| Since the first published article in 1928, the field of recreation ecology has long focused on impacts found at campsites in our nation's natural areas. However, it was not until the 1980's that researchers began to focus heavily on creating systematic approaches to inventory, assess, monitor, and mitigate these impacts. Without such an approach, it is almost impossible for land managers to have an accurate picture of how many campsites they have in their management unit, how impacted they are, and what trends exist in impact severity over time. This study compares three campsite inventory methods to determine their strengths, weaknesses, and most appropriate uses. The three methods compared are the Extreme Rapid Site Inventory (ERSI), Rapid Site Inventory (RSI), and Limits of Acceptable Change Backcountry Camp Inventory and Impact Analysis (LAC Inventory). Comparisons revealed that the ERSI's recommended use is in large management units where the only goals of the inventory/monitoring process is to record numbers of sites and large scale changes to sites over time. The RSI is appropriate to use in nearly any scenario because of its adaptability and ease of use. The LAC Inventory was determined to be a lengthy and detailed method most appropriately used in limited study areas where managers have a significant supply of funding and personnel for implementation. Strengths and weaknesses of each method are identified in the discussion. |
