Source: UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT submitted to
CARRYING CAPACITY OF PARKS AND RELATED FOREST RECREATION AREAS
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
TERMINATED
Funding Source
MCINTIRE-STENNIS
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0186865
Grant No.
(N/A)
Project No.
VTZ00091
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Program Code
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Oct 1, 2000
Project End Date
Sep 30, 2005
Grant Year
(N/A)
Project Director
Manning, R.
Recipient Organization
UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT
(N/A)
BURLINGTON,VT 05405
Performing Department
SCHOOL OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Non Technical Summary
Parks and related forest recreation areas are increasingly important in modern society. They protect natural and cultural resources and enhance the quality of life by providing opportunities for recreation to an expanding population. The purpose of this study is to extend application of carrying capacity to parks and related forest recreation areas through research on indicators and standards of quality for outdoor recreation.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
50%
Applied
50%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
1340510308050%
1340530308050%
Knowledge Area
134 - Outdoor Recreation;

Subject Of Investigation
0510 - Wilderness; 0530 - Parks and urban green space;

Field Of Science
3080 - Sociology;
Goals / Objectives
The objectives of this research are to (1) develop indicators and standards of quality for a variety of park and forest recreation areas, (2) test the underlying conceptual and empirical assumptions associated with measurement of outdoor recreation-related normative standards of quality, (3) extend the application of normative theory and techniques to more fully address measurement of ecologically related indicators and standards of quality,and (4) explore the usefulness of alternative theoretical and empirical approaches to measuring indicators and standards of quality.
Project Methods
The principal research method will be surveys of visitors to selected park and forest recreation areas. Depending upon site characteristics and the population of visitors, surveys will be conducted as personal interviews, diaries, or mailback questionnaires or some combination of these methods. Sampling procedures will be developed at each study site to ensure that a representative sample of visitors is included in each study. Studies will address the four research objectives outlined above.

Progress 10/01/00 to 09/30/05

Outputs
This project has developed and tested research and planning/management models and methods designed to help analyze and manage the carrying capacity of parks and related forest recreation areas. Carrying capacity concerns the amount and type of recreation use that can be accommodated in parks and related areas without unacceptable impacts to park resources and the quality of the visitor experience. This issue has gained increasing urgency as the number of recreation visits to parks and related areas continues to increase. Research and planning/management models and methods developed and tested include 1) the Visitor Experience and Resource Protection planning/management framework adopted by the U.S. National Park Service to guide carrying capacity analysis and management, 2) normative theory and empirical research methods to formulate indicators and standards of quality for resource conditions and the quality of the visitor experience, 3) computer simulation modeling to estimate the maximum number of visitors that can be accommodated without violating standards of quality, and 4) stated choice modeling to determine the tradeoffs that visitors prefer to make among competing conditions of parks and forest recreation areas.

Impacts
The models and methods developed, tested and applied in this project have 1) made substantial contributions to the scientific and professional literature on how to address the long-standing issue of carrying capacity of parks and related forest recreation areas, and 2) facilitated the management of carrying capacity in the U.S. National Park system and related forest recreation areas. With regard to the former, the project has contributed to publication of 29 refereed journal articles, numerous papers at regional, national and international conferences, and the graduate education of four MS degree students and five Ph.D. degree students. With regard to the latter, the project has provided conceptual and empirical assistance to carrying capacity analysis and application in 15 major units of the U.S. National Park system, and has attracted over $1 million in external funding to support this applied work. This program of research has allowed these national parks to formulate indicators and standards of quality for park resources and the visitor experience, and to develop associated carrying capacity management plans. These carrying capacity management plans are helping to ensure that park resources are protected and that the quality of the visitor experience is maintained. This work has helped to provide a scientific basis for reaching a socially acceptable balance between 1) public use of parks and related forest recreation areas and 2) protection of the important natural and cultural resources included in these areas.

