Management Of Natural Areas Research Articles

Stewardship and management of protected natural areas: the international context

The international system for the classification of protected natural areas developed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is intended to provide a common language for the management of these areas. The main objective of this study is to examine the institutional compatibility between different countries and the guidelines proposed by the IUCN. The method used consisted of a comparative analysis of the institutional and legal frameworks in South Africa, Australia, Brazil, China, the United States and Italy. The findings indicate that few countries have adopted the IUCN proposals in their entirety. Some have adapted their laws to the international guidelines, although with various changes, such as differences in the nomenclature used for management categories, while in other countries the legislation diverges substantially from these guidelines. In conclusion, these divergences and incompatibilities make it difficult to exchange experiences at an international level and adopt common strategies for the conservation of natural heritage.

Identifying Differences of Environmental Ethics and Place Attachment Among Visitors and Managers at State Parks

ABSTRACTUnderstanding place attachment and environmental ethic variables may improve management of natural areas, including enhanced communication related to management practices, managing various natural resources for specific or designated uses, and mediating significant differences between visitors and managers. Bridging any gaps of knowledge and understanding between visitors and those taking care of these natural places may enhance use and management of those areas into the future. This study elicited place attachment, environmental ethics, and demographic information from visitors to four state parks in Oklahoma. State park managers and state park visitors were found to be significantly different in their levels of place attachment and environmental ethics. Using t tests and discriminant analysis, researchers were able to use proenvironmental ethics and place identity to explain and predict the significant differences between the two groups. Implications for natural resource management include improved resource conservation and sustainability through enhanced education, interpretation efforts, and specific programming to connect people to natural places.

Comparing Ecoregional Classifications for Natural Areas Management in the Klamath Region, USA

ABSTRACT: We compared three existing ecoregional classification schemes (Bailey, Omernik, and World Wildlife Fund) with two derived schemes (Omernik Revised and Climate Zones) to explore their effectiveness in explaining species distributions and to better understand natural resource geography in the Klamath Region, USA. We analyzed presence/absence data derived from digital distribution maps for trees, amphibians, large mammals, small mammals, migrant birds, and resident birds using three statistical analyses of classification accuracy (Analysis of Similarity, Canonical Analysis of Principal Coordinates, and Classification Strength). The classifications were roughly comparable in classification accuracy, with Omernik Revised showing the best overall performance. Trees showed the strongest fidelity to the classifications, and large mammals showed the weakest fidelity. We discuss the implications for regional biogeography and describe how intermediate resolution ecoregional classifications may be appropria...

Lugares de interés geomorfológico, geopatrimonio y gestión de espacios naturales protegidos: el Parque Natural de Valderejo (Álava, España)

This paper attempts to highlight the need to incorporate geomorphological elements into the management of protected natural areas, as a major element in the articulation of the natural system. The geomorphological heritage is constituted of sites of interest called Geomorphosites that included scientific but also added, cultural or scenic values, which make them authentic heritage resources. For assessment of geomorphosites, a semi-quantitative methodology based on the intrinsic added value and use was been applied. The study focuses on inventorying and evaluating geomorphosites in Parque Natural de Valderejo (Alava, Spain). Five geomorphosites have been inventoried and evaluated in Valderejo; for each site an assessment was conducted proposals are for management and use are provided for a few sites. The methodology has proved useful as a means to inventory, diagnose and define proposals for better management of the geomorfosites in Farque Natural de Valderejo, and could be applicable for other protected natural areas

Planning for sustainable agro-forest systems: protected areas and soil degradation hotspots in Italy (1990–2010)

Investigating spatio-temporal trends in soil vulnerability to degradation based on the diachronic analysis of selected biophysical and socioeconomic drivers is a key issue for the identification of prone areas. The working hypothesis of the present study is that a given territorial system may undergo different (and sometimes contrasting) patterns of soil vulnerability (improvement, worsening or stability) in the long term, thus creating (or amplifying) spatial heterogeneity in land resource distribution. Areas classified as “critical” are regarded as soil vulnerability hotspots that require dedicated mitigation policies. The correct identification of “critical” areas to soil degradation is particularly important for the natural areas and, more generally, for the agro-forest systems preserved under various land protection regimes. Based on these premises, the objectives of this study are (i) to assess the spatial distribution of soil vulnerability in Italy over a long enough time interval (1990–2010), (ii) to provide an operational tool to identify soil degradation hotspots according to the observed vulnerability trend and, finally, (iii) to analyze hotspot spatial distribution in relation with natural protected areas and the Natura2000 network. The results of this study provide a useful tool for environmental monitoring and are discussed in the light of sustainable agro-forest management and preservation of natural areas.

