The purpose of this qualitative thesis is to describe the common elements of sense of place in the lived experiences of volunteer trail managers. Through a triangulation of data gathered from secondary research, interviews with trail managers, and participation observation of hikers, I sought to draw out the essence of the trail manager???s sense of place towards their trail experience and connect this back to ongoing management challenges in the organization. Some of these challenges include declining membership, limited lines of communication, and problematic landowner relations. Themes around this common sense of place are situated within meanings, relationship/ attachments, emotions, and behaviors towards the trail experience. Interrelationships between sense of place, phenomenology, and trail management are also highlighted.

This dissertation comprises two distinct journal articles, each contributing significant advancements to recreation ecology by examining the effectiveness of various spatial tools in camping and trail management. The first article leverages strategic spatial planning, considering topography and spacing, to limit camping impacts and enhance visitor experiences. It investigates the long-term effectiveness of a sustainable camping management strategy on the Appalachian Trail, whereby protected area managers select and actively encourage or require visitors to camp on excavated "side-hill" campsites in sloping terrain. One of the most degraded camping locations along the popular Appalachian Trail was selected for this longitudinal study, which, in May 2002, involved the closure of 19 existing campsites in flat terrain, with use shifted to 14 newly constructed side-hill campsites in adjacent sloping terrain. Over the subsequent 17 years, the recovery of the closed campsites and the evolution of the newly established side-hill campsites were monitored and assessed. Results from this study reveal that a multifaceted approach integrating both direct and indirect management actions successfully achieved their management objectives to sustain the site's exceptionally high use while minimizing both resource and social impacts. This study highlights the ability of constructed side-hill campsites to resist expansion over time and provides valuable findings, insights, and "lessons learned" to guide protected area managers in selecting and implementing effective management strategies and actions in other high-use settings. The second study evaluates terrestrial photogrammetry as a spatial tool for trail impact assessment. Protected natural areas like Joshua Tree National Park (JTNP) rely heavily on trails to facilitate visitor access while spatially concentrating environmental impacts to their treads. Assessing the condition of these trails is difficult due to the logistical challenges inherent in conventional field data-gathering techniques. While technological advancements such as Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAV) introduce Structure-from-Motion (SfM) capabilities for trail monitoring, they are not without limitations, including prohibitive costs, legal restrictions, and operational challenges, particularly when monitoring trails enveloped by canopy cover. This study presents a novel approach to trail assessment using terrestrial photogrammetry, wherein a consumer-grade camera captures high-resolution imagery that is processed using SfM techniques. The study compared manual measurements of 46 trail transects in JTNP with measurements from Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) generated from SfM point clouds. The outcomes revealed a high level of agreement between the two methods, with the measurements derived from photogrammetric DEM data exhibiting consistently higher values compared to the field measurements, especially in the central regions of the transects. A statistically significant positive relationship between transect width and mean differences between GIS and field tread incision measurements suggests that the disparity may arise from the sagging of the tape measure across the trail, indicating photogrammetric methods might offer greater accuracy. The paper outlines methods for capturing high-resolution 3D trail data using cost-effective techniques and discusses the practicality and possibilities of using the technique in trail monitoring programs. This has far-reaching implications and positions terrestrial photogrammetry as a compelling alternative to drone-based acquisitions, particularly in areas where UAV operations are restricted, discouraged, or impractical. / Doctor of Philosophy / This dissertation contains two journal articles, each contributing significant advancements to recreation ecology by examining the effectiveness of various spatial tools in camping and trail management. The first paper assesses a sustainable camping strategy on the Appalachian Trail, where managers guide visitors to use designated campsites built into steep terrain, called "side-hill" campsites. One of the most degraded camping locations along the popular Appalachian Trail was selected for this study, and in May 2002, 19 existing campsites in flat terrain were closed, and use was shifted to 14 newly constructed side-hill campsites in nearby steeper terrain. Over 17 years, researchers measured the recovery of the old sites and the evolution and impacts associated with the new ones. The