Hiking Trails Research Articles

Исследование и оценка состояния территорий Волгоградского Заволжья, представляющих особую ценность для сохранения объектов животного и растительного мира региона

This paper presents the results of monitoring the current state of natural complexes and rarespecies of plants and animals in the special protection natural areas (SPNA) to conserve fauna and flora, listed in the Red Book of Volgograd Oblast. Bykovo municipal district of Volgograd region – “Tazhinsky estuary” and “Prishibo-Mogutinskaya system of estuaries” were selected as the object of the study. The initial materials of the study were the data obtained during field studies carried out from May to September 2021. The main purpose of the study has two components: an analysis of the current situation (the current status and number of rare species and natural complexes in general and in the area near the protected area (not more than 1 km) according to the study results) and identification of limiting factors and threats to each species and the natural complexes as a whole. The main methods used during the expeditions were continuous records of all vertebrates on long, multi-day automobile and hiking trails. At the same time, we searched for nests and breeding territories of birds in specific habitats and interviewed local people to identify habitats of large birds of prey and other rare species of birds. All rare species encounters were positioned with a Garmin Etrex 30x GPS receiver. Traditional geobotanical methods (ecologicalphytocenotic and ecological-floristic analysis of phytocenoses) and quantitative methods (analysis of the species composition of phytocenoses by pairwise conjugation and analysis of floristic and phytocenotic similarity of phytocenoses), and the main sample-area method were applied during the study to study the species diversity of plant communities. The results and digital mapping of the results of field studies have shown that the areas of special value for the conservation of fauna and flora listed in the Red Book of Volgograd region – “Tazhinskyestuary” and “Prishibo-Mogutinskaya estuary system” irreversibly degrade due to changes in the hydrological regime. These reclaimed estuaries have been very poorly filled with water in recent years, and in some years, have remained fully dry (this has been the case for the past two years). This leads to the progressive salinization of soils and the extinction of rare species for which these SPNAs were organized. Recommendations on possible changes in the regime of special protection, boundaries, and SPNA category were developed based on the analysis of the studies’ results. The additional survey of estuaries in late April-early May in a year with good moisture is required to decide on the future of SPNA.

Tourism in Apuseni Mountains (Romania) – A technical proposal

Background: The article presents the results of research on mountain tourism in the Apuseni Mountains in Romania, especially in the field of safety and health (physical condition) of participants of expeditions to the mountains and their knowledge about the risks that may be encountered in these destinations and the methods of informing about these threats (proposed markings and information about hazards in the mountains, and placed on hiking trails). Material and methods: 45 volunteer young people were involved in the research. The methods used were: 1) field testing method; we monitored the evolution of the heart rate and correlated it with the geographical area; 2) survey/questionnaire method; through a questionnaire, were subjectively identified the potentially hazardous areas and the reasons why they were considered as such; 3) direct observation method; we made a correlation between the subjective physiological response (accelerated breathing, suffocation, sweating) and the area in which they occurred. Results: Monitoring the evolution of the heart rate has allowed highlighting areas where prolonged physical exertion can generate a state of fatigue that can become acute, thus promoting decreased ability to pay attention and focus. The recommendation that accompanies the proposed tourist sign on several levels of intensity, induces the “obligation” of the recovery break, thus inducing the return of attention and the ability to concentrate. Other areas that may present a significant potential of risk or danger to tourists, by slipping or overloading muscles or areas with a complex geographical structure that require specific skills: balance, muscle strength, etc., have been identified using the questionnaire. Conclusions: Based on all the information collected, depending on the characteristics of the type of risk, we propose to complete the catalogue of tourist signs with more specific information. We assume that informative signs that we propose and the additional information they contain can contribute to the avoidance of some limit situations that would determine the occurrence of some incidents or accidents. The better educated and informed tourists are, the safer their way will be.