Mapping ecological vulnerability to fire for effective conservation management of natural protected areas

The challenge for conservation managers is to ensure the long-term sustainability of an area by preserving its ecological and cultural values against predictable and unpredictable natural and human pressures and, at the same time, ensuring the fruition of the environmental resources. This research proposes an integrated use of GIS–based Decision Support System (DSS) with a conceptual linear model of vulnerability to foster conservation strategies in protected areas, by identifying: (1) the most vulnerable areas, requiring specific protection measures to enhance the natural features, as well as the prevention of natural and human risks; (2) the most effective management interventions to reduce system vulnerability to fire. The development of such a tool has been tested on the natural protected area of Torre Guaceto, through the selection of suitable indicators that enable discrimination among different levels of sensitivity and pressures, in order to provide evidence of its potential utility for the management of protected areas and the mitigation of their vulnerabilities. The results highlight that the most vulnerable areas are represented by contiguous patches of wetlands, the load of fuel at wetlands-agricultural lands interface areas, and the small patches of century-old forests, Mediterranean maquis and coastal dunes. On the basis of the results it is desirable that future researches on vulnerability should not only consider the “of what to what”, but also consider “for who, where and when” with a focus on the spatial and temporal scale dimensions of vulnerability.

Patch Burning Improves Forage Quality and Creates Grass-Bank in Old-Field Pasture: Results of a Demonstration Trial

Abstract Ecosystem benefits of heterogeneity-based rangeland management have been widely documented, but little research has explored ecologically based grazing systems from the livestock perspective. Fire and grazing management can advance conservation goals in old-field pasture stands in the southeastern US, but the viability of fire-based grazing for natural areas management remains unknown. Fire is a natural process in the southeastern US that can increase the forage quality of native vegetation. We report results from a patch-burn—grazing trial on a 16-ha pasture in eastern Tennessee, in which we predicted that fire would increase the crude-protein content of the stand and grazing would be concentrated in the burned patch. We measured crude protein content for the entire grazing season (April–September), expecting forage quality to decrease as forage matured. We also sampled fecal-pat density, tiller height, and frequency of herbivory in the burned and unburned areas in May and July to describe the s...

Relationships between time since fire and honeyeater abundance in montane heathland

Montane heath communities in south-eastern Australia provide a valuable nectar resource for honeyeaters (Meliphagidae) but are subject to variable fire regimes that may influence the production of this resource and the abundance of honeyeaters. Little is known about changes in honeyeater communities through time after fire. We examined seasonal relationships between characteristics of the honeyeater community and time since fire in Blue Mountains Heath using regression analysis. Positive trends were expected, with possible eventual declines owing to senescence of the vegetation community. Twelve sites ranging from 2 to 39 years since fire were sampled in late winter-spring (cool season) and in late summer (warm season). In the warm season, abundance of all honeyeaters and abundance of New Holland Honeyeaters showed saturation relationships with time since fire. A steep rate of increase in abundance reached a plateau 10 years after fire for all honeyeaters and New Holland Honeyeaters. In the cool season, New Holland Honeyeater abundance was positively influenced by time since fire. This study showed that honeyeaters used heath across a broad range of post-fire intervals >10 years and there was no evidence of a decline as the heath matured (to 39 years post-fire). Our research has contributed to the understanding of the links between fire ecology and avian habitat use, which in turn provides a scientific basis for ecologically sustainable fire management of natural areas.

