Document Type

Thesis

Date of Degree Completion

Spring 2019

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Cultural and Environmental Resource Management

Committee Chair

Jennifer Lipton

Second Committee Member

Carla Jellum

Third Committee Member

Michael Pease

Abstract

Land managers for areas where recreation occurs balance minimizing impacts on the landscape with providing recreation opportunities. Use characteristics including type of use, use frequency, and use patterns have been shown to influence the severity of landscape impacts from recreation. Collecting and incorporating user data is critical to effective recreation management. The Foothills trail system is a nonmotorized, day use trail system adjacent to the city of Wenatchee, Washington that crosses public and private properties. This thesis obtained data on user demographics, use characteristics, user perceptions, and spatial use patterns through a questionnaire administered through a mixed method sampling approach that resulted in 345 survey responses. Analysis of respondent data identified trail users as local, frequent, and long-time users who find trail conditions acceptable and report low levels of interpersonal conflict. A use pattern spatial component revealed overlap in high use trail segments among all methods of travel (hiking, biking, running, horseback riding). Management recommendations based on user data are discussed. This study identified management goals for each land owner and proposes an integrated approach to management planning for cross boundary trail systems that incorporates collecting and monitoring user data.

Comments

Co-chair: Carla Jellum

Language

English

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