Managing Bushwalker Impacts in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Australia

Abstract

As recreational use of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area in Australia increases, associated environmental impacts must be controlled. Tasmanian bushwalkers were surveyed to obtain their opinions and attitudes toward potential tools to manage impact problems and an overnight permit system. There was support for nine of the 11 potential tools, with most support for priority erosion control, track stabilization, and rerouting. Respondents did not support the introduction of an overnight walker permit system for the entire Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, but did support a permit system if it was targeted at impacted areas.