University Presentation Showcase: Graduate Division
Estimate of the Recreational Carrying Capacity of Laurel River Lake
Presenter Hometown
Barbourville,KY
Major
Recreation Management
Department
Recreation and Park Administration
Degree
Graduate
Mentor
Raglena Salmans
Mentor Department
Recreation and Park Administration
Recommended Citation
Davis, Caitlin N., "Estimate of the Recreational Carrying Capacity of Laurel River Lake" (2026). University Presentation Showcase Event. 6.
https://encompass.eku.edu/swps/2026/graduate/6
Abstract
Recreational carrying capacity is defined as the maximum number of visitors that can use a recreation area without negatively affecting the environment or the visitors' experience. Laurel River Lake is a multiuse recreation area in London, Kentucky managed by the Forest Service and The Army Core of Engineers. This Article estimates the recreational carrying capacity of Laurel River Lake by using boat counts. The estimate will be used to gauge environmental impacts, visitor experiences, and visitor safety. Increases in recreation use can lead to a decrease in environmental sustainability, visitor safety, and visitor experience. This study is taking the first step, estimating recreational carrying capacity, to updating management practices of Laurel River Lake for long term sustainability.
Presentation format
Poster
Estimate of the Recreational Carrying Capacity of Laurel River Lake
Recreational carrying capacity is defined as the maximum number of visitors that can use a recreation area without negatively affecting the environment or the visitors' experience. Laurel River Lake is a multiuse recreation area in London, Kentucky managed by the Forest Service and The Army Core of Engineers. This Article estimates the recreational carrying capacity of Laurel River Lake by using boat counts. The estimate will be used to gauge environmental impacts, visitor experiences, and visitor safety. Increases in recreation use can lead to a decrease in environmental sustainability, visitor safety, and visitor experience. This study is taking the first step, estimating recreational carrying capacity, to updating management practices of Laurel River Lake for long term sustainability.
