Carrying Capacity
in
Recreation Management
• The use an area can tolerate
without unacceptable change
(Hendee, et al. 1990)
Types
• Physical - Biological
• Social - Psychological
• Physical - Biological
Describe the amount and kind of use an
ecosystem can sustain
Without undue evidence of unnatural
impact
• Social - Psychological Dimension
Levels and concentrations of human use
an area can accommodate before the
solitude is diminished
How?
• It’s a relative term - not absolute number
• Established by managerial judgement
• Qualities of bio-centric & human
experience
• Plan for appropriate development toward:
Preservation
Time
Space
Ecology First
• Recreational “Carrying Capacity” tends to
be socially based
• It must first consider the ecology of an area
• This demands that the recreation
professional understands Ecological
Carrying Capacity FIRST and FOREMOST
Principles for Sustainable
Nature Tourism
1. Nature values are preserved and the
tourism activities promote nature
protection.
2. Minimum loading of the environment is
assured.
3. Local culture and heritage are respected.
4. Customers' appreciation and knowledge of
nature and culture are promoted.
5. Customers' opportunities to find recreation
in nature are enhanced.
6. Customers' mental and physical
wellbeing are reinforced.
7. Positive impacts are made on local
economy and employment.
8. Communication and marketing are
of high standard and carried out with
a sense of responsibility.
9. Activities are planned and
implemented in cooperation (w/
stakeholders). – Public Participation
(Metsähallitus, 2000; E33 & E39)
Common Approaches
• Survey perceived tolerances
Visual surveys
Questionnaires
• Base on history
• Demand
• Perceived and actual impact
• Estimate (annual; monthly; daily; seasonal)
Estimating Recreational Carrying
Capacity
• Daily: “A” programs x # participants/group
Or, #of estimated users /day (based on LAC)
Estimate this on how many hours/day;
How many hours/program or event;
How many staff can support the programs;
How many participants and events can
facilities and equipment handle
• Monthly: “B” Programs x estimated #
participants/program
• Annually or Seasonally: “C”
programs/month x 12 (or how many months
are functional)
• Finally: Can the land, facilities, and staff
handle this number? Cost effectiveness =
feasibility.