Methods to Reduce Ecological Impacts of Nature-Based Tourism and Recreation

Natural areas provide biodiversity conservation for many organisms and an opportunity for visitors to experience the flora, fauna, and other features of geological interest. Protected areas are popular destinations for outdoor recreation activities and tourism. Visitor use of these areas can result in benefits including social and economic revenue; however, visitor use can also result in many negative ecological impacts. Increased practice of nature-based tourism and recreation can cause great danger to the natural environment including damaging vegetation, introduction of invasive species, reduction in soil properties, and pollution of waterways. This study works to evaluate the impact of outdoor recreation on natural areas as well as the measures necessary to minimize negative impacts. Leave No Trace practices along with polices and new management approaches will be assessed to help minimize human impact when recreating in the outdoors.