Recommendations on measures to reduce bare grounds at unmanaged campsites in Daisetsuzan National Park

Abstract

Daisetsuzan National Park is in the center of Hokkaido, Japan. There are twelve designated campsites in the alpine areas. Camping is prohibited outside of the designated campsites. However, the use level and current condition of most campsites are unknown. The objectives of this study are 1) to detect bare grounds and informal trails in 12 campsites by using georeferenced aerial photographs 2017, and 2) to analyze the sustainability of three representative campsites (Kuro-dake, Hakuun-dake, and Ura-Asahi) based on their use levels. In this study, lapse cameras were used to monitor use at the campsites (July 12–September 25, 2019).