Visitation capacity study of the ecological trail of an Atlantic Forest fragment

Abstract

The study of the visitation capacity or load capacity aims to evaluate the intensity of the public use in areas of visitation. In order to determine the carrying capacity of the Interpretive Trail of Marist Social Center of Dourados (MSC), a research was carried out to analyze, identify and record information about the trail. The method was adapted and based on three types of capacity - physical, real and effective, considering the Correction Factors associated to the physical aspects, interference in fauna and flora, equipment and infrastructure, management and flow of visitation. Thus, it was established that the reservation trail of the Marist Social Center of Dourados, with a length of 450 meters, has a capacity of 40 visitors per day, with 30 minutes being established for each group during the track circuit. However, in order to reduce impacts during the trail, a management plan should be established to minimize the impacts of visitation.