A first alternative for estimating the physical carrying capacities of natural areas for recreation |
| |
Authors: | Fred R Kuss John M Morgan III |
| |
Institution: | (1) Department of Recreation, University of Maryland, 20742 College Park, Maryland, USA;(2) Department of Geography, Towson State University, 21204 Towson, Maryland, USA |
| |
Abstract: | Utilizing an adaptation of the Universal Soil Loss Equation, this article discusses a method for approximating the physical carrying capacity of natural areas for outdoor recreation. Classification of forested woodland and field environments is based upon the conversion of ground cover coefficients to the percentage of ground cover required to maintain soil productivity over time. Four canopy types, three canopy densities, and two general types of ground cover are recognized in the equation as well as soil characteristics, topographical variations, and rainfall velocities and intensities. The method requires that the areal distribution of soils occurring within natural areas be mapped. Approximations will vary according to the intensity of the planning desired, and may range from a general classification of large land areas to highly site-specific evaluations. Data generated from over 40 years of cooperative research form the basis for classifying natural areas according to their relative physical capacities to accommodate outdoor recreation. |
| |
Keywords: | Ecological inventories Land classification Universial Soil Loss Equation Outdoor recreation Recreational land use |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|