Sustainable recreational trail design from the recreational opportunity spectrum and trail user perception: a case study of the Seven Hanging Valleys

ABSTRACT Recreational trails represent corridors of benefits to human health and well-being, learning and education through an understanding of other cultures or countries, raising environmental awareness, local economic development, limiting the dispersion of the visitors, linking key attractions of a given area or diversifying tourism markets. However, trail development and design require to keep up sustainability principles and understand trail user perceptions. This paper aims to identify trail management priorities to improve sustainable design and visitor experience. The most popular hiking trail of Portugal located in the Algarve region was used as a study case to describe recreation opportunities of the trail’s management, development stage, preferred trail attributes and determinants of trail visitor loyalty. This study applied the recreation opportunity spectrum framework and the logistic regression model. Planners and managers might utilise these results to identify strategies for nature conservation and sustainable trail development, simultaneously maximising trail-related experiences among loyal trail users.

Macrofungi diversity in Lawu Mountain Forests and their potential uses as medicinal mushroom for inducing immunity against Covid-19

Macrofungi is one of bio-medicinal sources containing various bioactive compounds, such as β-glucans, which are scientifically proven as immunity booster against coronavirus, including Covid-19. Lawu Mountain Forest has been reported as one of the macro fungi-rich ecosystems in Java. Due to its unique geography, each side of the mountain has a different climate with the southern slope is typically more suitable for various species of mushroom to grow. The aims of this study were to assess fungal diversity in the southern slope of Lawu Mountain Forest, and to ascertain their potential uses for medicinal purpose, particularly for boosting immunity against Covid-19. Cruise method was used to identify macroscopic fungi collected along the hiking trail of Lawu Mountain Forest at the elevation ranges of 1800- 3100 m asl. Their morphological characteristics, including color, diameter, veil surface, lamella (ring and pore, type of lamella, and volva), stem shape, length and diameter, were observed. The study found 46 species from 15 families of macrofungi. Seven species potentially containing bioactive compounds as immunomodulator for boosting immunity were Auricularia auricula, Cerrena unicolor, Lentinus edodes, Pleuretus ostreatus, Stereum hirsutum, Schizophyllum commune, Trametes versicolor.

Pelatihan Wisata Edukasi Interpretasi Flora pada Kelompok Sadar Wisata di Jalur Pendakian Propok Lombok Timur

The hiking trail of Propok in the National Park of Rinjani mountain is very potential for educational tourism activities based on flora biodiversity. In the context of educational tourism, the Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis) which plays a role in managing the Propok route needs to receive training on flora interpretation. This service aimed to provide an assistance in the practice of interpreting tree flora to tour guides from the Tourism Awareness Group on the Propok hiking trail. The method used was training and performance in the form of practical assistance combined with lecture, discussion, demonstration and question and answer. The training activities that had been carried out were practical assistance for tree flora interpretation activities and independent practice of flora interpretation, which was followed by trials on students in the field. The conclusion of this service reveal that (1) The flora interpretation training received a positive response from the training participants and got a very valuable experiences to improve their skills in educational tourism activities, (2) The great enthusiasm of the trainees in carrying out the practice of flora interpretation greatly supports the success of this training activity , and (3) The tree flora interpretation activity for students on the Propok hiking trail was well received, considered very useful and enjoyable. Thus, educational tourism activities can add to the tourist attraction on the Propok hiking trail

산지형 근린공원의 등산로 현황분석 및 관리기법1) - 전주시를 중심으로 -

We analyzed the demographic characteristics of the passengers and the actual conditions of the hiking trails at three neighborhood parks in Jeonju city. And we proposed management method for damaged trails based on the analysis. The subjects of the study were 575 Jeonju citizens, and the survey period was from February, 2019 to January, 2020. The users of three neighborhood parks visited about once a week, and mostly expended 20 minute by walking for visiting to neighborhood park. When analyzing the demand prediction population of each neighborhood park using the gravity model, the Girinbong park had 4,500 people, the Wansanchilbong park had 3,159 people, and the Hwangbangsan park had 2,961 people. The total length of hiking trails at three neighborhood parks was 13.41km in Wanshanchilbong, 10.91km in Hwangbangsan, and 26.06km in Girinbong respectively. The density of the hiking trail was 205.84m/ha in Wanshanchilbong , 50.51m/ha in Hwangbangsan, and 105.37m/ha in Girinbong. The number of damaged trail point was 38 in Wanshanchilbong, 31 in Hwangbangsan, and 133 in Girinbong. The effective demand for user had a great influence on the number and total length of hiking trail, but it had no effect on damages of that. Lastly, we proposed the management and improvement methods such as draining, soiling, masonry, paving, setting up the borderline, constructing fence and deck road, planting carrying out for each damage style of hiking trails.