Publications

  • Davenport, M., W. Borrie, W. Freimund, and R. Manning. 2002. Assessing the Relationship Between Desired Experiences and Support for Management Actions at Yellowstone National Park Using Multiple Methods. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, 20: 51-64.
  • Lawson, S. and R. Manning. 2002. Tradeoffs Among Social, Resource, and Managerial Attributes of the Denali Wilderness Experience: A Contextual Approach to Normative Research. Leisure Sciences, 24: 297-312.
  • Manning, R. and W. Freimund. 2005. In Press. Use of Visual Research Methods to Measure Standards of Quality for Parks and Outdoor Recreation. Journal of Leisure Research.
  • Manning, R., Y. Leung, and M. Budruk. 2005. In Press. Research to Support Management of Visitor Carrying Capacity at Boston Harbor Islands. Northeastern Naturalist.
  • Manning, R., S. Lawson, and J. Morrissey. 2005. In Press. Whats Behind the Numbers? Qualitative Insights into Normative Research in Outdoor Recreation. Leisure Sciences.
  • Laven, D., R. Manning, and D. Krymkowski. 2005 In Press. The Relationship Between Visitor-Based Standards of Quality and Existing Conditions in Parks and Outdoor Recreation. Leisure Sciences.
  • Kyle, G., A. Graefe, and R. Manning. 2005. In Press. Testing the Dimensionality of Place Attachment in Recreational Settings. Environment and Behavior.
  • Kyle, G., A. Graefe, and R. Manning. 2004. Satisfaction Derived from Leisure Involvement and Setting Attachment. Leisure: Journal of the Canadian Association for Leisure Studies, 28: 277-306.
  • Kyle, G., A. Graefe, R. Manning, and J. Bacon. 2004. Effect of Activity Involvement and Place Attachment on Recreationists Perceptions of Setting Density. Journal of Leisure Research, 36: 209-231.
  • Kyle, G., A. Graefe, and R. Manning. 2004. Attached Recreationists. Who Are They? Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, 22: 65-84.
  • Kyle, G., A. Graefe, R. Manning, and J. Bacon. 2004. Predictors of Behavioral Loyalty Among Hikers Along the Appalachian Trail. Leisure Sciences, 26: 99-118.
  • Lawson, S. and R. Manning. 2003. Integrating Multiple Wilderness Values into a Decision-Making Model for Denali National Park and Preserve. Journal for Nature Conservation, 11: 355-362.
  • Lawson, S. and R. Manning. 2003. Research to Guide Management of Wilderness Camping at Isle Royale National Park: Part I. Descriptive Research. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, 21: 22-42.
  • Lawson, S. and R. Manning. 2003. Research to Guide Management of Wilderness Camping at Isle Royale National Park: Part II. Prescriptive Research. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, 21: 43-56.
  • Manning, R., W. Valliere, B. Wang, S. Lawson, and P. Newman. 2003. Estimating Day Use Social Carrying Capacity in Yosemite National Park. Leisure: Journal of the Canadian Association for Leisure Studies, 27: 77-102.
  • Kyle, G., A. Graefe, R. Manning, and J. Bacon. 2003. An Examination of the Relationship between Leisure Activity Involvement and Place Attachment among Hikers Along the Appalachian Trail. Journal of Leisure Research, 35: 249-273.
  • Lawson, S., R. Manning, W. Valliere, and B. Wang. 2003. Proactive Monitoring and Adaptive Management of Social Carrying Capacity in Arches National Park: An Application of Computer Simulation Modeling. Journal of Environmental Management, 68: 305-313.
  • Manning, R. 2003. What to Do About Crowding and Solitude in Parks and Wilderness? A Reply to Stewart and Cole. Journal of Leisure Research, 35: 107-118.
  • Manning, R. 2003. Emerging Principles for Using Information/Education in Wilderness Management. International Journal of Wilderness, 9: 20-27, 12
  • Manning, R., S. Lawson, P. Newman, W. Valliere, M. Budruk and D. Laven. 2003. Basic and Applied Research: Application of Disciplinary Theory and Methods in the Field of Leisure Studies. Leisure and Society, 26: 25-48.
  • Newman, P., R. Manning, J. Bacon, A. Graefe, and G. Kyle. 2003. An Evaluation of Appalachian Trail Hikers Knowledge of Minimum Impact Skills and Knowledge. International Journal of Wilderness, 9: 34-38.
  • Manning, R. and S. Lawson. 2002. Carrying Capacity as Informed Judgement: The Values of Science and the Science of Values. Environmental Management, 30: 157-168.
  • Manning, R., B. Wang, W. Valliere, S. Lawson, and P. Newman. 2002. Research to Estimate and Manage Carrying Capacity of a Tourist Attraction: A Study of Alcatraz Island. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 10: 388-464.
  • Manning, R., S. Lawson, P. Newman, D. Laven, and W. Valliere. 2002. Methodological Issues in Measuring Crowding-Related Norms in Outdoor Recreation. Leisure Sciences, 24: 339-348.
  • Manning, R. and W. Valliere. 2002. Coping in Outdoor Recreation: Causes and Consequences of Crowding and Conflict Among Community Residents. Journal of Leisure Research, 33: 410-426.
  • Lawson, S. and R. Manning. 2001. Solitude Versus Access: A Study of Tradeoffs in Outdoor Recreation Using Indifference Curve Analysis. Leisure Sciences, 23: 179-191.
  • Manning, R., P. Newman, W. Valliere, B. Wang, and S. Lawson. 2001. Respondent Self-Assessment of Research on Crowding Norms in Outdoor Recreation. Journal of Leisure Research, 33: 251-271.
  • Manning, R. 2001. Visitor Experience and Resource Protection: A Framework for Managing the Carrying Capacity of National Parks. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, 19: 93-108.
  • Manning, R., W. Valliere, B. Minteer, B. Wang, and C. Jacobi. 2000. Crowding in Parks and Outdoor Recreation: A Theoretical, Empirical, and Managerial Analysis. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, 18: 57-72.


Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/04

Outputs
The overall purpose of this study is to further extend the concept of carrying capacity to parks and related forest recreation areas. Progress was made on several specific study objectives as follows. 1. Research on the development and application of computer simulation modeling to carrying capacity analysis and management has been conducted in several national parks under the auspices of this project. This work was described in several papers prepared this year for publication in a General Technical Report that will be published by the U.S. Forest Service. The purpose of this publication is to advance the understanding and usage of computer simulation modeling in carrying capacity and related issues. 2. Research on indicators and standards of quality was conducted at Acadia and Haleakala National Parks. Indicators and standards of quality have emerged as important components of carrying capacity analysis and management. Research at Acadia and Haleakala National Parks is designed to further develop study methods, including visual research approaches, to identify indicators of quality and formulate related standards of quality. 3. A computer simulation model of visitor use was developed and validated for hiking at Muir Woods National Monument. This model is designed to estimate the maximum number of visitors that can be accommodated at this park without violating crowding-related standards of quality. 4. Two new studies were begun to explore transportation-related indicators and standards of quality. These studies will be conducted at Yosemite National Park and at multiple national parks designed to be representative of the national park system. Work to date has focused on development of study plans.

Impacts
This program of research will help scientists develop and apply a variety of research approaches to measure indicators and standards of quality and visitor carrying capacity, and will help inform park and forest recreation planners and managers regarding decisions about visitor carrying capacity.

Publications

  • Manning, R., S. Lawson, P. Newman, M. Budruk, W. Valliere, D. Laven, and J. Bacon. 2004. Visitor Perceptions of Recreation-Related Resource Impacts. Environmental Impacts of Ecotourism. Cambridge, MA: CAB International, pp. 259-272.
  • Manning, R. 2004. Recreation Planning Frameworks. Society and Natural Resources: A Summary of Knowledge. Jefferson, Missouri: Modern Litho, pp. 83-96.
  • Kyle, G., A. Graefe, and R. Manning. 2004. Satisfaction Derived from Leisure Involvement and Setting Attachment. Leisure: Journal of the Canadian Association for Leisure Studies, 28(3-4): 277-306.
  • Kyle, G., A. Graefe, R. Manning, and J. Bacon. 2004. Effect of Activity Involvement and Place Attachment on Recreationists' Perceptions of Setting Density. Journal of Leisure Research, 36(2): 209-231.
  • Kyle, G., A. Graefe, and R. Manning. 2004. Place Attached Recreationists.Who Are They? Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, 22(2): 65-84.
  • Kyle, G., A. Graefe, R. Manning, and J. Bacon. 2004. Predictors of Behavioral Loyalty Among Hikers Along the Appalachian Trail. Leisure Sciences, 26: 99-118.
  • Kyle, G., A. Graefe, R. Manning, and J. Bacon. 2004. The Effect of Place Attachment on Users' Perception of Social and Environmental Conditions Encountered in a Natural Area. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 24: 213-225.
  • Lawson, S. and R. Manning. 2003. Integrating Multiple Wilderness Values into a Decision-Making Model for Denali National Park. Journal for Nature Conservation, 11(4): 355-362.
  • Lawson, S. and R. Manning. 2003. Research to Guide Management of Wilderness Camping at Isle Royale National Park: Part I - Descriptive Research. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, 21(3): 22-42.
  • Lawson, S. and R. Manning. 2003. Research to Guide Management of Wilderness Camping at Isle Royale National Park: Part II - Prescriptive Research. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, 21(3): 43-56.


