Document Type

Thesis

Date of Degree Completion

Spring 2015

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Resource Management

Committee Chair

Michael Pease

Second Committee Member

C. Revels

Third Committee Member

Jennifer Lipton

Abstract

The goal of this research is to identify the types and impacts of recreational activities on formal and informal trails in the Roslyn Urban Forest (RUF), Roslyn, Washington. The RUF has over 8 km (5 miles) of trails that are used by recreationalists (Begley 2008). However, high-impact activities have compacted soils, eroded slopes, and affected animal migration corridors. The City of Roslyn's main management goals are to protect and enhance wildlife habitat and to provide a quality non-motorized recreational experience. Spatial analysis methods were applied to identify, code, and classify the trail network. The data includes biophysical attributes of trails (gradient, erosion) as well as passive observation of trail use. Analysis of these data resulted in a classification of trail conditions that categorize recreational impacts. These data allowed for statistical inferences regarding trail characteristics that indicate degradation vulnerability. The maps and analysis may guide and inform management of the RUF.

Comments

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