results show the new approach successfully prevented the expansion of campsites, a chronic problem in popular camping areas in flat terrain. Success is attributed not only to the physical relocation of campsites but also to the closing of old campsites with fencing, educating visitors about sustainable camping practices, enforcing regulations, and maintaining the sites. This study highlights the ability of constructed side-hill campsites to resist expansion over time and provides valuable findings, insights, and "lessons learned" to guide protected area managers in selecting and implementing effective management strategies and actions in other high-use settings. The second study in this dissertation introduces an innovative method for assessing the impact on trails in protected areas like Joshua Tree National Park (JTNP). Maintaining hiking trails is crucial as they provide visitor access while spatially concentrating environmental impacts to their treads. However, evaluating their condition is complex due to challenges associated with traditional data collection methods. While drones offer some advancements, they come with their own set of issues, including high costs, legal hurdles, and difficulties operating in areas with dense tree cover. This research presents a novel approach through terrestrial photogrammetry, a technique that uses photos of an object taken at different angles to create detailed 3D models with specialized software, a process known as Structure-from-Motion. The study involved a detailed comparison of traditional manual measurements from 46 trail sections in JTNP to measurements obtained from these 3D models. Results suggest photogrammetric methods might offer greater accuracy than manual measurements. The paper outlines methods for capturing high-resolution 3D trail data using cost-effective techniques and discusses the practicality and possibilities of using the technique in trail monitoring programs. This has far-reaching implications and positions terrestrial photogrammetry as a compelling alternative to drone-based acquisitions, particularly in areas where UAV operations are restricted, discouraged, or impractical.

This research investigates the influence of layout and design on the severity of trail degradation. Previous trail studies have been restricted by relatively small study areas which provide a limited range of environmental conditions and therefore produce findings with limited applicability; this research improves on this limitation by analyzing a representative sample of the Appalachian Trail with significant ecological diversity. Most trail science studies have also focused on a singular form of trail degradation, whereas this study investigates trail soil loss, widening and muddiness, providing a more cohesive analysis and revealing interrelationships between trail degradation processes. ANOVA testing of the mean values of three trail impact indicators for trail transects within several trail layout frameworks confirms the broad relevance of core trail design principles, specifically the sustainability advantages of trails with low grades and side-hill alignments. Findings also reveal the importance of landform grade in determining the susceptibility of trails to degradation and the influence of routing decisions; these relationships have received relatively little attention in the literature. The results also reveal several methodological considerations for trail alignment metrics and trail impact indicators. / Master of Science / Natural surfaced trails are an essential infrastructure component in parks and protected natural areas. They provide transportation routes through otherwise undeveloped areas and outdoor recreation opportunities for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. Over time, recreational use and natural processes such as rainfall can lead to negative ecological impacts that damage trail treads in ways that impair their utility for visitors and require costly repairs. Environmental factors like unstable soils or extreme precipitation can make trails more susceptible to degradation. However, sustainable trail layouts and effective maintenance can reduce the rate and severity of degradation. This research investigates the influence of trail layout on three chief forms of trail degradation: trail soil loss, muddiness, and widening. Many trail science studies have occurred in small protected natural areas where the limited range of represented environmental conditions reduces the applicability of their findings in dissimilar settings. This study investigates a dataset from a large and ecologically diverse representative sample of the entire Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine which significantly broadens the relevance of its findings. Furthermore, many previous trail studies have focused on single forms of trail degradation whereas this study which investigates three, which provides a more cohesive analysis and reveals interrelationships between impacts. Findings confirm the broad pertinence of core sustainable trail design principles, specifically the benefits of low trail grades and side-hill alignments, and suggests that landform grade is an important factor which has received little attention in the literature. The study also revealed several methodological improvements and considerations which may be useful to trail scientists and practitioners.

