Introduction

Chapter 1 Introduction to Outdoor Recreation, Recreation Ecology and Adventure Tourism (DH)

Introduces the scope of the book and defines adventure tourism, Nature-based Tourism and Ecotourism, as well as the recent growth of these areas.

• Conflicts of interest between user groups

• Management of strategies for impact reduction

• Recreation carrying capacity and limits of Acceptable Change

• Natural versus human impacts.

Section A: Environmental Impacts of Outdoor Recreation and Adventure Tourism

Chapter 2: Hill Walking and Mountaineering (DH/TS)

Introduces different types of hill and mountain user: for example day hiking, trail running, off trail travel, backpacking and mountaineering. Estimates numbers involved in these types of activities and controls on impact including types of soils and footwear, vegetation, the spread of plants and human pathogens. Expands on the management of hill walking including survey techniques, vegetation reinforcement, design and construction of footpath surfaces and their maintenance and sustainable trail sitting.

Case Studies: - Upland Management in Snowdonia and the Lake District

o Three Peaks Project, Pennines, UK

o Long Distance footpaths

o Mountain Leader Training Board Guidelines, Plas-y-Brenin, Glenmore Lodge

o BMC Tread Lightly Campaign

o US Leave No Trace program

• Types of events

• Estimates of Numbers involved

• Impacts: vegetation, soils, noise and disturbance

• Management approaches to minimize damage

Case Studies:

o Colorado 14000s, USA

o Munros, Scotland

o Charity events in UK mountains,

o Karrimor OMM

o Ten Tors (Dartmoor)

o Long Mynd Hike

Chapter 3: Recreational Climbing and Scrambling (DH)

Estimates the numbers and types of people involved in these activities and their various ethos: traditional, sport, ice climbing, mixed climbing, bouldering. Expands on the impacts caused by each type of climbing on vegetation, wildlife and substrates, as well as the impact of chock protection on rock weathering. This chapter also examines management of climbing including licenses, permits, codes of conduct and voluntary bans.

Case Studies:

o Red River Gorge, Kentucky USA

o Jura Mountains, Switzerland

o Joe's Valley, Utah USA

o Colorado Front Range, USA

o Portland, Dorset UK

o Southern Sandstone UK

Chapter 4: Gorge Walking and Canyoning (DH)

Estimates the numbers involved in gorge walking and canyoning and expands upon the botanical and geological evolution of gorges. Examines why gorges are used for recreation and the dangers facing the gorges of today e.g. access, egress and escape route damage caused by erosion. The chapter expands upon gorge management and education of instructors and users.

Case Studies:

o Brecon Beacons, UK

o North Wales, UK

o Lake District, UK

o Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, USA

o Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, Australia

Chapter 5: Off Road and All-Terrain Vehicles, including Snowmobiling (TS)

Estimates numbers involved in driving off-road and all-terrain vehicles and details where they are legally allowed. Examines the impact of these vehicles upon vegetation, soil, wildlife and pollutants and the management of ATVs.

Case Studies:

o Chilterns, UK

o Coastal ecosystems: Cape Cod (Carolina), Fire Island (New York), Colville National Forest (Washington)

o Svalbard

o Central Coast Region, Western Australia

Chapter 6: Mountain Biking (TS)

Estimates numbers of people involved in this activity. Expands upon the development and types of mountain biking: cross-country, trail riding, all mountain, downhill, freeride and dirt jumping, including 'Fat Bikes'. Examines the impact and management of mountain bikes upon vegetation, soils, water and wildlife, as well as erosion.

Case Studies

o Marin Trail, UK

o Llandegla, UK

o Coed-y-Brenin, UK

o Antur Ff