Carrying Capacity in Recreation Management

1
Carrying Capacityin Recreation Management
2

• The use an area can tolerate without unacceptable
  change (Hendee, et al. 1990)

3
Types

• Physical - Biological
• Social - Psychological

4

• Physical - BiologicalDescribe the amount and
  kind of use an ecosystem can sustainWithout
  undue evidence of unnatural impact

5

• Social - Psychological DimensionLevels and
  concentrations of human usean area can
  accommodate before the solitude is diminished

6
How?

• Its a relative term - not absolute number
• Established by managerial judgement
• Qualities of bio-centric human experience
• Plan for appropriate development toward
  Preservation Time Space

7
Ecology First

• Recreational Carrying Capacity tends to be
  socially based
• It must first consider the ecology of an area
• This demands that the recreation professional
  understands Ecological Carrying Capacity FIRST
  and FOREMOST

8
Principles for Sustainable Nature Tourism

• Nature values are preserved and the tourism
  activities promote nature protection.
• Minimum loading of the environment is assured.
• Local culture and heritage are respected.
• Customers' appreciation and knowledge of nature
  and culture are promoted.
• Customers' opportunities to find recreation in
  nature are enhanced.

9

• Customers' mental and physical wellbeing are
  reinforced.
• Positive impacts are made on local economy and
  employment.
• Communication and marketing are of high standard
  and carried out with a sense of responsibility.
• Activities are planned and implemented in
  cooperation (w/ stakeholders). Public
  Participation (Metsähallitus, 2000 E33 E39)

10
Common Approaches

• Survey perceived tolerances Visual
  surveys Questionnaires
• Base on history
• Demand
• Perceived and actual impact
• Estimate (annual monthly daily seasonal)

11
Estimating Recreational Carrying Capacity

• Daily A programs x participants/group
• Or, of estimated users /day (based on LAC)
• Estimate this on how many hours/day
• How many hours/program or event
• How many staff can support the programs
• How many participants and events can facilities
  and equipment handle

12

• Monthly B Programs x estimated
  participants/program
• Annually or Seasonally C programs/month x 12
  (or how many months are functional)
• Finally Can the land, facilities, and staff
  handle this number? Cost effectiveness
  feasibility.