This chapter outlines the strategies and practices that can be used to manage outdoor recreation. Related concepts applied to the management of outdoor recreation are also discussed, namely, the classification of problem behaviours, theories of moral development, and communication theory.

Glacier National Park is known as a backpacker's paradise, and for much of the park's history, little regulation of backcountry camping existed. But as visits to the park's primitive interior increased, concerns grew about safely accommodating this use while protecting wilderness resources (Impacts ...

This chapter identifies and reviews the potential impacts that outdoor recreation can have on park resources (soil, vegetation, water, wildlife, air, natural quiet, natural darkness, and historical/cultural resources), the quality of the visitor experience (crowding, conflict, and depreciative...

On peak summer days, thousands of hikers can be found along the extensive and diverse trail system in Acadia National Park. The collective use by so many visitors can take a toll on trail resources. Some visitors alter and build rock cairns; walk off-trail to avoid rocks, roots, and wet spots; and...

A wondrous display of synchronous fireflies at Great Smoky Mountains National Park draws many visitors to the park each spring. However, the small viewing area and limited number of days over which this natural event takes place challenges the National Park Service to prevent associated resource...

Visitor use of Arches National Park has grown dramatically in the past few decades and now exceeds 1 million visits annually. But this use has had several important impacts in the park, including trampling of fragile soils and vegetation (Impacts to soil; Impacts to vegetation) and crowding on...

Visitors to Biscayne National Park have the opportunity to explore globally important, biologically diverse underwater habitats. However, when recreational boaters cross though shallow waters, anchor, or become grounded on seagrass meadows or coral reefs, significant resource damage can occur...

In recent years, record numbers of visitors have gathered at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore to see its now famous ice caves. The lakeshore has adapted quickly to high visitation during the normally quiet winter season, accommodating challenges associated with visitor safety, crowded conditions, ...

This chapter identifies and discusses a range of management strategies and tactics/practices that can be used to manage outdoor recreation in national parks. For the purposes of this book, management strategies are classified into four basic categories: increasing the supply of recreation...

On peak summer days, thousands of hikers can be found along the extensive and diverse trail system in Acadia National Park. The collective use by so many visitors can take a toll on trail resources. Some visitors alter and build rock cairns; walk off-trail to avoid rocks, roots, and wet spots; and...