Morehead State University

Limits of Acceptable Change in the Red River Gorge

Institution

Morehead State University

Abstract

The 26,000 acre Red River Gorge Geological Area is located within the Daniel Boone National Forest in east-central Kentucky. The Red River Gorge offers many recreational activities and is known for its beautiful hiking trails, premier campsites, abundant wildlife, breathtaking views, the extremely rare White Haired Goldenrod, and world-class rock climbing. The Red River Gorge is used frequently by a wide range of visitors and, unfortunately, is sometimes abused by them. In an attempt to identify areas experiencing major negative recreational impacts and to help formulate programs aimed at reducing and preventing future overuse, the US Forest Service, in cooperation with the public, has implemented the Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC) program in the Red River Gorge area. As part of the ongoing LAC effort, this research applied a suite of geospatial techniques to evaluate the impacts of various recreational activities across the Red River Gorge. Specifically, a Global Positioning System unit was used to collect data for five study areas throughout the Gorge, including point features (destination points, rock shelters, campsites) and linear features (user and system trails). These data were then downloaded into Geographic Information Systems software for mapping and analysis. Results from this study are expected to reveal the location and magnitude of recreational impacts in the study areas, allowing the Forest Service to (1) focus on those areas in need of the greatest attention and (2) identify the best management practices needed to preserve the Red River Gorge as a beautiful and accessible destination for all.

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Limits of Acceptable Change in the Red River Gorge

The 26,000 acre Red River Gorge Geological Area is located within the Daniel Boone National Forest in east-central Kentucky. The Red River Gorge offers many recreational activities and is known for its beautiful hiking trails, premier campsites, abundant wildlife, breathtaking views, the extremely rare White Haired Goldenrod, and world-class rock climbing. The Red River Gorge is used frequently by a wide range of visitors and, unfortunately, is sometimes abused by them. In an attempt to identify areas experiencing major negative recreational impacts and to help formulate programs aimed at reducing and preventing future overuse, the US Forest Service, in cooperation with the public, has implemented the Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC) program in the Red River Gorge area. As part of the ongoing LAC effort, this research applied a suite of geospatial techniques to evaluate the impacts of various recreational activities across the Red River Gorge. Specifically, a Global Positioning System unit was used to collect data for five study areas throughout the Gorge, including point features (destination points, rock shelters, campsites) and linear features (user and system trails). These data were then downloaded into Geographic Information Systems software for mapping and analysis. Results from this study are expected to reveal the location and magnitude of recreational impacts in the study areas, allowing the Forest Service to (1) focus on those areas in need of the greatest attention and (2) identify the best management practices needed to preserve the Red River Gorge as a beautiful and accessible destination for all.