A avaliação e monitoramento de trilhas vêm sendo implantados nos últimos anos nas unidades de conservação brasileiras. No entanto, as escadas, como parte do caminho percorrido pelos usuários não são consideradas. Este tipo de infraestrutura ocorre com maior frequência em terrenos acidentados como onde se encontra o Parque Estadual Turístico do Alto Ribeira (PETAR), local selecionado para o desenvolvimento desta pesquisa. O presente trabalho teve como objetivos descrever e avaliar os fatores que colaboram na degradação dos degraus feitos com troncos de madeira; verificar se essas escadas podem ser avaliadas da mesma forma que o restante da trilha; e com base nos resultados obtidos propor um protocolo preliminar de avaliação e monitoramento deste tipo de estrutura nas trilhas em áreas naturais. Com base nas informações obtidas, procurou-se fornecer subsídio para o manejo de trilhas em áreas naturais, especialmente em unidades de conservação. A coleta de dados detalhados das escadas foi feita em julho de 2010. A análise das informações coletadas em campo mostra que: a) a extensão do segmento de escada influencia na quantidade de afundamentos nos pisos dos degraus; b) a declividade não interfere na intensidade de erosão e empoçamento; c) a ergonomia, apesar de não apresentar correlação com os impactos negativos ao meio, pode interferir na qualidade de experiência e segurança do usuário; d) a insolação interfere na quantidade de poças; e) a presença de cobertura de copas pode auxiliar na minimização de impactos de chuva; f) há a necessidade de melhor capacitação daqueles que trabalham no manejo de trilhas; e g) as escadas necessitam de avaliação e monitoramento diferenciadas do restante da trilha. Para o PETAR, foram selecionados para o protocolo preliminar de avaliação e monitoramento de escadas feitas com troncos de madeira os seguintes indicadores: 1) existência de raízes expostas; 2) rugosidade ou irregularidade do piso que dificulte o caminhamento; 3) presença de trilhas não oficiais e seu motivo; 4) largura do degrau; 5) profundidade do degrau; 6) altura do degrau; 7) distância do segmento de degraus; 8) pontos com maior afundamento no piso do degrau; 9) estruturas de drenagem bloqueadas por queda de vegetação e sedimentação; 10) presença de estrutura de drenagem no topo dos segmentos de escadas; e 11) erosão na base dos degraus. / The trail evaluation and monitoring have been undertaken in detail throughout Brazilian protected areas. However, stairs, as a component of the pathway used by the visitors, are not taken into account. This kind of infrastructure is present more frequently in steeper terrains as where Alto Ribeira Touristic State Park (PETAR) is located, the selected area for this research. The goals of this research were to describe and evaluate the elements that contribute to the wood stair degradation; verify if these stairs can be evaluated in the same way as the rest of the trail; and based on the results suggest a preliminary protocol to evaluate and monitor this kind of structure in natural area trails. Based on the results found, the objective is to contribute to the trail management in natural areas, especially in protected areas. The detailed data on the stairs was collected in July 2010. The analysis of the data demonstrates: a) the depression quantity on the tread was affected by the length of the stair section; b) the intensity of erosion and puddle were not affected by the tread grade; c) despite the fact that ergonomics didnt show correlation with the negative impacts, it can interfere in the quality of user experience and safety; d) the solar exposure influences the quantity of puddles; e) the presence of canopy cover can minimize raindrop impact; f) better training is needed for the staff involved in trail management; and g) the stairs need differentiated evaluation and monitoring from the rest of the trail. The following indicators were selected for the preliminary protocol to evaluate and monitor the PETAR wood stairs: 1) presence of exposed tree roots; 2) tread roughness that makes it difficult to walk; 3) presence of social trails and its causes; 4) step width; 5) step depth; 6) step height; 7) length of the stair section; 8) location of the deeper depression spots in the steps; 9) drainage structures obstructed by fallen vegetation or sedimentation; 10) presence of drainage structure at the top of the stair section; and 11) erosion in the bottom of the steps.

