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Author (down) Roovers, P.; Dumont, B.; Gulinck, H.; Hermy, M.,
Title Visual obstruction of herb vegetation, defining standards for natural barriers Type
Year 2004 Publication Policies, Methods and Tools for Visitor Management Abbreviated Journal
Volume MMV 2 - Proceedings Issue Pages 400-403
Keywords MMV2
Abstract As a result of increasing impact of recreation on natural resources and visitor experiences, wilderness managers often want to control recreational use. However, most of the attempts to alter wilderness recreational use patterns, suffer from a lack of knowledge of visitors’ behaviour they seek to influence. This study concentrated on the effects of ground vegetation on perceived obstruction to recreationists. The aim was to define marginal values for the structure of natural barriers. Ratings by participants (n= 131) on a five-point scale, measured perceived obstruction. These ratings were linked to vertical cover of the vegetation. Analyses indicated a significant exponential relationship between vertical cover and perceived obstruction. A marginal vegetation height of about 54 cm could be identified as having obstructive features. Also the condition of the soil and the presence of irritating species seemed to influence visitors’ judgement. It was concluded that a more intensive use of natural barriers to control recreational use, is a functional alternative with economical and aesthetical advantages.
Call Number ILEN @ m.sokopp @ 338 Serial 2377
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Author (down) Gulinck, H.; Dumont, B.,
Title Simulating Visitors’ Dispersion in a Nature Reserve based on a Friction Model Type
Year 2002 Publication Monitoring and Management of Visitor Flows in Recreational and Protected Areas Abbreviated Journal
Volume MMV 1 - Proceedings Issue Pages 187-190
Keywords MMV1
Abstract A friction model is used for predicting the risk of human penetration of fragile vegetation and bird breeding sites in a nature reserve in central Belgium. The basic components of the study are the terrain classification and the determination of friction values. Different sets of friction values are proposed: based on expert estimation, on walking speed, on energy consumption estimation and on willingness to trespass. The results are compared with spatial data derived from visitor’s observations and interviews. The model is to be improved in a later stage by incorporating the effects of visitor's goals, and of attractors and detractors such as vistas, free roaming cattle or physical challenges. The outcome of this study will be used as basis for the evaluation, and eventually of the redesign, of the current management decisions provided in and around the reserve. Also it should help in following-up the effects of the rapidly changing vegetation and terrain conditions on the behaviour of visitors.
Call Number ILEN @ m.sokopp @ 468 Serial 2297
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Author (down) Dumont, B.; Gulinck, H.,
Title Push and pull assemblages for modelling visitor’s flows in complex landscapes Type
Year 2004 Publication Policies, Methods and Tools for Visitor Management Abbreviated Journal
Volume MMV 2 - Proceedings Issue Pages 386-392
Keywords MMV2
Abstract Visitor flows can be represented as a landscape-recreation-model with eight components: entrances, goals, exits, field units, attractors or detractors, road segments, road junctions and barriers. The model can develop towards a real-time application by increasing its complexity. Starting from a basic situation (a landscape with one road and one entrance), the influence of landscape attractiveness is included; secondly diversity of the terrain and visitor is taken into account, thirdly time variation is added and finally, the interaction between the eight above-mentioned components is incorporated. The basic framework is a cost-distance function, to estimate the probability of on- and off-track visit of any location in a nature reserve on deliberate times and in specific terrain conditions. This can be represented by mean of a push-pull concept: some of the components (like entrances) have a push effect, while others, like goals, exits (when determined in advance) and attractors, have a pull-effect. To support the conversion towards a real-time application, GPS surveys, interviews, camera observation, photographic monitoring of seasonal changes, photo comparisons, step-bridges, walking experiments, experiments about field unit division and landscape preference studies were executed. This model is being developed in marshland nature reserves in central Belgium. Ultimately this system should lead to an impact assessment and decision support tool.
Call Number ILEN @ m.sokopp @ 332 Serial 2374
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