overnight trips on the Tangle Lakes and Delta River (if it 

meant that there would be fewer other users)? (Circle one number). 

1. Yes, some limits on use are needed now. 

2. Maybe, but it depends upon how many permits would be available each day. 

3. Maybe, but it depends upon how the permit system works. 

4. Maybe, but it depends on how many permits would be available and how the permit system works. 

5; No, I'll always want unlimited access to the river/ lakes, even if use and impacts increase. 

6. It doesn't matter to me. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 93 
Section N. Motorized boating use• ALL BOATING USERS PLEASE ANSWER 

The existing SLM plan recommends motor boat restrictions on parts of the Tangle Lakes/ Delta River, and some people are interested in 

other potential restrictions. Please indicate whether you support or.oppose the following. (Circle one for each). 

Note: SLM may not have the authority to implement some of these restrictions, but they have been suggested by the public and we are 

interested in your opinions about them. 

Segment and potential strategy Strongly Oppose Neutral Support Strongly 

Oppose Support 

Upper Tangle Lakes: Prohibit all motorized use 1 2 3 4 5 

Lower Tangle Lakes 

Prohibit motors larger than 15 horsepower 1 2 3 4 5 "downstream" of Round Tangle Lake (the first lake) 

Prohibit motors "downstream" of Long Tangle Lake (shallow 1 2 3 4 5 area approximately 6 miles from put-in) 

Prohibit PWCs Uet skis) 1 2 3 4 5 

Prohibit all motorized use 1 2 3 4 5 

Upper Delta River: Prohibit motorized use 1 2 3 4 5 

Lower Delta River (between portage and Mile 212) 

Prohibit motorized use except during subsistence hunting 1 2 3 4 s · season (usually after mid-August) 

Prohibit airboat use 1 2 3 4 5 

Prohibit all motorized use 1 2 3 4 5 

People have suggested potential reasons for restricting motor use; please rate the importance of these reasons. (Circle one number or 

X for each reason). 

Restrictions Not Slightly Moderately Extremely Potential reasons for restricting motor use would not 

address this important important important important 

Concern about erosion from boat wakes X 1 2 3 4 

Conce~n about other biological or physical impacts X 1 2 3 4 

Concern about impacts on cultural resources X 1 2 3 4 

Concern about noise X 1 2 3 4 

Concern about discourteous behavior X 1 2 3 4 

Concern about safety X 1 2 3 4 

To minimize use levels in general X 1 2 3 4 

To minimize hunting pressure X 1 2 3 4 

To minimize fishing pressure X 1 2 3 4 

To ensure the availability of non-motorized experiences X 1 2 3 4 

Because motorized use is inappropriate in some places X 1 2 3 4 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 94 

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Section 0. Access to mining claims • ALL USERS PLEASE ANSWER 

1. An access route to valid, existing mining claims crosses and follows the glacial water segment of the Lower 

Delta-River between Rainey Creek and Mile 212. Please check if you have ... (Check all that apply). 

• ... encountered mining equipment or vehicles in this area. 

• ... seen evidence of mining access (routes created by mining equipment) in this area 

2. Mining laws and regulations allow "reasonable access" to valid claims, but mining access may be restricted by season or 

limited to specific designated routes to minimize impacts. Please indicate whether you support or oppose these options. 

Strongly Oppose Neutral Support Strongly 

Oppose Support 

Limit mining access to a designated road that is routed 1 2 3 4 5 away from the river and sensitive terrain 

Prohibit mining access across the corridor from June to 1 2 3 4 5 September. 

Prohibit mining access across the corridor for new claims 1 2 3 4 5 if other reasonable access exists. 

Section P. A TVs and trail conditions • ALL USERS PLEASE ANSWER 

ATVs are allowed in the Tangle Lakes and Delta River corridor on existing trails. However, BLM is responsible for managing ATV use to 

minimize impacts on outstanding recreation, scenic, or ecological values. The following questions ask about A TV use in the corridor, the 

acceptability of trail conditions, and opinions about A TVs and management options. Note: Questions do not refer to A TV management at 

Tangle Lake Campground or within 100 yards of the Denali Highway. 

1. Have you seen or traveled on trails used by A TVs within a half mile of the water's edge on the river or lakes? (Circle one 

number. Do not include A TV trails at Tangle Lake Campground or within 100 yards of the Denali Highway). 

