Data product containing campsite assessments for "Effectiveness of a Confinement Strategy in Reducing Pack Stock Impacts at Campsites in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, Idaho"

Measurements of ground cover conditions, tree impacts, and campsite conditions were taken in the Seven Lakes Basin in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness between 1993 and 1998 in order to assess bringing high levels of campsite impact into compliance with management standards. Specifically, data measurements included size of disturbed and bare areas, amount of bole scarring and root exposure on affected trees, percentage of natural and exotic vegetation cover, as well as number of live, dead, and cut trees and stumps. Campsite data collected included percentage of vegetation cover, mineral exposure, vegetation loss, and increase in soil minerals. Impacts to trees were assessed by collecting data on number of trees scarred or felled, tree damage, number of tree with exposed roots, level of root exposure, and number of fire scars. General campsite information was also collected, such as campsite development rating, cleanliness rating, number of social trails, and trail ratings.
One of the objectives of wilderness management is to minimize social and environmental impacts and to provide for a quality experience to the visitor. Wilderness management research studies often focus on the impacts associated solely with man's presence. However, many wilderness areas, particularly in the mountainous West, experience high levels of use by recreational packstock. Quantification of environmental damage due to stock use is limited. Previous research has identified impacts resulting from packstock use such as: damage to trees and treewells caused by stock tethering, destruction of vegetation and exposure of mineral soil caused by trampling, and introduction of exotic plant species. Information on packstock management strategies and on appropriate stock handling techniques is particularly limited. One potentially useful management strategy is to confine stock impacts by limiting stock-holding to designated sites located in resistant places. It has also been suggested that the highline technique is an effective means of confining stock and minimizing site perturbations (U.S.D.A. 1988). This study will assess the change in condition of former and newly designated stock confinement areas through use of both the confinement strategy and the use of highlines. Specifically, 1) the designation of three day-use stock containment areas and six overnight stock containment areas, where stock are to be tethered between designated trees with a high line, rope or electric corral, 2) the prohibition of stock containment on other campsites or other parts of designated campsites, and 3) the prohibition of all camping on four campsites.
Minor updates to the metadata only were made on 10/3/2006 and 6/4/2009. Metadata modified on 09/14/2012 to adjust citation to include the addition of a DOI (digital object identifier). Minor metadata updates on 02/26/2013, 10/27/2014, and 12/01/2016.