Social and ecological health: Leave No Trace Science

Balancing resource protection with the provision of quality recreational opportunities is an ongoing challenge for protected area managers. Visitor use can negatively impact ecological wellbeing and visitor experience. In... [ view full abstract ]

Balancing resource protection with the provision of quality recreational opportunities is an ongoing challenge for protected area managers. Visitor use can negatively impact ecological wellbeing and visitor experience. In order to address these impacts, mangers often rely on a variety of direct (regulatory) and indirect (education/information) management actions. Messaging promoted through the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is the most prominent indirect, visitor education strategy in protected areas, with the goal of protecting resource and social wellbeing by positively influencing behaviors. The majority of research regarding Leave No Trace has focused on examining ecological impacts resulting from visitor use. However, to influence protected area visitor behaviors, we must understand those cognitive processes that drive behavior. Thus, a growing body of social science research examining both self-reported perceptions, as well as actual behaviors regarding Leave No Trace has emerged. These studies span across multiple types of protected areas (urban/frontcountry to wilderness/backcountry), and visitor use types (e.g., day, overnight, motorized, non-motorized users). This presentation will describe the methods, results, and key lessons learned from these studies, and suggest methodological considerations for expanding Leave No Trace social science. Ultimately, this presentation will provide protected area managers and researchers with information that can be used to influence visitor behaviors in a manner than aligns with management objectives, and protects ecological and social health.