易胜博官网

Doctoral student and outdoor enthusiast is spending a lot of time in the (WMNF) this summer. But instead of hiking or camping, Lynch, who鈥檚 pursuing a Ph.D. in education, is conducting important research on how others are using and enjoying the region鈥檚 iconic trails and waterfalls.

鈥淲e are monitoring and measuring overall recreation visitor use within the听Franconia Ridge and Pemigewasset Wilderness areas of the WMNF,鈥� says , assistant professor of recreation management and policy, who鈥檚 overseeing this project for 易胜博官网 in collaboration with the and the USDA Forest Service. 鈥淓ssentially, we are determining the number of recreationists that use these areas as well as their associated parking lot use.

鈥淢yles is deploying and downloading data from an infrared trail counter听which uses a high-quality infrared scope to count visitors as they walk by,鈥� Ferguson adds.

Their data will help WMNF managers address problems more commonly associated with cities than the great outdoors: Parking, crowding, and conflict. Resource managers are seeking solutions to safety and experience concerns as cars continue to spill out of parking lots at popular trailheads and as visitors become increasingly crowded. The study area boasts spectacular ridgeline views and easy interstate access to major population centers, drawing millions of visitors who also pose a threat to听both the natural and social environments.

Their data will help WMNF managers address problems more commonly associated with cities than the great outdoors: Parking, crowding, and conflict.

鈥淥ur objectives are to generate baseline data through a combination of electronic trail counts, direct visitor observations and visitor surveys. Ultimately, we want to provide empirical evidence that can be used to inform future management actions,鈥� Ferguson says.

Principal and co-principal investigators of this study are听Robert Manning at the University of Vermont and Nathan Reigner at Recreation and Tourism Science, LLC. The study is funded by the .

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