Conservation Status of Bird Species on Promasan Hiking Trail, Mount Ungaran, Central Java

Mount Ungaran is one of the dormant volcanoes in Central Java. The condition of the unspoiled forest in the Mount Ungaran area is a good habitat for fauna, including birds. There are several hiking trails traversed by mountain climbers, one of them is the Promasan hiking trail. This study aims to determine the diversity of bird species and identify their conservation status on the Promasan hiking trail. Data were colected by Indices Ponctuels d'Abondance (IPA), Line Transect, and Point Count methods. Bird species diversity was determined by the Shanon index. Determination of bird conservation status based on the IUCN Red List, CITES Appendix, Government Regulation (PP No. 7 of 1999) and Ministry of Environment and Forestry Regulation (PERMENLHK RI No. 106, 2018). The results showed that there were 24 bird species belonging to 19 families. The diversity of bird species was classified as moderate (Shanon index = 2.59). There were two species including CITES Appendix II. Based on the IUCN Red List, there was one species in the Endangered (EN) category, 23 species in the Least Concern (LC) category. There was one species that is protected according to Government Regulation (PP No. 7 of 1999). The 3 species include as protected under the Ministry of Environment and Forestry Regulation (PERMENLHK RI No. P.106, 2018). Monitoring the presence of birds in this area must be carried out regularly.

Recreational ecosystem services of mountain lakes in the European Alps: Preferences, visitor groups and management implications

Lakes provide many opportunities for outdoor recreation and tourism, but growing visitor numbers and global changes increase negative effects on recreational values and environmental impacts requiring targeted management strategies. Since there is a lack of information about visitors and their preferences related to natural mountain lakes, this study aimed at assessing people's preferences with a focus on recreational activities, accessibility, and touristic facilities. We collected 526 responses through an online survey and identified recreational visitor groups using cluster analysis. Our results indicate that mountain lakes are mostly valued for passive recreation such as nature observation and relaxation, while recreational activities such as boating or having a barbecue were less often associated with a visit to mountain lakes. Respondents mostly valued hiking/walking trails along the lakeshore as well as direct access to the lake, while they indicated less often the importance of playgrounds and water sports facilities. We identified two major visitor groups: (1) nature-oriented visitors, preferring pristine and remote mountain lakes, and (2) leisure-oriented visitors, favouring mountain lakes that were easily accessible and developed for tourism. Accordingly, the latter group valued most recreational activities at lakes such as reading/listening to music or having a picnic higher. Although there is potential for conflicts between these two visitor groups, the presence of lakes with different level of accessibility may defuse such conflicts. Our findings provide valuable insights for developing targeted management strategies based on the preferences of different visitor groups. Mountain lakes are associated with high recreational values. Maintaining marked hiking trails is essential to provide access, but the construction of tourist facilities needs to be cautiously evaluated, as this can cause a change in the type of visitors with possible negative consequences. The results of the survey also indicate diverging preferences between two major visitor types. Improved and easily accessible tourist facilities at mountain lakes support more recreational uses and may attract leisure-oriented visitors. In contrast, recreational values of nature-oriented visitors could be maintained by preserving the naturalness of remote lakes and not improving accessibility.

Response by Patricia H. Kelley for the presentation of the 2020 Paleontological Society Pojeta Award

Chris Maples tutored me on how to be a technical editor of the Journal of Paleontology (back when we had to circle every hyphen and underline capital letters in blue pencil), which started me on a total of 35 years and counting on journal editorial boards. [...]I thank my family—my parents, who encouraged my career (even though my mom wondered why I didn't stay home to raise my babies);my loyal brother David, who still texts me many times a day;my devoted husband Jonathan, who shared household and childrearing duties to enable my career;and my precious children Timothy and Katherine, of whom I am so proud, and who in turn are proud of me. With no opportunity to interact with others beyond family, four-year-old Owen has been accosting strangers on hiking trails and boasting “My Grandmomoo is a paleontologist!” Indeed, I am proud to be a paleontologist and gratified to have had the opportunity to serve my colleagues, my science, and my Society.

