Assessment of resource changes in backcountry campsites from 1989-1996 in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Abstract
One of the major contributing factors affecting wilderness resources is camping.The objectives of this study were to describe the resource changes that occur in backcountry campsites in Rocky Mountain National Park as measured by campsite area and campsite score from the Backcountry Campsite Impact Assessment and Monitoring System (BCIAMS).Six categories, with several sub-categories each, were tested for change in area and total BCIAMS score.Categories were relative aspect, campfire, campsite type, distance from the trailhead, elevation and use.Each sub-category was analyzed independently and for each test, missing area measurements, or total scores of zero were dropped from that analysis.This produced different numbers of campsites in each test.Most sites increased in area over time, but most sites decreased in total score over time.Sites that increased significantly in area over time were: northeast, southeast, northwest, no fire, campfire, individual, any distance from the trailhead, low or moderate in elevation and heavily used.Sites that increased significantly in total score over time were southwest and no fires.Stock sites decreased significantly over time in total score.Use was positively correlated to an increase in campsite area and total score.Group and group/stock sites had larger areas than all other site types.Stock sites had larger areas than individual sites.Group/stock sites had higher total scores than all other site types.Campsites far from the trailhead had larger areas than sites close to the trailhead.Moderate elevation sites had higher total scores than low elevation sites.A model of the life cycle of a campsite was adapted from Cole (1994).The decrease in BCIAMS scores, along with yearly campsite improvements has shown that impacts to campsites be reversed and allow the campsite to reach a long term steady state.This study demonstrated the validity of assessing, monitoring and managing campsites over time.Managing campsites increases their aesthetic quality, concentrates use, and can reverse the rate of degradation.With continued management of campsites, our natural areas can be preserved for future generations.
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