Managing wilderness areas within limits of acceptable change

Increasing public demand to experience wilderness areas inevitably leads to a change in social conditions and visitor experiences. How much decline should be accepted in Isle Royale National Park? To help address this question, a survey method for determining indicators and standards of quality for wilderness areas was initiated at the park. The study was conducted by the University of Minnesota during the summer of 1997. Hiker and paddler respondents were asked each day of their trip to report their personal beliefs about appropriate social conditions of the wilderness area. Based on data collected from visitor diaries, potential indicators and standards of quality were derived, and management actions were suggested.