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posted Nov 25, 2023

Environmental Impacts of Winter Recreation

by Winter Wildlands Alliance

Regardless of our intentions, many species perceive humans as a threat and respond accordingly. In general, animals respond to threats by first increasing vigilance (time spent looking around versus foraging), and running away if the threat is perceived to be imminent.


posted Jul 15, 2022

The influence of use-related, environmental, and managerial factors on soil loss from recreational trails

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

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

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

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

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.


posted Jul 15, 2022

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.


posted Aug 23, 2021

Hiking, mountain biking and equestrian use in natural areas

by Oregon Metro Regional Government

A recreation ecology literature review


posted Dec 22, 2020

Mountain Bike Activity in Natural Areas: Impacts, Assessment, and Implications for Management

This report addresses mountain biking as a recreational activity by examining styles of riding and the corresponding demands of riders. It also identifies the major impacts of mountain biking and explores potential management techniques for developing sustainable mountain biking activities in natural areas.


posted Aug 7, 2020

Environmental Impacts from Mtn Bicycles, Electric Mtn Bicycles, & Motorcycles

by International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA)

In the fall of 2015, under contract with the Bicycle Product Suppliers Association (BPSA), with counsel from a field of recreation management experts, and through a review of existing studies of erosional impacts from trail users, the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) conducted a scientifically controlled field study.


posted Jul 29, 2020

Bicycle-Rail Trip Analysis and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Focused Study

by Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) recently began studying the ways in which bicycling, for transportation and in combination with transit, can reduce automobile use and lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The first of these focused studies concentrated on the Metro Orange Line and parallel bicycle path. This Bicycle Rail Trip Analysis and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Study looks more broadly at bicycle trips to and from Metro Rail. The purpose of this study is to establish the benefits of providing an integrated transportation system where bicyclists are accommodated at train stations and on trains.


posted Jan 10, 2019

Horse Keeping

This guide provides practical management information to San Francisco Bay Area horse owners on what they can do to help protect the environment. Whether a horse owner has one animal or operates a boarding facility, all equestrians play an important role in assuring that our watersheds are healthy and our creeks clean. Because of increasing pressures from human activity, all potential sources of environmental pollution are under critical scrutiny. Pollution can come from either point sources (e.g., a specific manufacturing plant) or nonpoint sources (e.g., livestock throughout a ranch).


posted Sep 6, 2018

Access Near Aquatic Trails

Where environmental values are high and encroachment would be particularly damaging, access may have to be controlled, limited or even restricted. Where access to aquatic areas is appropriate, it demands careful planning, design and management.


posted Jul 21, 2013

How Trails Benefit the Environment

by American Trails Staff

Trails promote natural resource management strategies that ensure environmental preservation, quality of life, and economic development.