Abstract
This paper describes the development and application of a computer-based simulation model of recreational use in the John Muir Wilderness Area in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, USA. The results of the study demonstrate, conceptually, how simulation modeling can be used as a tool for understanding existing visitor use patterns within the John Muir Wilderness Area, estimating the impact of increasing visitor use levels on management objectives, and evaluating the effects of alternative policy decisions on visitor flows and visitor use conditions. This study also identifies and discusses potential challenges of applying computer simulation to backcountry recreation management and provides recommendations for further research to address these issues.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 187-207 |
Number of pages | 21 |
Journal | Journal of Leisure Research |
Volume | 38 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 2006 |
Keywords
- Crowding
- Limits of Acceptable Change
- Monitoring
- Visitor flows
- Wilderness management
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Environmental Science (miscellaneous)
- Sociology and Political Science
- Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Management