Eifelosaurus – The Lonely Lizard

The Triassic reptile Eifelosaurus triadicus is an icon of the Geopark Vulkaneifel and the Natural History Museum of Gerolstein (West Eifel, Rhineland Palatinate, W Germany). We explore the research history, including geoconservation aspects, and summarize current knowledge of Eifelosaurus, the sole fossil of its kind, identified as an early rhynchosaur. We discuss the local geology, stratigraphy and paleontology of the Lower Triassic in the Eifel area, with emphasis on local palaeoenvironmental conditions during deposition of the Buntsandstein. Among those are spectacular finds of numerous lycopods at Lammersdorf, only few kilometers from Oberbettingen, the source of the partial skeleton of Eifelosaurus. The famous fossil is important for local geotourism, with a hiking trail leading to the quarry where the reptile was probably discovered. Eifelosaurus is an important geoeducational topic for school groups, tourists and locals who visit exhibitions in the “Naturkundemuseum” of Gerolstein, participate in programs and guided tours through the museum.

Hiking Trails Increase Abundance of Harvester Ant1 Nests at Clear Creek, Arizona

Anthropomorphic changes to the environment can sometimes unintentionally benefit ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) when habitats are made favorable for nesting. We examined the effects of a hiking trail on nest abundance of Pogonomyrmex barbatus (Smith) and Novomessor cockerelli (André) harvester ants at Clear Creek, AZ. Nest abundance for both species was compared along paired transects on- and off-trail. P. barbatus was twice as abundant on-trail while N. cockerelli showed a similar directional trend, but the differences were not significant. To test potential mechanisms driving the increase on-trails, soil and habitat differences were compared. Soil compaction was two times greater and canopy cover was five times less on- versus off-trails. For P. barbatus, which nests in soil, we compared on- and off-nest soils, both on- and off-trail. Soil 5 m away from ant nests was twice as compacted whether on- or off-trail. Reduction of canopy cover and compaction of soils might create beneficial nesting conditions for the two species of ant, leading to greater abundance near the hiking trail. Increase of stinging insects near recreational trails might pose health risks, especially in remote areas distant from medical treatment. We discuss management considerations and potential ecological consequences of increased abundance of ants along trails.

National hiking trails: Regularization, statutory planning, and legislation

The current study discusses the spatial planning and legal policies of national and long-distance hiking trails, focusing on the Israel National Trail (INT) as our primary case study.Hiking trails (HTs) have developed into a global phenomenon of modern leisure activity over the past decades. The INT originated as a private initiative in the late 1970s and increased in popularity; it is now even considered an Israeli icon. Every year, tens of thousands of people hike the trail. However, despite its centrality in the Israeli public, its route has never been regulated, and it has no planning or legal binding status. Thus, the INT does not appear within the planning information layers. The continuity of the route depends on the goodwill of landowners, and it is continuously exposed to threats by development plans and other pressures.Based on interdisciplinary perspectives that combine planning and legal tools, this study focuses on regulatory policies in several countries while examining appropriate planning and legal measures for HTs’ preservation. In addition, it analyzes the background of the INT and explores the regularization options available in Israel.

Synergistic Planning of Long-distance and Local Trails: A Twin Case Study of Trail Network Development in Northern Transdanubia

ABSTRACT Synergistic extension of long-distance and local trails is a great opportunity to form unified networks with increased potential and attractiveness. This paper presents and analyses two recent hiking trail network extension projects in Northern Transdanubia, Hungary, as they relate to network structure and the variety of possible hiking tours. One features new local trail connections added to existing long-distance trails, resulting in a local network with various trip options. Another is an example of a new regional multi-day route created by extensions and connections to existing local trails. We present the motivations behind these extensions, the opportunities opened up by them, including their potential on conservation and development, by observing the layout of the resulting trail network and its connections to natural and man-made attractions and facilities. These typical synergistic trail developments reveal a set of good practices in network design which can be generalised and adapted to other regions and contexts.