1. No • SKIP TO QUESTION 3 ON THIS PAGE (BELOW) 

2. Yes, I have seen trails used by A TVs near the river or lakes 

3. Yes, I have traveled on A TV trails near the river or lakes 

2. Please identify where you saw or used these trails (Check all that apply): 

• Near Dickey Lake or the south end of the Upper Tangle Lakes 

• Near"or along the Lower Tangle Lakes (don't include ATVs you saw at the campground or Denali Hwy) 

• Along the river between the portage area and Mile 212 

• Other (please specify): _________________ _ 

3. Have you personally encountered people riding A TVs near the lakes or river (not including the campground)? 

1. No 

2. Yes 

4. Photos in a survey insert show three levels of A TV trail conditions. Please rate the acceptability of conditions in each photo 

for A TV trails in the Delta River corridor. 

Totally Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Totally 

unacceptable unacceptable acceptable acceptable 

Photo 1 1 2 3 4 5 

Photo 2 1 2 3 4 5 

Photo 3 1 2 3 4 5 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 95 
5. People have different opinions about A TV conditions or management options in the Delta River corridor. To help us 

understand your opinions, please indicate whether you agree or disagree with each statement below. 

Strongly Slightly Neutral Slightly Strongly 

disagree disagree agree agree 

I don't think ATV impacts are increasing in the corridor, so 1 2 3 4 5 additional management is unnecessary. 

BLM should improve trails to minimize places with 1 2 3 4 5 unacceptable impacts {geo-block, planking, or water bars). 

Rough or muddy conditions are part of the fun of some A TV 1 2 3 4 5 trails and should not be "improved." 

BLM should re-route A TV trails in some steep or wet areas. 1 2 3 4 5 

As long as ATV-caused erosion does not put sediment in the 

river or cause other biological impacts, A TV use is not a 1 2 3 4 5 

problem. 

Even if they don't cause many biological impacts, A TVs 1 2 3 4 5 detract from the primitive setting of the corridor. 

Reducing A TV impacts is important, but ensuring motorized 1 2 3 4 5 

access is more important. 

Existing A TV trails are not a problem, but it's important not to 1 2 3 4 5 let new trails develop in the corridor. 

As long as impacts only occur on existing trails, A TV use in 1 2 3 4 5 the corridor is not a problem. 

It is okay for A TV trails to cross the corridor to provide access 1 2 3 4 5 to other areas, but trails along the river should be minimized. 

It is important to leave the trails 11 as is" because 1 2 3 4 5 improvements may attract more A TV use. 

Existing trails are not a problem, as long as the number of 1 2 3 4 5 people using them does not increase substantially. 

It doesn't matter if use or impacts are low, motorized use is 1 2 3 4 5 not appropriate in some areas. 

Section Q. Questions about you • ALL USERS PLEASE ANSWER 

1. How old are you? __ years 

2. What gender are you? 1. female 2. male 

3. What is your zip code? 

4. Are you an Alaska resident? 1. No 2. Yes 

Thanks for your help! 

Please place this survey in the self-addressed and stamped envelope and mail it back to us (you don't need to include the 

insert with photos of A TV conditions). You are also welcome to include additional comments about the river and how 

management can be improved. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 96 

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Appendix C: 

Users' Verbatim Survey Comments 

User or Trip Information 

Delta corridor experience Hiking Trips in corridor-15 years. 

Year of first trip UsinQ area yearly since 1982 

Ever? 1960. In past 10 years? 1995. 

Description of recent trip I hike the Eskers on west &/or East side of upper Tangles at least annually (last was 2 

people, 2 days in 2004). Every few years I hike Eskers on West side of Lower 

Tangles. 

Some in our Qroup (fish or hunt). 

Segments visited Rock Creek, Dickey Lake Trail, Middle Fork Gulkana 

1 trip backpacking in Upper Tangle Lakes, 1 trip backpacking west of Lower Tangle 

and Upper Delta. 

Use of powerboats. Jetboat 21 ft 240 hp, and boat with kicker 17 ft 3.5 hp 

Also a ietboat 18 ft 65 hp iet 

n use] multiple boats, ietboat and boat with kicker 

Propeller-driven, other (raft) 

Boat with kicker - inflatable 

Jetboat-but most trips still canoe & kicker 

Use ofORVs. Not used in Tangle Area 

Years of experience. Dirt bikes (for years riding ATVs) 

With father (for years boating) 

Canoe (38 yrs - 21 yrs - no motor, 17 yrs - 3.5 motor) 

Life Long (powerboating) 

Other reasons for visiting PickinQ berries 

Berry picking, siQht seeing. 

Fishing Questions 

Will fish in future trips 

We only fished because we stayed extra days in good weather and needed a little extra food. 

Not "most recent trip" but most recent to this.section. 

