Abstract
Historically, riparian areas have been used by people as a source of food and water, as travel corridors, and as recreational areas. Only recently the recreational effects of people on riparian zones have been actively considered. The primary effects associated with recreation are soil compaction, vegetation change, erosion, and waste. Unmanaged recreational use has effects similar to those of other chronic disturbances associated with riparian areas. Generally, recreational-management strategies must include two approaches. The first is to direct people away from the most sensitive areas to those areas capable of withstanding recreational effects. The second approach is to provide educational opportunities to recreational users, allowing them to understand the effects of their activities and how they can be alleviated.
Recommended Citation
Rasmussen, G. Allen and Padgett, Wayne
(1994)
"Recreational effects on riparian areas,"
Natural Resources and Environmental Issues: Vol. 1, Article 7.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/nrei/vol1/iss1/7