The diversity of moss in the Cemoro Kandang hiking trail, Mount Lawu and the Baturraden botanical gardens, Central Java

Moss plants in tropical mountain forest areas play an essential role in water balance and the forest’s nutrient cycle, serving as a substrate, food source, and a place for forest organisms to live. This study aims to analyze the diversity of moss plants in Mount Lawu and Baturraden Botanical Gardens based on the height of the place and substrate type. Moss plants were observed along the Cemoro Kandang hiking trail and around the Baturraden Botanical Garden. A total of 30 species of mosses consisting of 19 species of true mosses, 10 species of liverworts, 1 species of hornworts. The moss plants on the hiking trail are included in 13 orders and 20 families. There are 13 species of mosses found in the Baturraden Botanical Garden, including 7 orders and 10 families, including 8 species of true mosses, 4 species of liverworts, and 1 species hornworts. The highest moss species diversity at the two locations is true mosses (Bryophyta). Most of the mosses are terrestrial mosses. True mosses are evenly distributed in the highlands rather than the lowlands.

Fungi in Selo hiking trail of mount Merbabu national park Central Java

Mount Merbabu National Park has the potential for abundant biodiversity in natural forest vegetation, including flora and fauna. The purpose of this study was to explore and identify fungi in Mount Merbabu National Park on Selo Climbing Lane, Boyolali, Central Java. The research was conducted in January until April 2020 on Selo Climbing Lane, Boyolali. This research was exploratory by using Cruise Methods, which explored the hiking trail at 1800-2571 meters altitude. Sampling was carried out every time the fungi were identified, and it was done when the same fungi were found. Identification was made by recording morphological characteristics, habitus, and the substrate through qualitative descriptive. The results showed that the 52 identified species of fungi belonged to the 26 families of fungi. The most common fungi are the Polyporaceae family, which consists of 5 species, namely: Trametes versicolor, Trametes polyzona, Polyporus sp, Polyporus versicolor dan Ganoderma applanatum.

CHARMED BY THE KARKONOSZE MOUNTAINS: PRZEMYSŁAW WIATER (1958–2020)

Przemysław Wiater PhD was a historian, art historian, museum curator, and a regionalist. In 1994–2020, he worked as a certified curator at the Carl and Gerhart Hauptmann House in Szklarska Poręba. In February 2020, he became Director of the Karkonosze Museum in Jelenia Góra. Furthermore, in 2008–2017, he ran courses at the Higher School of Management in Legnica. Committed to recovering historic monuments from Lower Silesia, he also served as a councillor for several terms of office in Szklarska Poręba, where he lived. An outstanding regionalist, Wiater focused on investigating the history of Lower Silesia, particularly the Karkonosze and Izera Mountains. He was the first to undertake research into the local tangible and non-tangible cultural heritage, popularizing it in publications describing the history of Szklarska Poręba, Walloon mineral and gem prospectors, old herbalists and laborants, history of glassworks, or the figure and legend of the Spirit of the Mountains. Having discovered the phenomenon of artistic colonies, he popularized it and adapted to harmonize with contemporary times. His idea was to culturally integrate the region basing on historical cultural contents and the heritage imported by post- -WW II settlers. Sharing his knowledge in a popular way, he infected others with his passion, particularly young people to whom he provided support and inspiration. It was at his instigation that the W.E. Peuckert Guild of the Sudety Mountains Guides was formed; member of the Chapter of the Sudety Mountains Walloon Brotherhood, he was also the knight of the informal Society of the Evening Castle, additionally cooperating with the Izery Society. Originator of the Izery Retro Run and the Flannel Rally, he inspired the formation of several tourist routes, such as the ‘Juliusz Naumonowicz Walloon Hiking Trail’, contributing to the creation of the ‘W.E. Peuckert Trail’ and the Polish-Czech ‘Laborants’ Trail’.

