Cole, David N. 1993. Trampling effects on mountain vegetation in Washington, Colorado, 

 New Hampshire, and North Carolina. Res. Pap. INT-464. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department 

 of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station. 56 p. 



Experimental trampling simulating hiking was conducted in 16 vegetation types around 

 the country. Changes in vegetation cover and height, species richness (the number of 

 species), and species composition were quantified. Some vegetation types were 25 to 30 

 times more resistant to trampling than others. Physiognomic characteristics of abundant 

 species were the best predictor of vegetation type response. Management implications of 

 findings are explored. 



KEYWORDS: resistance, tolerance, ecological impacts, outdoor recreation, recreation 

 management 



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