Did not fish. 

Dependent on time of year 

[Reason for low numbers of fish caughtl Bright sunny day - not the fish's fault 

Typical number caught: lots. 

[Lake trout] population is not migratory but captured so some regulation should be imposed to protect it further before 

it is totally decimated. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 97 
Setting Preferences, Crowding, and Planning to A void Crowding 

Setting preferences 

rimitive. 

Crowding ratings 

whew! 

Plan to avoid high use? 

Problems (if you consider there to be a decline) 

fSubstantiallv declinedl ... so we have portaged farther and farther 

fSubstantially declined] ... wolves killed most of the moose. 

Our last trip included taking our young girls kayaking across Round Tangle Lake. On our return trip to the 

campground (Lower Tangle Lake), we rested on the gravel bar across from the lodge. We watched in awe as 2 

caribou swam across the lake in front of the lodge to a bank west of us. To our surprise (and shock), when the 

caribou climbed up the bank after crossing the lake, 2 hunters appeared out of nowhere and shot the larger caribou. 

We were perhaps 200 yards away. We then had to explain what happened to our children. I noticed an audience on 

the shore at the lodae. It was an interesting experience that I don't want to repeat. 

1. ATVs, noise, traffic, speed & availability of camping in the Tangle Lakes Campgrounds. 2. Algae/ pollution 

between Upper and Lower Tangle lakes (south to north side of the Denali Hwy). 3. Too many motorhomes and/or 

motorhome specific camping spots. 

Limited Access. People need areas to use A TV's unrestricted Alaska has more restricted land than some state in the 

lower 48 have land. If people do not want to see A TV's or land tore up by A TV's they need to go to the National 

Parks like (Denali 6,000,000 acres) {Gates Arctic Natl. Parks 8,400,000 acres) {Wrangell-St. Elias National Parks 

13,000,000 acres) {Lake Clark Nat. Parks 4,000,000 acres) (Katmai Nat. Park 4,000,000) to mention only 5 national 

parks with over 354,000,000 ACRES RESTRICTED from A TV's. 

Improvements of the road side camparound increase the number of users, but that is okav so far. 

There's too manv people in the state for me anvmore. I stronQIY trv to avoid the crowds. 

Motorized use, especially "play", instead of low-speed point-to-point travel. One person I know took a Hovercraft on 

Round Tangle several times and circled the lake repeatedly. It's at least as loud as an airboat. He also took it up the 

northern most Upper Tanale and the Tanale River. 

If I knew where they were. 

Alcohol and hunters, need behavior, A TV damage, disrespectful users, damaae to trees, litter, human waste. 

Group cancers & rafters leave trash & cutting trees for camp fires, extremely low numbers of fish and dead fish 

sightings on the river bottoms, toilet paper in the river and brush . Floaters with bad attitudes based on their 

expectations from bad advertisements of the river systems, wet, cold & disoriented floaters because of wind & low 

water conditions. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 98 

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Encounter Impacts and Tolerances 

General encounters OK so long as group passes quickly 

This number is fine with us (referring to "311 for Upper Tangles.) 

Quiet, well behaved groups can be tolerated (reluctantlv) 

Never would compromise me. 

3 couples-labor dav 

2 couples is best but all are nice people! 

We enjoy solitude much more than the 3 we saw; would have gotten a bit much. 

Not "most recent trip" but most recent to this section. 

"Your trip is compromised." This needs definition in order to be answered with 

statistical relevance. 

Larger groups don't really bother me 

I noticed more people around Denali Park! 

Boy scouts and other users @ portage. 

Depends: floating by on river is a higher number than those occupying campsites 

nearby ... Seems to be a limited number of viable campsites so I would not want to 

be there if there were all 7 per day groups camoed. 

Depends on user - say 2 on average, 

2 groups of boy scouts 

0-100 it depends on the people you meet. 

Much more so lom::i as they don't have lan::ie motors and no iet skis! 

The motors are the problem not the numbers. 

In this area (Tangle Lakes) only, different for river. 

Smaller groups. 

[In answering reason for visiting: solitude 1: Need to share 

Largest group encountered 10-12 ---- total for day (I don't camp in campgrounds - much further out) 

Tour groups of kavaks 

Totally depends on group! And place! 

Not a fair question. Depends on whether it's parents and kids or whether it's AVTers 

with beer. 

A few - it depends on how they behave 

In one group. 

A few. 

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] Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 99 
Other Types of Impacts 

Litter 

Human waste impacts. 

Camp impacts 

Camp competition 

Beat out camps 

Camping in sight or sound. 

