Environmental Impact - Soil/water effects

Adkinson, G. P. (1991). Ecological Impacts of Trail Use in Three Indiana Nature preserves. Masters thesis: The School of Graduate Studies, Dept. of Life Sciences. Indiana State University Terre Haute, Indiana: 137.

Abstract

The effects of trail use and presence were studied in Rocky Hollow-Falls Canyon, Pine Hills, and Pedestal Rock Nature preserves of Indiana. Soil compaction increased at trailside, and leaf litter cover tended to decrease. Most woody species, fems, and delicate forbs decreased in frequency, cover, abundance, vigor, and maximum height near trails. Species with characteristics such as basal leaves, rhizomes, or small size tended to thrive under trailside conditions. Changes in leaf litter cover, and soil compaction appear to be the most important effects associated with trail presence and use. These factors determine the magnitude of trail effects. The communities that were studied respond differently to trail effects due to differences in species composition and site characteristics. The lack of significant variation among the three nature preserves in the dry-mesic upland community suggests that Communities have a threshold to impacts of trail use, above which, amount of foot traffic along trails becomes negligible.

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