A Comparison of the South African and United States Models of Natural Areas Management

In May-June of 2013 we visited several South African parks and reserves to learn about wildlife and natural areas management in that country. We focused our visit on parks and reserves that are of moderate size (5,000–100,00 ha), comprised of grassland/savanna habitats, located within agrarian landscapes, and enclosed with boundary fences, characteristics similar to several parks and reserves in the Northern Great Plains region of the United States. In this paper we compare the South African model of natural areas management to the United States model. We observed that South African parks and reserves with the aforementioned characteristics are more likely to (1) reintroduce and conserve small, nonviable wildlife populations, (2) reintroduce and conserve top-level predators, (3) have more intensive management of wildlife, (4) manage in partnership across multiple landowners, (5) engage local communities, (6) be self-funding, and (7) restrict visitor movement. The South African model is arguably more effective in conserving biodiversity as measured by conservation of apex predators and natural processes. The differences between the countries appear to be driven in large part by socioeconomic factors. Knowledge of natural areas management in other countries may lead to more innovative and creative models that could benefit biodiversity conservation.

Restoration dynamics evaluation by vegetation mapping and transition matrix modelling: analysis of 20 yr of restoration and management at the megalithic site of Carnac (Brittany, France)

AbstractQuestionThe main aim of this study is to consider how long‐term spatial vegetation surveys can be optimized via a simple quantitative statistical model to assess, and potentially predict, restoration success. How can modelling be used as a decision‐making tool?LocationThe study was conducted in the megalithic site of Carnac (Brittany, France). Due to over‐frequentation (more than 500 000 visitors·yr−1) and lack of adapted management, the vegetation (heathlands and grasslands) of the site, which constitutes not only the framework of the monument, but also an essential protection for archaeological soils, was highly damaged during the 1980s. In order to initiate restoration of the vegetation, the whole site was fenced at the beginning of the 1990s, and a management plan (including vegetation management and frequentation control) was initiated in 2001.MethodsThe site has been mapped (with the same methodology) in 1985 (before enclosure), 1997 (5 yrs after fencing), 2006 (after 5 yrs of management plan application) and in 2012. GIS analysis and transition matrix modelling were used to describe vegetation dynamics changes in both time and space. Restoration trajectories were considered in two specific parts of the study site, which are analysed both together and separately in order to show potential spatial heterogeneity in vegetation dynamics.ResultsThe matrices approach underlined the heterogeneity of restoration process within the study site. The restoration process leads to the establishment of a complex of grassland with a potential dynamic toward broom thicket in one area, and to a heathland complex in the other area. These differences are needed to refine restoration goals, first defined as heathland for the whole site.ConclusionsThe matrix approach used on vegetation maps allows a more precise description of restoration processes than analysis only based on the evolution of the extent of each vegetation type. It notably includes the spatial heterogeneity of vegetation dynamics at site scale. It provides large data sets for qualitative assessment of restoration operations, and could potentially be used to build up prediction models. Indeed, maps, which are one of the main survey methods used in natural areas management, can offer much scientific knowledge for research in restoration ecology.

Mountain biking: downhill for the environment or chance to up a gear?

The paper examines mountain biking as an increasingly popular adventure recreation activity. Some of its extreme derivatives have been incorporated into international events (e.g. Olympics). We review trends in mountain biking, consider the appropriateness of this activity in public natural areas with a conservation mandate (e.g. national parks, nature reserves) and consider alternative locations. We conclude that (1) mountain biking will continue to increase in popularity; and (2) venues developed in rural areas outside of national parks have provided economic benefits to local communities; but (3) the evidence of social conflict with other users and/or environmental impacts is not clear, mainly because of data limitations. Careful management of natural areas designated for recreation and conservation is required as a precautionary approach. Successful models operate outside of national parks that demonstrate a ‘win–win’ solution for stakeholders.

Governance and environmental implications of motorised events: insights from Australia and avenues for further inquiry

A four-tiered approach to understanding motorised recreation in natural and protected areas is introduced, using examples of motor events from Australia to demonstrate each conceptual level. The aim is to increase understanding of motorsport and motorised recreation phenomena that impact natural and, in particular, protected areas and other users of the natural environment. An illustrative study approach shows the interrelatedness of multi-level motorised recreation and its governance, from local community motor clubs and amateur motor racing competition through to international hallmark motor racing events and how their sociocultural significance influences protected area management. The illustrative examples show user groups engaged in governance and policy issues of motorised recreation in natural and protected areas. These groups include both motor clubs involved with environmental management of natural and protected areas, as well as professional and community groups opposed to motorised recreation in protected areas. An agenda for further research is identified, including policy and governance of motorsport, large-scale events and protected area management and impacts of motorised recreation and events on the environment and the community including those who access the natural environment for more contemplative and quiet leisure pursuits.