Progress 10/01/01 to 09/30/02

Outputs
Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were developed and employed to help identify potential indicators of quality of resource condition and the visitor experience at Zion National Park. These research methods were used to complement the strengths and weaknesses of each, and to use alternative research approaches to "triangulate" on meaningful indicator variables. Indicators and standards of quality for the visitor experience were identified through survey research at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Computer simulation models of visitor use were also developed at several sites within the park, and these models were used to estimate maximum daily use levels at study sites without violating a range of potential standards of quality. Indicators and standards of quality for the visitor experience were extended from conventional park environments to the context of a parkway. Using visual simulations, visitors to the Blue Ridge Parkway were administered a survey to determine the maximum acceptable levels and types of vehicles on a generic section of the parkway. Indicators and standards of quality were extended to the resource component of carrying capacity at Isle au Haut, Acadia National Park. Using visual simulations, hikers on Isle au Haut were administered a survey to determine the maximum acceptable levels of selected resource impacts, including trail erosion and social trailing. Research methods were developed and applied to measure standards of quality for litter and graffiti at Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. Using visual simulations, condition class and standardized grid measurement approaches were developed and administered to a sample of park visitors.

Impacts
This program of research will help scientists develop and apply a variety of research approaches to measure indicators and standards of quality and visitor carrying capacity, and will help inform park and forest recreation managers regarding decisions about visitor carrying capacity.

Publications

  • Manning, R. 2003. What to do about Crowding and Solitude in Parks and Wilderness: A Reply to Stewart and Cole. Journal of Leisure Research
  • Manning, R., and S. Lawson. 2002. Carrying Capacity as "Informed Judgment": The Values of Science and the Science of Values. Environmental Management. 30(2):157-166.
  • Manning, R., B. Wang, W. Valliere, S. Lawson, and P. Newman. 2002. Research to Estimate and Manage Carrying Capacity of a Tourist Attraction: A Study of Alcatraz Island. Journal of Sustainable Tourism. 11(4): 388-404.
  • Davenport, M., W. Borrie, W. Freimund, and R. Manning. 2002. Assessing the Relationship Between Desired Experiences and Support for Management Actions at Yellowstone National Park Using Multiple Methods. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration. 20(3): 51-64.
  • Budruk, M., R. Manning, W. Valliere and B. Wang. 2002. Perceived Crowding at Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area. USDA Forest Service General Technical Report NE-289, pp.32-35.


Progress 10/01/00 to 09/30/01

Outputs
The overall purpose of this study is to further extend the concept of carrying capacity to parks and related forest recreation areas. Progress was made on several specific study objectives as follows: 1. The theoretical and empirical construct of indifference curve analysis was employed in a study of visitors to Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, Utah. The purpose of this study was to quantify the tradeoffs that park visitors prefer to make between solitude and access. A representative sample of hikers was asked a series of paired comparison questions that presented alternative combinations of solitude at Delicate Arch (people-at-one-time at the Arch) and access to this site (percentage chance of receiving a permit to hike to this site). Study findings mapped indifference curves for this sample of hikers, and this information can be used to inform decisions about visitor carrying capacity. 2. The analytical procedure of stated choice analysis was used to explore tradeoffs that visitors prefer to make among competing attributes of the wilderness experience at Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska. A representative sample of overnight visitors to the wilderness portion of the park was administered a survey containing a series of paired comparison questions. Each question contained two scenarios describing alternative wilderness conditions. Wilderness conditions were defined by three levels of each of six wilderness attributes, including resource conditions (trail and campsite impacts), social conditions (trail and campsite crowding), and management conditions (access and regulations). Study findings quantify the tradeoffs that visitors prefer to make among these wilderness attributes, and help to inform decisions regarding visitor carrying capacity. 3. Indicators and standards of quality of the visitor experience were explored in an urban forested recreation area at Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area, Massachusetts. Representative samples of visitors to this area were administered questionnaires to determine indicators of quality and minimum standards of quality for these indicator variables. 4. Resource and social indicators and standards of quality were explored in two studies at Acadia National Park, Maine. Resource indicators of quality addressed ecological impacts along park trails, while social indicators of quality addressed crowding related issues. These studies included surveys of representative samples of visitors to two areas within this park, the Schoodic Peninsula and Isle au Haut. Standards of quality for indicator variables were measured using simulated photography. 5. Resource and social indicators and standard of quality were explored in the wilderness portion of Yosemite National Park, California. This study employed two research methods, including a diary survey and stated choice analysis (described above). The diary survey asked a representative sample of overnight wilderness visitors to report spatially-referenced data on indicators and standards of the quality of the wilderness experience, including trail and campsite impacts and crowding-related issues.

