Assessing trail use and management: a case study of the Foothills trail system near Wenatchee, Washington

Presenter Information

Beth Macinko, Central Washington University

Document Type

Oral Presentation

Campus where you would like to present

Ellensburg

Event Website

https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source

Start Date

16-5-2019

End Date

16-5-2019

Abstract

Resource managers of publicly-accessible, protected lands are tasked with managing for multiple goals, including protecting and preserving open space and the natural resources of an area to offering recreation opportunities. Recreational impacts are influenced by use factors including type, frequency, seasonality, and temporality. Obtaining information about users and use levels informs management plans and ensures ecological resources are protected while providing desired recreation experiences. This study implemented a survey online and in-person to gather responses from 367 trail users about user characteristics, opinions, and perceptions on a trail system near Wenatchee, Washington. Additionally, the survey employed public participation GIS (PPGIS) to obtain use pattern data. Results were analyzed to create profiles of use and users, recreational impacts, and management implications. While the rates of conflict and dissatisfaction were found to occur at low levels, emerging issues for the management of the trail system were identified. Study methods, findings, and recommendations for management will be discussed.

Recommended Citation

Macinko, Beth, "Assessing trail use and management: a case study of the Foothills trail system near Wenatchee, Washington" (2019). Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 103.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2019/Oralpres/103

Faculty Mentor(s)

Jennifer Lipton

Department/Program

Cultural and Environmental Resource Management