DETAILS & RESOURCES
A series of nine research and administrative studies were conducted in Forest Service wilderness in Oregon and Washington, between 2002 and 2005, in collaboration with Troy Hall, University of Idaho. These studies collectively were designed to develop knowledge and data to inform decisions managers must make about:
1. appropriate indicators of experiential (social) conditions in portions of wilderness that receive heavy-use and
substantial day visitation,
2. appropriate standards for experiential (social) conditions in these situations, and
3. appropriate management actions to take in order to maintain appropriate social conditions.
The nine studies that were conducted are as follows:
- Wilderness Trailhead Survey. Visitors at 36 trailheads in 13 different wilderness areas, ranging in use from very high to moderate, were given questionnaires as they exited in 2003 and 2004. Questionnaires addressed what visitors experienced, their evaluations of the experience and their opinions regarding management. Variation related to trailhead use levels and whether visitors were on day or overnight trips is examined.
Available Report:
- Regional Mail Surveys. Mailback questionnaires were sent to a systematic sample of all visitors to the region during 2002 who obtained mandatory self-issued permits at 234 trailheads in 17 wildernesses. Questions were similar to those in the wilderness trailhead survey. We drew two samples. One sample targeted visitors to low use trailheads (excluded from the trailhead survey). The second sample was of all visitors, for comparison to the on-site trailhead survey.
Available Report:
- Trailhead Experience Survey. Visitors were given questionnaires at five trailheads at the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and five trailheads at the Three Sisters Wilderness, ranging in use from very high to moderate. Two questionnaires were given to samples of visitors entering the wilderness and two were given to samples of visitors exiting. These questionnaires differed from the general trailhead survey (study 1) in that they focused in more detail on desired and expected experiences, the experiences that occurred, and effects on the nature of the wilderness experience.
Available Report:
- Wilderness Displacement Study. Mailback questionnaires were sent to a systematic sample of all visitors to the region during 2002 who obtained mandatory self-issue permits at 234 trailheads in 17 wildernesses. Questions focused on the frequency and nature of displacement from wilderness, particularly due to crowding, but also in response to management regulations and biophysical impacts. Focused sections dealt with displacement from Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, Mt. Jefferson, Three Sisters, Eagle Cap, and Alpine Lakes Wildernesses.
Available Report:
- Climber Displacement Study. Mailback questionnaires were sent to a systematic sample drawn from 2002 climbing permits for the Mt. Hood, Three Sisters, Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Adams, Mt. Baker and Mt. Washington Wildernesses. Questions focused on the frequency and nature of displacement, particularly due to crowding while climbing. A small number of climbers were also interviewed.
Available Report:
- Mount Baker Climbing Study. Visitors at the four primary climbing trailheads were given questionnaires as they exited. Questionnaires addressed climber characteristics, what climbers experienced, their evaluations of the experience and their opinions regarding management.
Available Report:
- Nature of the On-Site Experience Study. Visitors were contacted at three popular wilderness destinations: Marion Lake in the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness, Pete Lake in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and the Lakes Basin (and on trails accessing the Basin) in the Eagle Cap Wilderness. They were interviewed or filled out a short questionnaire about their immediate experience. Variation related to use levels on particular days and whether visitors were on day or overnight trips were examined.
Available Report:
- Snow Lake Conflict Study. Snow Lake, in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, is one of the most heavily used places in Northwest wilderness. Visitor behavior and interactions were observed, interviews were conducted and questionnaires were administered as visitors left the Snow Lake Basin. Questions focused on crowding-related conflict at this very heavily-used destination, as well as behaviors used to cope with crowding. Variation in behavior, conflict and coping behavior are related to variation in use levels at the lake.
Available Report:
- Stakeholder Involvement Meeting Study. Four small 3-hour meetings of stakeholders were held in communities around the Three Sisters Wilderness. These meetings used in-depth discussion to assess the values and opinions of a broader range of the public regarding crowding-related issues and appropriate management of experiences in wilderness. The study focused on how deliberation affected people's opinions about conditions and appropriate management.
Available Report:
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