Prioritizing impacts: general 

Discourteous behavior 

Over~ll -Evaluations 

The smoke was bad! 

Smoky . 

We picked up and carried out around 1 O pounds (Bibs litter, 21bs TP). Most back 

country users don't have a clue about litter. Mostly inexperienced folks struggling to 

do without normal amenities 

What do you mean by this? I'm on a 5 day float trip, I don't turn around and leave 

instantly if I see a piece of toilet paper. But I don't like seeing the toilet paper. 

I backpacked into the Upper Tangles for just one night. Impacts matter to me a great 

deal, but the only physical scars I saw on the landscape were trails, and they were 

tolerable. In a couple of hours at our campsite, I occasionally saw and heard 2 

ffyfishers in float tubes. I would rather not have seen/heard them, but they weren't a 

major intrusion. 

Hasn't happened so don't know. 

We thought Tangle Lakes was great compared to many State campgrounds 

Again, depends on place 

Few 

Had to camp because it was late . Regarding the 2nd column of the question: Does not fit: once I'm on a trip, I'm there -

we have to camp someplace. No choice. If you mean by "compromised" that I don't 

like it, then all these are 0% - my preference, but probably unrealistic. 

You canl regulate where the good spots are! 

Improved campsites ar.e often verv handv. 

Afew 

At campground 

Ours was. 

Ok to concentrate and localize impact to a deg·ree. 

Sacrifice. 

Not counting Tangle lakes campground. 

rcircled the word sounds and out a line to it with] boats, guns, aircraft [writte·n1. 

Sharing campsite. 

Depends on where. 

These answers reflect what is important to me. When I go in May/midweek I never 

see anyone, or any litter, etc. I'm usually the first one through for the year. 

We only go in June I don't know how bad it is later in the season 

These are impacts I haven't experienced in the part of the Tangles use, but they 

would be high priority if they occurred. 

Never have. 

Bad. 

A TV trail at beginning of trip(and end) was major impact. 

1975 4th of July very crowded/ uncontrolled use/ trails all over/ pipeline was just starting up - use soured for next 4 or 

3 years. 

Due to lack of fish. 

The loud group, A TV erosion. 

Except rain and snow-constant!:) 

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Fees 

For motorized users 

Tax structure should support this basic activity. Cost of collectino fees would be more than collected. 

$10 / trip - keep it per person 

$10.00 a nioht per campsite 

If a mine is put in nearby they should have to pay to improve area and help BLM hire river rangers 

It oalls me that they're needed, otherwise I'd stronoly support. 

Make it easy to pay, even to pay after the trip by credit card 

We pay enough. 

I'm not against paying usage fees. But I pay $10 to launch my boat at Harding Lake. The "no wake" law is not 

enforced, boat launch & parking is congested, launch pad need to be extended, channel needs to be dug out 

(extended) due to water table dropping which in turn has caused the State to close pike (a fish which was once 

considered trash & now has an quantity and size limit) fishing due to breeding grounds diminishing. This could be 

fixed by BLM or Uncle Sam Sr. (the State) would take care of the water source problem (beavers). 

How about yearly fee for use of BLM lands - sticker on window? 

Only if the money stayed right there. 

Must be global across AK. Can't do at 10 places each summer. 

I'm willina to pay a fee, however, Tangle Lakes should be free to non-motorized users. 

What a stupid question. 

Depends on facilities provided. 

Personally, I'm willing to pay, but I don't want poor people to be discouraged, and I see there been inevitably leading 

to increased commercialization. 

I/We wouldn't go more than once a season. 

Get out of Iraq and spend our tax$ on rivers!!! 

fl wouldn't mind paying, but I don't think folks on low income should; it's better and simpler to not have fees]. 

For floaters that put in at lower Tangles and their skill levels should be checked along with supplied & gear. I use the 

lower delta by river boat where I pick up trash and debris from up river floaters and I will refuse to pay for that. 

Floaters that don't pack it out should pay a fee. We power in and in general pick up after users therefore feel we 

contribute to the quality of the environment and should not be required to pay a fee. 

Boat launching, hunting license -- permit license should cover that. 

$50-100 

$15-$20 (or vehicle) 

For campground use only 

Per boat per trip (or per ATV?} 

Depends on group size 25$ per person 

Large group should pay more than small group. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 101 
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General Management Actions D 

Avoids human waste and TP in wild areas! 

Outhouses and steps Would rather see 10 to 12 outhouses. 

I didn't notice any such camps [that would need steos or toilets 1. fl 

Mile 212 improvements Not worth the$ would have to re-orade annuallv. 

