Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness: 1991 visitor survey data

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is in the Superior National Forest in northern Minnesota. The BWCAW receives the most use of any wilderness in the country, and has been the location of several studies. The data included in this publication are from a 1991 study aimed at two purposes: (1) to replicate, as nearly as possible, a similar 1969 study in the BWCAW and; (2) to examine the effects of a Forest Service proposal to reduce the number of entrance permits in hopes of increasing opportunities for solitude and reducing resource damage. Between May and September 1991, a sample of visitors was obtained from face-to-face contacts at boat-launch points or trailheads. Mailback surveys were then sent out to these visitors. Data were collected from the same 14 entry points as the 1969 study on approximately the same days of the use season; additionally, the sample was expanded to represent lower use level access points better than they had in 1969 to accomplish purpose number two above. This data publication includes the results from 295 mailback surveys.
The Wilderness Act (PL 88-577) directs that wilderness be managed to preserve natural conditions and to provide outstanding opportunities for solitude. To meet management goals, managers must adapt their programs based on changes in visitor use and resulting conditions. The purpose of this study was to form a coordinated research effort to understand better wilderness use, and user trends. Additionally, the results of that research were to be compared with the 1969 study of same issues and location. Specific issues of interest were: visitor characteristics and demographics, visitor experience while in the wilderness, including feelings of crowding and solitude, and general recreational use of the wilderness.