Monitoring visitors to natural areas in wintertime: issues in counter accuracy

The sustainable management of vulnerable natural areas requires accurate measurement of visitor flows, especially in mountain and protected areas. Pyroelectric sensors that detect the heat radiation emitted by human bodies are now commonly used in many regions, including Scandinavia and the UK, to count pedestrian traffic in both urban and natural areas. We used four different tests to investigate pyroelectric counters’ accuracy in mountain winter conditions. Air temperature, distance to sensor, visitor clothing and visitor volume were all found to affect counter error rates. For tests within moderate winter temperatures (between 0°C and −18°C) counters reported within manufacturer's claimed accuracy at 5% for 2 m range, but for −21°C and below visitor numbers were over reported by 10.9%. Counter accuracy was generally unaffected by visitor clothing within 2 m of the sensor, but at a 4 m distance counters frequently failed to detect individuals in insulating down jackets more than fleece jackets. Counter error rates were slightly higher in outdoor than indoor tests, but still accurate within 5%. Error rates increased with increasing visitor traffic. The findings provide methodological implications for researchers and managers using automated visitor counters to estimate wintertime visitor use in mountain areas.

Geosites Inventory in the Geopark Villuercas-Ibores-Jara (Extremadura, Spain): A Proposal for a New Classification

Villuercas-Ibores-Jara is one of the most socioeconomically deprived areas of the Spanish region of Extremadura. However, its geological heritage and other natural resources have still not been sufficiently used. The recent integration of this region in the European Geoparks Network can be considered an important milestone for the promotion of a local socioeconomic development based on the sustainable management of natural areas. An inventory of 44 geosites was identified by the geopark's scientific committee in 14 categories by their main scientific interest. This article proposes a more straightforward classification of these geosites using only a total of six classes.

Mapping wildness for protected area management: A methodological approach and application to the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site (Italy)

Wildness maps may provide valuable information for the management of natural and protected areas (e.g. Recreation Opportunity Spectrum). This requires the adoption of mapping methods that can handle the relative nature of wildness, providing consistent evaluations for any context of analysis and supplying outputs that can be directly applied by park managers.To this purpose, a novel mapping approach is introduced that uses unsupervised classification to automatically cluster land parcels sharing similar wildness characteristics, as described by a set of spatial indicators.Wildness maps of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site (Italy) were generated by considering seven indicators of remoteness, perception and naturalness, and assigning each pixel of the study area to one of three classes (i.e. wild, semi wild, non wild), based on their values for the above-mentioned indicators.Results of our application showed a good degree of concordance with wildness maps obtained through Multi Criteria Evaluation (MCE) and emphasized how the class-based output may directly inform zoning activities and the identification of recreational opportunities. While lack of user's control is an obstacle to incorporating the views of multiple groups, as it is allowed by MCE-based methods, the proposed approach supports the idea that land characteristics should define the context of wilderness and drive management decisions. Further applications to a wide set of different contexts can help validate this approach.

Woodland Dynamics at the Northern Range Periphery: A Challenge for Protected Area Management in a Changing World

Managers of protected natural areas increasingly are confronted with novel ecological conditions and conflicting objectives to preserve the past while fostering resilience for an uncertain future. This dilemma may be pronounced at range peripheries where rates of change are accelerated and ongoing invasions often are perceived as threats to local ecosystems. We provide an example from City of Rocks National Reserve (CIRO) in southern Idaho, positioned at the northern range periphery of pinyon-juniper (P-J) woodland. Reserve managers are concerned about P-J woodland encroachment into adjacent sagebrush steppe, but the rates and biophysical variability of encroachment are not well documented and management options are not well understood. We quantified the rate and extent of woodland change between 1950 and 2009 based on a random sample of aerial photo interpretation plots distributed across biophysical gradients. Our study revealed that woodland cover remained at approximately 20% of the study area over the 59-year period. In the absence of disturbance, P-J woodlands exhibited the highest rate of increase among vegetation types at 0.37% yr−1. Overall, late-successional P-J stands increased in area by over 100% through the process of densification (infilling). However, wildfires during the period resulted in a net decrease of woody evergreen vegetation, particularly among early and mid-successional P-J stands. Elevated wildfire risk associated with expanding novel annual grasslands and drought is likely to continue to be a fundamental driver of change in CIRO woodlands. Because P-J woodlands contribute to regional biodiversity and may contract at trailing edges with global warming, CIRO may become important to P-J woodland conservation in the future. Our study provides a widely applicable toolset for assessing woodland ecotone dynamics that can help managers reconcile the competing demands to maintain historical fidelity and contribute meaningfully to the U.S. protected area network in a future with novel, no-analog ecosystems.