Access is fine as is. 

(stoves?) 

~irepans Depends on location - on lower part of river - gravel bar are washed clean by high 

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High river use areas only - yes. 

Carry a shovel. l . Not practical for canoe / portage. 

Waste carry-out Only if necessary. 

We do on McKinley now! · [ 

Raft trios, not canoe trios. 

Hard to make sure that people have them/use them. 

Remove outhouse What outhouse? 

What, are you nuts? Ii 

Must make more obvious! 

Remove portage sign What the hell is wrong with vou? 

This is a safety issue! I f ; 

Need that. 

Duh! 

Rehab portage trails There have alwavs been qame trails. Not needed. 

Assume you mean foot-trails. A TV trails would be verv hioh orioritv for attention. I l · I 

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Use Limits and Group Size Limits 

Alaska residents should have priority 

] Reauire i:iuides, only guides can get permits - limit guides to traditional users. 

I don't believe limits need to be placed now, but they might be needed in the future. 

How can you tell me I can't use a river or lake that is public property?? 

I'll always want unlimited access for private, non-motorized users. 

No. 

I have not observed conditions that would require a permit. My experience is limited 

to only 3 trips. I would support permit, if conditions regularly exceeded my tolerance 

•· conditions. 

With my job, I cannot plan trips far in advance 

Hii:ih use rivers, yes. Lake use, no 

Philosophy of use limits I don't see the need to limit # of users, or at least not for the whole season. Maybe 5 

closed weekends limited to permit (drawing) entry so those users know how many 

groups will be there. Other times should be open to any & all. Hopefully river 

conditions are· self-limitinQ. 

Everyone does not have a computer. The commercial use may be the problem. It will 

be a sad day if you start restricting Alaskans from the area. This is not what I retired 

here for. 

What a concept! 

I haven't had enough problems to justify any of these measures yet, but if it becomes 

a problem, guided trips would probably be the cause. 

I'm not sufficiently familiar with the situation here, but as a general concept I support 

J limits on both boating and backpacking (and of course any motorized recreation). 

Do not use campsites. 

BLM managers should decide maximum available number of campsites and thereby 

limit number of users I i:iroups. 

General use limits My experience is limited since I have not been there at peak season. 

I would allow a Boy Scout group (10-15 scouts plus a few parents). 

I favor permits for guides making money from public resources but not limiting general 

J public use. 

It's easy enough to split the group. 

Campsites are small. 

Because family camping is verv important. 

Small i:iroups. 

Group size limits 15 commercial, I don't support group size limits for non commercial. 

A family should be able to camp together.. Even i families should be able to camp 

together. Has to do with the tvoe of group. If it's commercial, limit to 4. 

Depends on need. 

10 / group has been adopted by Gates of the Arctic NP and Arctic National Wildlife 

Refuge. 

Reserve camps Between 3 and 4. 

For large groups only. 

Limit length of stay Limit 2 nights ok. 

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Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 
Motorized Boat Issues 

Motorized restrictions 

Motorized restrictions 

except in subsistence 

season 

Lower Tanales 

Airboat restrictions 

Restrict PWCs 

Motorized safety 

Horsepower limits 

Mining Issues 

Mining 

Prohibit mining access in 

summer 

Prohibit across corridor 

Also, if reduce horsepower, will limit impact to small outboard only! 

[Prioritizing motorized boat encounters question]: Last fall a couple of big boats were 

playing up and down Upper Tangle zooming around. Big wakes made me think that 

motor size should be limited. Also had a bad experience with fan boats on the Lower 

Tanales several years aao. Those machines are very noisy. 

If it's subsistence only, NOT sport. 

I oppose motorized use at all times so how do I answer this? 

Another option for Lower Lakes is electric motors only. 

I hate airboats! 

YES! No airboats. 

Please!!! 

Limit speed noise. 

Many inexperienced cancers and rafters have been saved by power boaters. Need 

more info on how difficult river really is! 

Restrict to 10 hp - OK 

This is a wild and scenic river. Large motors are not appropriate. 

Mining should not be permitted in areas of natural beauty particularly owned 

Most places in Alaska would have no access if it wasn't for mine roads. 

Depending on [what you mean by] "reasonable access" - No if this is more 

environmentally harmful 

Frozen ground only? 

only if other reasonable access exists 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 104 

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ATV Issues 

Get rid of trails, eliminate trails. 

] Prioritizing: A TV conditions Erosion. 

Saw none, lots of erosion. 

Prioritizinq: A TV encounters Don't Want 'Em! 

