Modeling areal measures of campsite impacts on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail to enhance ecological sustainability

Campsite impacts in protected natural areas are most effectively minimized by a containment strategy that focuses use on limited number of sustainable campsites spatially concentrate camping activities. This research employs spatial autoregressive (SAR) modeling to evaluate the relative influence use-related, environmental, and managerial factors two salient measures campsite impact. Relational analyses examined numerous field-collected GIS-derived indicators, including several new indicators calculated using high-resolution Light Detection Ranging (LiDAR) topographic data terrain characteristics dependent variables. Chosen variables best SAR models explained 35% 30% variation size area vegetation loss campsites. Results identified three key managers can manipulate enhance sustainability campsites: type, relating landform slope roughness. support indirect management methods rely location, design, construction, maintenance campsites, instead direct regulations restrict visitation or visitor freedoms. As pressures continue increase, this knowledge be applied select promote more ecologically