Wintering Waterbirds and Recreationists in Natural Areas: A Sociological Approach to the Awareness of Bird Disturbance

Disturbance to wintering birds by human recreational activities has become a major concern for managers of many natural areas. Few studies have examined how recreationists perceive their effects on birds, although this impacts their behavior on natural areas. We surveyed 312 users on two coastal ornithological sites in Brittany, France, to investigate their perception of the effects of human activities on wintering birds. The results show that the awareness of environmental issues and knowledge of bird disturbance depends on the socioeconomic characteristics of each user group, both between the two sites and within each site. Results also indicate that, whatever the site and the user group, the vast majority of the respondents (77.6%) believed that their own presence had no adverse effects on the local bird population. Various arguments were put forward to justify the users' own harmlessness. Objective information on recreationists' awareness of environmental issues, and particularly on their own impact on birds, is important to guide managers in their choice of the most appropriate visitor educational programs. We recommend developing global but also specific educational information for each type of user to raise awareness of their own impact on birds.

Great Gray Owls (Strix nebulosa) in Yosemite National Park: On the Importance of Food, Forest Structure, and Human Disturbance

We studied great gray owls (Strix nebulosa Forster) in Yosemite National Park, California, measuring variables that could potentially influence patterns of occurrence and conservation of this stateendangered species. We found that owl presence was closely tied to habitat (red fir (Abies magnified A. Murray) and the abundance of meadows), prey, and snags across the landscape. We also found that indicators of human recreational activities negatively influenced owl distribution and habitat use. Great gray owls appear to prefer mid-elevation red fir forest with meadows that are drier and more productive in terms of small mammal populations. That these areas also have the highest human activity presents a paradox, both for individual owls and for the future conservation and management of this California endangered species. The extent to which human recreation in natural areas affects animal behavior, species distribution, and productivity is a growing issue in natural area management. We present information that will allow land managers to better understand how existing natural resources, coupled with human recreation, influence the distribution and habitat use of the great gray owl.

L'évolution du cadre de travail et des compétences requises des forestiers neuchâtelois (essai)

Development of working conditions and skill requirements for foresters in the canton of Neuchâtel (essay) The framework conditions for foresters are influenced both by changes in the administration and by the ever more important relationship between the world of the forester and the worlds of specialists from other ecologically oriented disciplines or those concerned with management of natural areas. Forestry training generally suits the needs and structures of the Neuchâtel cantonal service for wildlife, forests and nature, but must imperatively take into account its need to be open to biological disciplines as well as to the administrative and legal aspects of land use planning. The continuing education organised inside the service plays a vital role and is based on certain forest values which are also easily accessible to colleagues from other disciplines.

Risky Behaviors in Yellowstone National Park: The Potential Role of Decision-Making and Justice on Visitors’ Behavior

The National Park Service is entrusted with the difficult task of providing visitor access to popular public lands while ensuring visitor safety. Despite park managers' best efforts to keep the public safe, visitors often ignore educational messages and well-publicized regulations and engage in behaviors that are inherently risky. As a result, visitors to National Parks are injured and killed every year. A theoretical application of the concepts and findings from the fields of decision-making (i.e., theory of reasoned action) and social justice (i.e., relative deprivation, procedural justice) are used to account for why visitors to Yellowstone National Park, one of the most famous parks in the federal system, often engage in behaviors (e.g., approaching wildlife, coming in contact with thermal features) that put their lives at risk. Implications for managers of Yellowstone National Park and other protected natural areas are discussed.