No -they are too hard to walk on. They mess up a footoath 

Seen or traveled in A TV I think that's where I saw them, it's hard to remember 

trails? Was in camoaround. 

Remember I have been usinq this area for over 20 vears. 

A TV encounters Only on a trail west of the lakes. 

ATV access I'm also handicapped, and depend on ATV's to qet to some areas. 

Rivers breakdown and dump a lot more sediment than A TVs. 

A TVs and bio impacts Our soils are NOT appropriate for A TV use in the summer. 

Motorized vehicles are not permitted in anadramous fish streams. 

I don't believe we know enouah to correctly answer about bioloaical impacts. 

A TVs crossina corridor Be specific rwherel. 

Re-route steep/wet areas. Have to be specific rwherel. 

Important to leave A TV I strongly agree in the absence of responsible A TV Management. trails "as is." 

BLM should improve A TV I strongly agree in the absence of responsible A TV Management. trails. 

It doesn't matter if use is 

low; motorized use is not Perhaps some sensitive areas - common sense dictates this. 

appropriate in some areas. 

Don't think there should be any in corridor. 

Existing trails a problem? Existina trails are a problem. 

Strongly disagree -- existing A TV trails are not a problem. Strongly agree -- it's 

important not to let new trails develop in the corridor. 

I don't think BLM should have to cater to uneducated A TV users. 

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BLM should re-route in Eliminate, don't reroute. 

steep or wet areas. Trails should be re-routed only if BLM's unwillina to eliminate them. 

Don't think there should be A TV trails in corridor. 

All these questions are problematic because the clauses are contradictory. 

Can't answer - don't aaree with A TV use. 

Don't think there should be any in corridor. 

Not good wording. You don't know which part of the question I'm 

] agreeina/disaareeina. 

I don't know whether crossings are necessary, or whether trails along the river should 

be allowed at all. 

r Difficulty of some A TV Don't think there should be any in corridor. 

attitude questions ... A TV trails should not be improved. They should be eliminated. 

(particularly last 7, for users Don't know how to answer. 

who oppose all A TV use) This is 2 questions/statements. 

Existing trails are not a problem {disagree). But it's important not to let new trails 

develop in the corridor (agree). 

No answer, loaded question. 

I don't know whether crossings are necessary, or whether trails along the river should 

be allowed at all. 

Can't answer because of way Question is worded. 

Trick question. 

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Even animals prefer to travel on A TV trails 

Keep A TV's on approved trails - apparently none of the A TV pictures are on one of the 

approved trails? 

Where were the photos taken? 

This is not TanQle Lakes!! 

Caribou can make these. 

Motorized use shouldn't be allowed in these special areas; in addition, how do you 

prevent #1 from Quickly turning into #2 & #3. 

If a designated A TV trail. 

Depends on how many. 

How big and where? 

1) Where is this? This is a disconcerting way to try and get people to vote against this 

and this and this? 

[Medium and higher impact photos 2 and 3] will look just like picture #1 after one year 

of no use. I have seen this over and over. 

This was a cause by a A TV. But it the fault of BLM to not let other people fix the trail. 

This is not Tanole Lakes!! 

Caribou can make these. 

Evaluations of A TV impacts Motorized use shouldn't be allowed in these special areas; in addition, how do you 

in photos prevent #1 from Quickly turning into #2 & #3. 

I do not believe these pictures were taken in the Delta River corridor. Would 

appreciate to know the mile post. It is not down the river or in front of our place -

people have not been able to go down the c.orridor for years. 

NO ATV (motorized use) in the corridor. 

Acceptable on what grounds? Photo 3 may be fine in the eyes of an A TV rider -

unacceptable to a biker and may or may not be acceptable in terms of erosion and 

runoff into creeks deoendino on location. 

BLM should utilize their resources to fix these area rather than spend money on 

surveys, hirinq more manaQers, & creating a huge bureaucracy. 

Those trails may not look good to some people but they are a very small part of all 

land in Alaska if you do not like it go to the majority of the state and Fed. Land that is 

restricted. 

Photo's 1-2-3 can be found any different times - Depends on use - Have seen all - #3 

will be like #1-2 in one year- Depends on use, weather, etc. 

I believe that the main A TV trails should remain in t,he Delta corridor. But be restricted 

to them. No restrictions what so ever for snowmachines in the winter. 

Obviously I am NOT pro-A TV. In a nation where obesity is epidemic, I see no reason 

to allow ATV's in otherwise wilderness -type areas. These areas ARE open to use, 

but vou have to use muscle-oower to enjoy them. This is a oood thing. 

