| Nature reserve managers in North America are increasingly challenged in their mandate to (i) provide recreation opportunities for growing numbers of visitors and (ii) ensure the maintenance of ecological integrity by mitigating the potential for user impacts. This research developed an evaluation tool for predicting ecological site sensitivity to recreational activities to assess the design and sustainability of a reserve's recreation infrastructure. Applications of this spatio-temporal evaluation procedure are presented through case studies on the recreational sensitivity of tundra environments in Tombstone Territorial Park, Yukon, Canada.; The evaluation encompassed three distinct, but complementary research components: (i) a short-term experimental trampling and camping study on nine distinct tundra surfaces, (ii) a field and GIS inventory of fourteen biophysical variables, and (iii) a GIS-based multi-criteria evaluation model which delivers spatial categorizations of the ecological sensitivity of tundra to hiking and camping.; Results of the trampling and camping study suggested immediate and one-year vegetation responses to be determined by disturbance intensity and plant characteristics. Comparisons of the subarctic data set with findings from mid-latitude alpine tundra suggested insignificant differences in the resistance and resilience of vascular plants, but significantly lower tolerance in the higher-latitude setting. Trampling had inconsistent effects on near-surface permafrost and soil temperatures. Camping simulations demonstrated lasting vegetation effects on the tent footprint after two consecutive nights of site occupancy although impacts varied with vegetative characteristics.; Compilation of the biophysical GIS database involved the collection, parameterization, sensitivity classification and spatial assessment of vegetation, soil, wildlife and cultural variables. Their incorporation into the multi-criteria site evaluation model using weighted overlay techniques allowed the cartographic modeling of compound sensitivity across the park study area in terms of (i) recreation management units, (ii) trail corridors, and (iii) suitable campsite locations. Evaluation results suggest a heterogeneous park landscape in terms of sensitivity to recreation with concrete implications for visitor management. The model provides decision support for improving or designing recreation facilities, renders decision-making on allocating recreation opportunities more accountable and enhances the grasp of available choices in the planning process. |