Impacts
This program of research will help scientists develop and apply a variety of research approaches to measure indicators and standards of quality and visitor carrying capacity, and will help inform park and forest recreation managers regarding decisions about visitor carrying capacity.

Publications

  • Manning, R., W. Valliere, B. Wang, S. Lawson, and P. Newman. 2002. Estimating Day Use Social Carrying Capacity in Yosemite National Park. Leisure: The Journal of the Canadian Association for Leisure Studies.
  • Manning, R., P. Newman, W. Valliere, B. Wang, and S. Lawson. 2002. Respondent Self-Assessment of Research on Crowding Norms in Outdoor Recreation. Journal of Leisure Research.
  • Manning, R. and W. Valliere. 2002. Coping in Outdoor Recreation: Causes and Consequences of Crowding and Conflict Among Community Residents. Journal of Leisure Research.
  • Lawson, S. and R. Manning. 2002. Tradeoffs Among Social, Resource, and Managerial Attributes of the Denali Wilderness: A Contextual Approach to Normative Research. Leisure Sciences.
  • Manning, R., S. Lawson, P. Newman, D. Laven, and W. Valliere. 2002. Methodological Issues in Measuring Crowding-Related Norms in Outdoor Recreation. Leisure Sciences.
  • Bacon, J., R. Manning, D. Johnson, and M. Vande Kamp. 2001. Norm Stability: A Longitudinal Analysis of Crowding and Related Norms in the Wilderness of Denali National Park and Preserve. The George Wright Forum 18(3):62-71.
  • Warzecha, C., R. Manning, D. Lime, and W. Freimund. 2001. Diversity in Outdoor Recreation: Planning and Managing a Spectrum of Visitor Opportunities in and Among Parks. The George Wright Forum 18(3):99-111.
  • Lawson, S. and R. Manning. 2001. Crossing Experiential Boundaries: Visitor Preferences Regarding Tradeoffs Among Social, Resource, and Managerial Attributes of the Denali Wilderness. The George Wright Forum 18(3):10-27.
  • Lawson, S. and R. Manning. 2001. Solitude Versus Access: A Study of Tradeoffs in Outdoor Recreation Using Indifference Curve Analysis. Leisure Sciences 23:179-191.
  • Manning, R. 2001. Visitor Experience and Resource Protection: A Framework for Managing the Carrying Capacity of National Parks. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration 19(1):93-108.
  • Manning, R. 2001. How Much is Too Much? Carrying Capacity of National Parks and Related Areas. Human Use Management of Mountain Areas. Banff, Alberta: The Banff Centre, pp. 1-15.
  • Valliere, W., R. Manning, M. Budruk, and S. Lawson. In Press. Transportation Planning and Social Carrying Capacity in the National Parks. Proceedings of the 2001 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium.
  • Lawson, S. and R. Manning. In Press. Balancing Tradeoffs in the Denali Wilderness: An Expanded Approach to Normative Research Using Stated Choice Analysis. Proceedings of the 2001 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium.
  • Budruk, M., R. Manning, W. Valliere, and B. Wang. In Press. Perceived Crowding at Boston Harbor National Park Area. Proceedings of the 2001 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium.
  • Newman, P., R. Manning, and W. Valliere. In Press. Integrating Resource, Social and Managerial Indicators of Quality into Carrying Capacity Decision Making. Proceedings of the 2001 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium.
  • Manning, R. 2001. Carrying Capacity as Informed Judgement: The Values of Science and the Science of Values. Visitor Use Density and Wilderness Experience: Proceedings. USDA Forest Service Proceedings RMRS-P-20, pp. 21-28.
  • Wang, B., R. Manning, S. Lawson, and W. Valliere. 2001. Estimating Social Carrying Capacity Through Simulation Modeling: An Application to Arches National Park, Utah. Proceedings of the 2000 Northeastern Recreation Symposium. USDA Forest Service General Technical Report NE-270, pp. 193-200.
  • Lawson, S. and R. Manning. 2001. Evaluating Multiple Dimensions of Visitors' Tradeoffs Between Access and Crowding at Arches National Park Using Indifference Curve Analysis. Proceedings of the 2000 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium. USDA Forest Service General Technical Report NE-270, pp. 167-175.