INH BRAftt 



ABSTRACT 



3 MbDD DDt.ia ^si 



Outdoor recreationists have a negative impact on the last 

 surviving colony of Potentilla robbinsiana Oakes. We observed 

 hikers to determine their numbers, characteristics, time of travel 

 and motives. Hiker traffic on and adjacent to the plant habitat was 

 estimated at 7,535 people per year. Ten percent disregarded 

 warning signs, left the trail, and entered the endangered plant 

 habitat. Trespass was most common (19%) during June when many 

 of the alpine plants were in flower. Trespass usually occurred 

 around noon and again in the evening. Hikers without packs were 

 more likely than those with packs to walk on the P. robbinsiana 

 habitat. Approximately one-third of those entering the habitat were 

 there to see the endangered plant. Most of the remaining two-thirds 

 were there by chance. 



KEY WORDS: Endangered plant species, rare plants, Potentilla robbinsiana, alpine 

 hiker survey, Mt. Washington, NH 