An EDA Analysis of Seoul Metropolitan Area’s Mountain Usage Patterns of Users in Their 20~30s after COVID-19 Occurrence

Background and objective: The purpose of this study was to comprehensively analyze the user behavior in order to cope appropriately with the increasing demand for mountain usage of those in their 20s and 30s and to allocate resources efficiently. Methods: To analyze the behavior of mountain hiking users, an exploratory data analysis (EDA) was conducted on the data which had been collected in the app Tranggle. The main target are users in their 20s and 30s who visited the mountains in the metropolitan area in 2019-2020. Among them, we have selected data on the top 13 mountains based on the frequency of visits. After data pre-processing, mountain usage patterns were analyzed through statistical analysis and visualization. Results: Compared to 2019, the number of users in 2020 increased 1.36 times. The utilization rate of the well-established hiking trails has also increased. The usage of mountain on weekends (Saturday > Sunday) was still the highest, and the difference in the usage between the days of the week decreased. Outside of work hours, early morning usage has increased and night-time usage has decreased. There was no significant change in usages depending on activity type, level (experience point) and exercise properties. Conclusion: Since the COVID-19 outbreak, the usage of mountains has been changing towards low user density and short-distance trip. in the post-COVID-19 era, the function and role of forests in daily life are expected to increase. To cope with this, further research needs to be carried out with consideration of the wider demographic and social characteristics. © 2021 by the Society for People, Plants, and Environment.

Analisis Pengembangan Desa Wisata di Desa Sumber Urip, Rejang Lebong, Bengkulu

This study aims to explain the stretching of the tourism village development in terms of the form of community participation. Research uses qualitative descriptive approach, the analysis is carried out using the exchange theory. The research results show the form of participation by the community can be seen from the construction of tourist facilities. Pokdarwis involvement as a tourism manager is carried out by taking four stages of participation: namely, participation in planning through the activity of conveying ideas in the form of criticism and suggestions at the planning meeting for tourism village development activities. Furthermore, the implementation stage is manifested in the form of personnel participating in the form of mutual assistance activities to improve the condition of tourist facilities, environmental maintenance by cleaning up trash on the hiking trail and becoming parking guards. On the other hand, the form of skill participation carried out by the community is manifested through activities of making tourist souvenirs and promotion on social media. Meanwhile, the utilization stage is carried out through efforts to open business opportunities and opportunities for youth who do not have a job. Finally, the evaluation stage is carried out by taking a comparative study activity to other Tourism Villages as a comparison to see the success of the Bukit Kaba Tourism Village.

Ultralight: Commercializing Lightweight Backpacks for Long-Distance Hiking

In 1994, American outdoor adventurers Ray and Jenny Jardine completed the Pacific Crest Trail, a long-distance hiking trail in Washington, Oregon, and California, carrying remarkably light packs. Ray Jardine published multiple guidebooks explaining how he and Jenny got to the 8.5 pound base weight, and offered guidelines so that other aspiring hikers could try the ‘Ray-Way’. Jardine’s approach, including both pack design and philosophies about going light, reshaped the outdoor community. Lead users such as Jardine changed the business of outdoor packs by developing their own designs and showing that there was a market for them among new ultralight enthusiasts. Rather than gear companies, it was discussions on internet forums that popularized ultralight packs and other equipment. This article traces the development of the ultralight (UL) concept in the United States from the 1990s to the early 2000s. By the 2000s, individuals and corporations found some success in commercializing both the pack design and concepts of UL, often integrating new lightweight synthetic materials into their designs. Over the course of two decades, backpackers and outdoorspeople, who numbered in the tens of millions, evolved from an attitude of scorn to curiosity to adoption of lightweight packs.

Land cover along hiking trails in a nature tourism destination: the Azores as a case study

Tourists have become increasingly interested in certain aspects of their destination, including landscape and biodiversity elements, thereby promoting the development of nature-based tourism. The Azores are considered a sustainable tourism destination, with various natural attractions, including hiking trails. Based on the hypothesis that natural vegetation/forest might have a relevant role as a tourist attraction along trails, we performed a quantitative GIS-based analysis to determine the predominant types of land cover found along hiking trails in the Azores. Different statistical approaches indicated that agriculture/pastureland dominated land cover along most trails and that land cover distribution was correlated with global land cover partitioning in the respective island. A reduced number of trails showed a distinct land cover, intersecting areas of natural vegetation/forest. Therefore, we concluded that land cover across hiking trails in this nature tourism destination was dominated by a humanized landscape, which raises questions regarding the more adequate tourist interpretation strategy to adopt in the Azores.