Following the development of our strategic plan, researchers at the Leopold Institute engaged in a scoping effort to identify priority research questions for Recreation. Improving and evaluating educational programs that promote low-impact behaviors was identified as a topic of particular interest.

Knowledge about low-impact practices can be found in the following resources:

A practical guide to minimum-impact recreation techniques and ethics: Hampton, Bruce; Cole, David. 2003. NOLS Soft Paths: How to enjoy the wilderness without harming it. Third Edition. Stackpole Books. Mechanicsburg, PA. 225p. The book is described at http://www.stackpolebooks.com.

Cole, David N.; Krumpe, Edwin E. 1992. Seven principles of low-impact wilderness recreation. Western Wildlands 18(1): 39-43.
Leopold Publication Number 223
View abstract or Order this publication

Cole, David N. 1989. Low-impact recreational practices for wilderness and backcountry. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-265. Ogden, UT: USDA For. Serv., Intermountain Research Station 131p.
Leopold Publication Number 183
View abstract or Download this publication (827 K)

Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics Website - http://www.lnt.org/TeachingLNT/LNTEnglish.php

Knowledge about education programs and techniques can be found in the following resources:

Borrie, William T.; Harding, James T. 2001. Basic Knowledge of Factors that Limit the Practice of Low-impact Behaviors. Draft report on file at: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute, Missoula, MT. 183 p.
Leopold Institute Unpublished Report 100

Borrie, WIlliam T., and Harding, James A. 2002. Effective recreation visitor communication strategies: Rock climbers in the Bitterroot Valley, Montana. Research Note RMRS-RN-15. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 11 p.
Leopold Institute Publication 503

For an overview on Factors That Limit Compliance With Low-Impact Recommendations, click here.

FUTURE RESEARCH NEEDS

Further research is needed on both the content of educational messages and the media used to communicate with visitors.

Some of the most prominent lines of needed research include:

1. What are the low-impact practices that should be recommended, either generally or in specific situations? Some of the more important research gaps are:
1. evaluating the relative durability of different environments;
2. describing more specifically how to avoid harassment and disturbance of animals;
3. describing more specifically how to limit the adverse impacts of packstock confinement and grazing; and
4. understanding the nature and severity of recreation-related water pollution and how behaviors can reduce impacts.
2. What are the factors that limit visitor compliance with low-impact recommendations?
3. How can we design comprehensive educational strategies and programs that will persuade visitors to apply low-impact behaviors?
4. How effective are existing low-impact educational programs?

Click here for Leopold Institute publications on these topics