Monitoring inter-group encounters in wilderness
By: Alan E. Watson, Rich Cronn and Neal A. Christensen.
Contributors: Cronn, Rich.; Christensen, Neal A.; Rocky Mountain Research Station (Fort Collins, Colo.)
Series: Research paper RMRS -- RP-14.
Publisher: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station
Published: 1998
Place of publication: [Fort Collins, CO]
Language: eng
Number of pages: 20
Subjects: Wilderness area users -- Washington (State); Forest reserves -- Recreational use.; Recreation areas -- Public use -- Washington (State)
Other titles: Monitoring inter group encounters in wilderness.
Description: Many managers face the challenge of monitoring rates of visitor encounters in wilderness. This study (1) provides estimates of encounter rates through use of several monitoring methods, (2) determines the relationship between the various measures of encounter rates, and (3) determines the relationship between various indirect predictors of encounter rates and actual encounter rates. Exit surveys, trip diaries, wilderness ranger observations, trained observers, mechanical counters, trailhead count observations, and parking lot vehicle counts were used to develop better understanding of the relationship between these various monitoring methods. The monitoring methods were tested at Alpine Lakes Wilderness in Washington. Encounter rates differed dramatically from weekdays to weekend days at high-use places studied. Estimates of encounter rates also varied substantially across methods used. Rather than conclude what method is best, this report seeks to help the manager decide which method is most appropriate for use in a particular wilderness, given the issues being addressed. It should also help alleviate some of the problems managers have in prescribing monitoring systems, by forcing more precise definition of indicators.
Notes: Cover title.

"December 1998."

Shipping list no.: 99-0443-M.

Also available on the World Wide Web.