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MITIGATING
ECOLOGICAL DAMAGE DUE TO RECREATION
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National Forest managers have
the dual role of providing high quality
recreational experiences and protecting
natural resources, functions and ecosystems.
In order to meet both objectives,
they must balance the two. |
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A significant amount of damage to our National Forests is a result of unmanaged recreation, which is when careless or uninformed visitors don’t know the regulations or how to responsibly use the areas in which they recreate. The types of damage
they inflict include: chopping down trees for
fires, building fires in inappropriate places,
creating illegal roads that damage soil and vegetation,
cutting switchbacks and polluting waterways.
The most widespread
ecological implications from recreation include:
- Trampled and subsequent loss of ground vegetation,
shrubs and tree seedlings and saplings. Loss
of vegetation means loss of both habitat and
food sources for wildlife.
- Erosion of surface litter (leaves, sticks,
twigs and animals not yet decomposed) and
humus (decomposed surface litter that provides
nutrients for plants and increases the ability
of soil to retain water).
- Exposure, erosion and compaction of soil.
- Exposure and subsequent damage to tree roots,
which can result in tree mortality.
- Increased air and water pollution from off-highway
vehicles (OHVs).
- Decreased water quality from soil erosion.
- Introduction of exotic species and weeds.
- Impaired riparian areas from overuse.
- Accidentally started wildfires.
The National Forest Foundation has taken a leading
role to educate these users on proper use techniques
and the importance of following regulations. The
National Forest Service and the National Forest
Foundation also strongly urge users to get involved
with national and local user groups that work
to educate their constituents on proper care of
the ecosystems in which they recreate.
| Our
Grant Programs, support nonprofit and
community groups that work on recreational-based
ecological restoration and education. |
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Other techniques
employed by land managers include:
- Concentrating visitors to certain areas
(trails, campgrounds, boat launches) in order
to minimize the size and scope of damaged
areas.
- Routing trails to resistant and resilient
environments while avoiding sensitive areas.
- Temporarily closing areas, trails and roads
to protect sensitive or rare species and habitats
and to allow for revegetation and restoration.
Closures may come about when use becomes too
high or when a better area is available.
- Maintaining trails, campsites and other
areas before damage becomes irreparable.
- Permanently closing areas to protect sensitive
or rare species and habitats as well as preserving
solitude and wilderness qualities.
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