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David Cole - Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute
Cooperators: Yu-Fai Leung - North Carolina State University
BACKGROUND
Over the past few decades recreation ecology (the scientific study of the ecological impacts of recreation) has slowly grown into an increasingly coherent body of knowledge. It still suffers from a lack of attention that is not commensurate with societal concerns about recreation impacts or the resources that are expended managing such impacts. There are still only a few scientists in the world devoted primarily to the field of recreation ecology.
Given this lack of attention, it is imperative to make the most of the information that is available. Consequently, considerable attention has been expended on synthesizing existing knowledge, making it available and exploring its management implications. This has resulted in publication of the following books:
- Hammitt, William E., and David N. Cole. 1998. Wildland recreation: ecology and management, second edition. John Wiley: New York. 361 p.
- Hampton, Bruce, and David N. Cole. 2003. Soft paths: how to enjoy the wilderness without harming it. Third edition. Stackpole Books: Harrisburg, PA.
The following book chapters are all attempts to synthesize recreation ecology research:
- Cole, David N. 2002. Ecological impacts of wilderness recreation and management. In: Wilderness management: stewardship and protection of resources and values. J. Hendee and C. Dawson. Fulcrum Publishing, Golden, CO: 413-459. Click here to access the text of this chapter.
- Cole, David N. 2004. Impacts of hiking and camping on soils and vegetation: a review. In: Buckley, Ralf (ed.) Environmental impacts of ecotourism. CAB International: Wallingford UK: 41-60. Click here to access the text of this chapter.
- Newsome, David, David Cole and Jeffrey Marion. 2004. Environmental impacts associated with recreational horse riding. In: Buckley, Ralf (ed.) Environmental impacts of ecotourism. CAB International: Wallingford UK: 61-82.
- Cole, David N. 2004. Environmental impacts of outdoor recreation in wildlands. In: Manfredo, M.; Vaske, J., Field, D, Brown, P. and Bruyere, B. (eds). Society and resource management: a summary of knowledge. Modern Litho: Jefferson City, MO: 107-116. Click here to access the text of this chapter.
- Gutzwiller, Kevin J. and David N. Cole. 2005. Assessment and management of wildland recreational disturbance. In Clait E. Braun (ed.) Wildlife Management Techniques Manual, sixth edition. The Wildlife Society, Bethesda, Maryland: 779-796.
To increase access to recreation ecology literature, Yu-Fai Leung (working with funding from the Leopold Institute) is in the process of compiling an annotated bibliography.
Finally, to promote increased participation in recreation ecology research, a recreation ecology network is being formed. Click here for more information about the recreation ecology network (in development).
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