The effect of minimum impact education on visitor spatial behavior in parks and protected areas: An experimental investigation using GPS-based tracking

摘要: Abstract The unmanaged impacts of recreation and tourism can often result in unacceptable changes resource conditions quality the visitor experience. Minimum impact education programs aim to reduce by altering behaviors. Specifically, seeks resulting from lack knowledge both about consequences one's actions impact-minimizing best practices. In this study, three different on-site minimum strategies (“treatments”) a control condition were applied on trails summit area Sargent Mountain Acadia National Park, Maine. Treatment designed encourage visitors stay marked minimize off-trail travel. Treatments included message delivered via personal contact, an ecological-based amenity-based posted signs located alongside trail. A current trail markings directional was also assessed. efficacy messaging evaluated through use Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking spatial behavior on/off trails. Spatial analysis GPS tracks revealed statistically significant differences among treatments, with contact treatment yielding significantly less dispersion mountain summit. Results indicate that deployed study ineffective at limiting beyond what be accomplished markers signs. These findings suggest uniformed ranger or volunteer may most effective means delivery for education.