A avaliação e monitoramento de trilhas vêm sendo implantados nos últimos anos nas unidades de conservação brasileiras. No entanto, as escadas, como parte do caminho percorrido pelos usuários não são consideradas. Este tipo de infraestrutura ocorre com maior frequência em terrenos acidentados como onde se encontra o Parque Estadual Turístico do Alto Ribeira (PETAR), local selecionado para o desenvolvimento desta pesquisa. O presente trabalho teve como objetivos descrever e avaliar os fatores que colaboram na degradação dos degraus feitos com troncos de madeira; verificar se essas escadas podem ser avaliadas da mesma forma que o restante da trilha; e com base nos resultados obtidos propor um protocolo preliminar de avaliação e monitoramento deste tipo de estrutura nas trilhas em áreas naturais. Com base nas informações obtidas, procurou-se fornecer subsídio para o manejo de trilhas em áreas naturais, especialmente em unidades de conservação. A coleta de dados detalhados das escadas foi feita em julho de 2010. A análise das informações coletadas em campo mostra que: a) a extensão do segmento de escada influencia na quantidade de afundamentos nos pisos dos degraus; b) a declividade não interfere na intensidade de erosão e empoçamento; c) a ergonomia, apesar de não apresentar correlação com os impactos negativos ao meio, pode interferir na qualidade de experiência e segurança do usuário; d) a insolação interfere na quantidade de poças; e) a presença de cobertura de copas pode auxiliar na minimização de impactos de chuva; f) há a necessidade de melhor capacitação daqueles que trabalham no manejo de trilhas; e g) as escadas necessitam de avaliação e monitoramento diferenciadas do restante da trilha. Para o PETAR, foram selecionados para o protocolo preliminar de avaliação e monitoramento de escadas feitas com troncos de madeira os seguintes indicadores: 1) existência de raízes expostas; 2) rugosidade ou irregularidade do piso que dificulte o caminhamento; 3) presença de trilhas não oficiais e seu motivo; 4) largura do degrau; 5) profundidade do degrau; 6) altura do degrau; 7) distância do segmento de degraus; 8) pontos com maior afundamento no piso do degrau; 9) estruturas de drenagem bloqueadas por queda de vegetação e sedimentação; 10) presença de estrutura de drenagem no topo dos segmentos de escadas; e 11) erosão na base dos degraus. / The trail evaluation and monitoring have been undertaken in detail throughout Brazilian protected areas. However, stairs, as a component of the pathway used by the visitors, are not taken into account. This kind of infrastructure is present more frequently in steeper terrains as where Alto Ribeira Touristic State Park (PETAR) is located, the selected area for this research. The goals of this research were to describe and evaluate the elements that contribute to the wood stair degradation; verify if these stairs can be evaluated in the same way as the rest of the trail; and based on the results suggest a preliminary protocol to evaluate and monitor this kind of structure in natural area trails. Based on the results found, the objective is to contribute to the trail management in natural areas, especially in protected areas. The detailed data on the stairs was collected in July 2010. The analysis of the data demonstrates: a) the depression quantity on the tread was affected by the length of the stair section; b) the intensity of erosion and puddle were not affected by the tread grade; c) despite the fact that ergonomics didnt show correlation with the negative impacts, it can interfere in the quality of user experience and safety; d) the solar exposure influences the quantity of puddles; e) the presence of canopy cover can minimize raindrop impact; f) better training is needed for the staff involved in trail management; and g) the stairs need differentiated evaluation and monitoring from the rest of the trail. The following indicators were selected for the preliminary protocol to evaluate and monitor the PETAR wood stairs: 1) presence of exposed tree roots; 2) tread roughness that makes it difficult to walk; 3) presence of social trails and its causes; 4) step width; 5) step depth; 6) step height; 7) length of the stair section; 8) location of the deeper depression spots in the steps; 9) drainage structures obstructed by fallen vegetation or sedimentation; 10) presence of drainage structure at the top of the stair section; and 11) erosion in the bottom of the steps.