Waste and resource-based recreation: indicators of environmental change

Abstract

Optimal management of resource-based recreation resources requires detailed and accurate information pertaining to ecological systems, ecological processes, "human" activities (including the generation of waste), and the interactions of these systems, processes and activities. This thesis contributes to optimal management in three ways. First, by describing the nature of waste generated by resource-based recreational activities and analysing the interaction of that waste with the natural environment. Second, by discussing the nature of Indicators of Environmental Change and analysing potential selection criteria. Human excreta is used as an example of the identification and selection process for wastes in aquatic environments. Finally, this thesis discusses the potential use of Indicators of Environmental Change as management tools in the monitoring and evaluating phases of the Limits of Acceptable Change process advocated by Stankey and others (1985; 1987). In this thesis I have examined a potentially practical tool, Indicators of Environmental Change, and provided a preliminary discussion and analysis of the issues relating to waste and resource-based recreation, inspiring and guiding future recreation ecology research in New Zealand.