Perceived crowding and attitudes toward limiting use in backcountry recreation areas

Abstract

The relationship between perceived crowding and the desire to further limit established carrying capacities is examined from a study of users of the Sylvania Recreation Area. The relationship is found to be weak, especially among those users with low education. Possible explanations in terms of expressed crowding as a status group convention are discussed. It is concluded that user limitation decisions cannot be directly derived from studies of perceived crowding.

Key words:

• carrying capacity
• user attitudes
• backcountry recreation
• wilderness users
• perceived crowding
• status groups