Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness: 2007 visitor survey data

In 2007, a team consisting of Superior National Forest managers, Forest Service scientists, and academic partners surveyed visitors to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) in northern Minnesota. The BWCAW receives the most use of any wilderness in the country, and has been the location of several studies. This 2007 study is similar to previous BWCAW studies in 1969 and 1991. This data publication includes: (1) a data set intended to determine trends in overnight use and users, and perceptions of wilderness conditions, as well as exploring new issues (e.g., recent wildfires, recreation visitor fees, and tree blowdown events); (2) a data set which examined day use visitor characteristics and preferences and; (3) a data set focused on understanding various aspects of user relationships, experiences, and attitudes about wilderness.
The purpose of one aspect of this study was to determine trends in overnight use and user characteristics at the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, based on data from previous studies 1969 and 1991. Another aspect was to study day use for the first time in order to establish a baseline for future trend analysis. The third purpose was to continue a line of research aimed at understanding factors and influences on relationships between wilderness and visitors, and how those relationships affect their support for wilderness management policies.