General, Longer, or Multiple-topic Comments 

Dear Sir, Thank you for your work. W~ like this area and have had no problem with people or litter or A TV's. My 

concern is that it stay fairly close to wilderness-which has always been the way it was when we found it. We camped 

where we liked, only saw a couple of groups at established sites. The sign at the falls and the outhouse were our only 

intrusion. So much better than the National Park where you feel like a policeman or biologist is going to jump out of 

the bushes with a different regulation than the one you thought applied! I hate manicured trails, steps, bridges, signs, 

fire its, and all the other ara hernalia that oes with mana ement. THANKS AGAIN! A Great lace! 

I appreciate that this survey is being taken. Thank you! I have ridden A TV's on trails off the Denali .Highway for the 

past twenty years. I also kayak the Delta River. I am an avid A TV owner/ rider, but I strongly believe that A TVs 

should be kept out of this corridor. There are plenty of other A TV trails branching off the Denali Highway. I have 

traveled nearly all of them, and will continue to do so, but I believe that the Tangle Lakes/ Delta River corridor should 

be free from A TV use for aesthetic and environmental reasons. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 106 

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I love Alaska and have visited different areas 6 times includinQ driving the Alaskan Highway, and I'll be back again. 

I support management actions necessary to ensure that this special area is passed on undiminished future 

generations. This may include limits on launches and group sizes for floaters and limits/restrictions on use of 

motorized vehicles and boats. Thank you! 

I understand that some people will dnly get out using A TVs. I believe their access should be limited to preserve 

terrain, not bother animals or non-motorized visitors. If A TV users want a mud hole - provide a mudhole for these 

adolescents. Other ATV trails upgraded to prevent further deterioration. Main Tangle Lakes Campground is 

definitely not a wilderness experience. Well, there are places. I have camped in a number of sandpits to avoid 

people. 

Instead of spending so much effort pointing out what people do not like about other users - you should be working to 

develop tolerance amongst users - we all use the same space. Tolerance is the answer. 

It's been a few years since I've floated the Delta River so I don't have a good feel for its current condition. I was 

planning a trip for this year but now-from the sound of your survey-it looks like I may be disappointed in the 

experience. I love the "Wild & Scenic" nature of this river in the past. It's my primary reason for going there. 

Solitude. Wildlife. Scenery. All accessible from the road system on either end. Places like these are too rapidly 

disappearing and I appreciate the chance to help protect it. Thanks for Listening. 

I've floated the Delta River but I won't ever float it again because I know where the problems are coming from and I 

won't be a part of that problem. Mining & power boating have been part of the Delta River System well before the 

Wild & Senic Rivers Act. The problems have developed since the river became an adventure system for floaters & 

advertised by BLM. 

My trips to the area are from the early B0's to mid 90's. 

Please keep the freedom we have in the Delta River corridor. I spent my honeymoon on the River - conceived a son 

and travel back to places on the river that hold these memories. Alaskan's have used powerboats on rivers & lakes 

for hunting, fishing, berry picking and scenic pleasure for years. To take away these privileges and give to "tourists" 

(floaters) is unfair to those who are full time in this environment. 

Tangle Lake area/Denali Hgwv is a wonderful treasure for us, thank you. 

Tangle Lakes Campground need to be expanded with more overnight sites. Old traditional campsites near bridge are 

now blocked. Old overnight sites are now day use only, which detracts from area. 

Thank you at the BLM for your work on manaoement! 

J Thank you for all the work you do. Please do not add a fee system but limit motorized access and the pressures will 

balance out. 

Thank you for the opportunity to fill out this survey. I look forward to many years of use in this are. 

The area is a fantastic, accessible recreation resource that needs to be maintained for future generations. I 

appreciate the challenge you face. If there are volunteer opportunities to assist, I would be interested. 

The most important things you can do are 1.) prohibit motorized watercraft of all kinds (with the possible exception of 

electric motors on Round Tangle) and 2.) enforce that prohibition & prohibitions on ATV use off designated Trails. 

Thanks for this Opportunity. 

We were extremelv distressed to see motorized boaters on the lower Delta River last September. 

We had a great trip - good campsite, privacy, and good fishing. Main problem was the smoke from forest fires. We 

could have used maps designating campsites & portage more accurately. Very hard to get a good map! Had a heck 

of a time finding one portage rupper Tangles]. Thanks! . 

I applaud your efforts to manage use. Altliough this was my first trip (2004 ), I was really happy to find a road 

accessible lake system in the interior, which still had a "semi-wilderness" feel once you got away from the Round 

Tangle Lake. PLEASE keep it this way. Don't allow motorized and/or mining interests to destroy it, as has happened 

in other places. Would be nice to have space for this! See notes scratched throughout. 

