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Abstract |
Isle Royale National Park is experiencing increased backcountry visitation, resulting in crowded camping conditions during peak periods. For example, during July and August, backcountry campground capacities are commonly exceeded and visitors are required to share sites with other groups. During the summers of 2001 and 2002, two phases of research were conducted to assist Park managers in addressing this issue. In the first phase of research, computer simulation modeling was used to test the effectiveness of alternative management practices designed to reduce or eliminate campground crowding. The simulation results provide numerical estimates of campground crowding (i.e., campsite sharing) under alternative management approaches, including permit quotas, trailhead quotas, campsite development, and fixed itineraries. The second phase of research used stated choice analysis to evaluate visitors’ attitudes toward alternative management scenarios developed with the simulation model. Results of the stated choice analysis suggest that visitors are willing to tolerate some campground crowding in order to avoid “heavy-handed” management practices. Together, findings from the two phases of research assist Park managers in estimating the outcomes of alternative management practices and anticipating the likelihood that visitors will support those outcomes. |
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