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A relatively nonrestrictive approach to reducing campsite impact: Caney Creek Wilderness, Arkansas

Formally Refereed

Abstract

An excessive number of highly impacted campsites led managers of the Caney Creek Wilderness to attempt to reduce campsite impacts with a program of trail relocation, education, closure of selected campsites, and site restoration. The strategy involved increasing the concentration of use somewhat, without resorting to the restrictiveness of a designated campsite policy. To assess success, all campsites in the wilderness were inventoried in 1994 and their condition was assessed. A subsequent reassessment of campsites, in 2007, indicated the management program was highly successful. The total number of campsites was reduced by 40% and the number of highly impacted campsites declined substantially.

Keywords

campsite impact, Caney Creek Wilderness

Citation

Cole, David N.; Ferguson, Thomas E. 2009. A relatively nonrestrictive approach to reducing campsite impact: Caney Creek Wilderness, Arkansas. International Journal of Wilderness. 15(1): 20-25.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/34157