Resource Library

published Nov 2008

All-Terrain Vehicle Sustainability Assessments

by Jeffrey Marion with U.S. Geological Survey

The sustainable management of ATV use is an expensive proposition requiring careful design, construction, and maintenance of ATV trails.

published Mar 2016

A Review and Synthesis of Recreation Ecology Research Findings on Visitor Impacts to Wilderness and Protected Natural Areas

by Jeffrey Marion with U.S. Geological Survey

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.

published Mar 2008

ORV – Social & Management Issues

by Jeffrey Marion with U.S. Geological Survey

Off-road vehicles can have a substantial impact on the experience of other non-motorized visitors on trails that are shared or even on adjacent forest or park settings.

published Mar 2016

A Review and Synthesis of Recreation Ecology Research Supporting Carrying Capacity and Visitor Use Management Decisionmaking

by Jeffrey Marion with U.S. Geological Survey

This article reviews the most recent and relevant recreation ecology studies that have been applied in wildland settings to avoid or minimize resource impacts.

published Feb 2006

Assessing and Understanding Trail Degradation

by National Park Service

This report describes results from a comprehensive assessment of resource conditions on a large (24%) sample of the trail system within Big South Fork National River and Recreational Area (BSF).

published Mar 2005

Research for the Development of Best Management Practices to Minimize Horse Trail Impacts on the Hoosier National Forest

by USDA Forest Service

This research investigates horse trail impacts to gain an improved understanding of the relationship between various levels of horse use, horse trail management alternatives, and subsequent horse trail degradation.

published May 2009

Backcountry Recreation Site and Trail Conditions

by U.S. Geological Survey

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.

published Nov 2019

Small Business Owners Along the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) Say Trails are Vital to the Economy

The Continental Divide Trail Coalition surveyed 200 small business owners along the CDT and found that 86% say trails are vital to the economy of their communities.