Haleakala National Park
Changing visitor use levels and patterns have contributed to increasing visitor use impacts to natural and cultural resources in specific areas at Haleakalā National Park.
At Haleakalā National Park, changing visitor use levels and patterns have contributed to an increasing degree of visitor use impacts to natural and cultural resources in specific areas of the park. To better understand the extent and severity of these resource impacts and identify effective management techniques, the park sponsored this research to develop monitoring protocols, collect baseline data, and identify options for management strategies.
Park managers operate under legislative mandates to provide appropriate recreational opportunities while protecting and preserving park resources and natural processes. While a variety of recreational uses, including trail-related activities, are clearly appropriate, park managers must also ensure that they avoid significant impairment of natural and cultural resources. As described in the Introduction section, park managers are charged with applying their professional judgment in evaluating the type and extent of recreation-related impacts when judging what constitutes impairment. This report provides useful information for rendering such determinations and provides a basis for decisions to enhance the management of visitors and resources to avoid or minimize recreation impacts.
This research developed and applied state-of-the-art recreation site and trail condition assessment and monitoring procedures and applied them to the park‘s backcountry recreation sites and trails.
A variety of recreation site and trail condition indicators were identified in consultation with park staff for potential use in the future in the NPS Visitor Experience and Resource Protection (VERP) carrying capacity planning and decision-making. Protocols were developed, field-tested, and applied with results fully summarized for use in selecting standards of quality. Park staff participated in the field assessments and were trained for future application of monitoring procedures.
Published May 2009
Created by an act of Congress in 1879, the U.S. Geological Survey has evolved over the ensuing 125 years, matching its talent and knowledge to the progress of science and technology. The USGS is the sole science agency for the Department of the Interior. It is sought out by thousands of partners and customers for its natural science expertise and its vast earth and biological data holdings.
Trails and Resilience: Review of the Role of Trails in Climate Resilience and Emergency Response
posted Apr 12, 2023
Trails are often overlooked as elements of essential infrastructure for a resilient transportation system.1 In emergencies where other transportation facilities are shut down or inaccessible, people may use trails to get where they need to go.
posted Jul 15, 2022
This research investigated the influence of several use-related, environmental, and managerial factors on soil loss on recreational trails and roads at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, a unit of the U.S. National Park Service.
posted Jul 15, 2022
This article reviews the most recent and relevant recreation ecology studies that have been applied in wildland settings to avoid or minimize resource impacts.
posted Jul 15, 2022
This article examines the recreation ecology literature most relevant to wilderness and backcountry, with a focus on visitor impacts to vegetation, soil, wildlife, and water resources.
