Campsite Preference and Deterioration in the Quetico-Superior Canoe Country

Abstract

Abstract Research was undertaken in the Quetico-Superior canoe country of Minnesota and Ontario to determine: (1) preferences of canoeists with respect to campsite characteristics, (2) character and degree of campsite deterioration, and (3) feasibility of developing prediction equations for campsite "durability." Canoeists showed strong preferences for campsites located in pine stands and for islands. Even lightly used campsites had lost 50 to 99 percent of their original ground cover. No tree reproduction was found on used sites and many saplings bad been cut or damaged. Erosion, soil compaction, and root exposure problems were serious on many sites. Management programs may be necessary to maintain desirable pine campsites. Regression analyses were used to develop an equation for the prediction of the durability of alternative sites which might be developed in the future to disperse camping use.