Ecological Studies on Recreational Carrying Capacity on Sparse-Wooded Area

Abstract

The results of the study are as follows.
1. Floor-vegetation of sparse-wooded areas was classified into three communities; Trampling-olerant type, Herbaceous type, and Woody type as a consequence of intensity of recreational use.
2. Quantitative composition of three types per unit plot could be estimated by the occurrence rates of the Woody type.
3. Average percentage cover and occurrence rates of the Woody type were regarded as good indices reflecting recreational densities.
4. When the maximum levels of staying visitors of sparse-wooded area are supposed, spatial relationships between distribution of recreational densities and vegetation diversities can be estimated by using the above-mentioned two indices and reversed functions.
5. It was concluded that recreational carrying capacity for maintaining semi-natural floorvegetation without ecological deterioration in sparse-wooded areas would be under 250 persons (about 180 persons per hectare as a crude yardstick in planning).