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Social Carrying Capacity of Natural Areas: Theory and Application in the U.S. National Parks

Concern over increasing visitor use of natural areas such as national parks has focused attention on the concept of carrying capacity. Research and management experience suggests that carrying capacity has both biological and social components. Moreover, carrying capacity might be addressed most eff...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Natural areas journal 1996-04, Vol.16 (2), p.118-127
Main Authors: Manning, Robert E., Lime, David W., Hof, Marilyn
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Concern over increasing visitor use of natural areas such as national parks has focused attention on the concept of carrying capacity. Research and management experience suggests that carrying capacity has both biological and social components. Moreover, carrying capacity might be addressed most effectively through identification of indicators and standards of quality. Monitoring of indicator variables would ensure that standards of quality are not violated. Using this approach, the U.S. National Park Service recently designed a carrying capacity-related planning framework called Visitor Experience and Resource Protection (VERP). This planning framework was pilot-tested at Arches National Park through a program of social science research. Based on this research, a series of indicators and standards of quality were identified, a long-term monitoring program is being implemented, and management actions are being undertaken. The VERP process is now being refined and may serve as a model for the rest of the U.S. National Park System and related natural areas.
ISSN:0885-8608
2162-4399