I won't go on a heavv use weekend. I'll only plan one off season trip a year 

Require guides with permits. Only guides can have permits - like Quetico superior. Get out of the business - give it 

to guides, regulate them. Ban A TVs. 

I appreciate the concern and interest BLM is showing in preserving the Tangle Lakes area. It is a very special area. I 

have filled out the survey, but many of my answers may not be representative. My trip was in mid-August on my way 

home from a 3 week solo canoe/backpack trip on the Alatna river in the Brooks Range. It had been raining for a 

week, and the water level was high. I only encountered one party camping on Lower Tangle Lake, and saw no one 

for the rest of the trip. I had a great trip. If I had come in July and the weather had been good, I might have more 

complaints about the over use especially in relation to where I have been. As it was I cannot judge the need for 

permits and limitation on use except second hand. One this that did bug me was the apparent ignorance of campers 

regarding toilet paper. I don't know if it is necessary to require people to carry out all their waste, but some education 

regarding carrying out or burning toilet paper rather than leaving it in a heap on the ground seems in order. I am not 

fond of outhouses, but in high use area they do solve problems. They would be less offensive then toilet paper piles. 

0 Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 107 
Along the same line, it may be that some people just don't know that aluminum foil does not burn! Nor do beer cans. 

It is hard to believe that people would despoil the area if they really knew how long their trash remained an eyesore. 

In general I am interested in wilderness experience, so I would vote against improvements unless they are required to 

preserve water qualify or maintain some other aspect of the ecosystem. I see no reason to improve the portage trail 

or other trails. Extra side trails are a problem so perhaps better marking on the main trails would help keep people 

from wandering down other trails. That said, I can see that there could be a need for a venue for less experienced 

people to get on the water and do a river trip in a more amusement park like setting with neatly graveled portage trails 

etc. It just does not interest me. 

We had a great trip - an Alaska showcase for my brother and then kids - affordable. The last thing the place needs is 

a mine nearby or more motors. Thanks. 

I have no experience with A TV, don't like them and would prohibit them from wilderness. 

Thank very much. I am a motorized and unmotorized user of the area. I would gladly go back to my canoe if 

motorized use was restricted / eliminated. It is a top 10 spot to visit. 

I think the archeological value and assets of the area are largely ignored by the public who is probably unaware of 

what they are and the importance. I would certainly like to know more about what happened here in terms of geology 

and human history, so I am a better traveler. 

I am 60 years old and cannot access many areas for hunting or fishing without motorized access. The last time I 

used a boat on the lower river was approx 25 years ago. Fishing was great at that time. I could support an outboard 

horsepower limit on the river or lakes of 35 jet horsepower similar to the restrictions on the Kenai River. This would 

cut down on noise pollution, erosion, and boat size thus party size also unless they have more than 1 boat. I use my 

small 16 foot river boat for hunting near and around the upper tangles. It's the only way I have to access this area. 

A TV use. I have used 3 and 4 wheelers since 1983. They have been a large part of my outdoor experience. Most 

people cannot afford an plane or large track rig but the average person can access the trails with 4 wheeler. I have 

long considered problems such as seen in Photo 3 of your survey. All or most of these areas as in photo 3 look like 

fertile soil. Consider this solution. Set up a track rig as a mini hydro-seeder. Every spring send out a crew to hydroseed the bad spots. I do not know the proper seed or fertilizer -- that's for your experts. But I think this could mend 

some areas and would help all areas. It would most likely have to done every spring. The construction people do 

this on new road construction and with the aid of jute can stop erosion even on gravel hill sides. If you can come up 

with an acceptable seed I think this could work. 

Good luck with the survey. This is one of the most beautiful places on earth. I applaud effort to conserve and 

preserve it. 

I'm sorry to take so long to return this survey and appreciate the reminder. My moose hunt via canoe in 2003 was one 

of the nicest experiences I've had. Please work to decrease/eliminate ATV impacts, motorized boats, and jet skis 

impacts. Keep the area a controlled-use area that allows traditional - hiking, canoeing priorities. 

I have been floating the Delta for 40 years and also have experiences with permits on the Green River, Utah, Middle 

Fork and the Grand Canyon. I would be happy to participate in further discussions about the mechanics of 

permitting. 

I have been coming to Tangle Lakes since 1961 and I still enjoy the experience. Please continue to keep it in this 

condition. 

Delta National Wild and Scenic River User Survey 108 

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