Managing Routes and Trails - Tourism and Trails: Cultural, Ecological and Management Issues - page 223

Case Study: Education to Encourage Minimal Impact in
Cape Split Trail, Nova Scotia
Bissix et al. (2009) studied the key messages needed for trail users to
recognize minimal impact knowledge. Their study was done in the Cape
Split trail network on the Blomindon Peninsula, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Cape Split is known to be home to the world's highest tides where the
Bay of Fundy meets the Minas Basin. As such, the area has enjoyed a
long history of backcountry recreation. Bissix et al. (2009) examined the
LNT principles among current and potential users of the Cape Split
Trail, determining their knowledge of LNT, their ethics and their self-
reporting behavior. The study concluded that resource managers must
design concise interpretive messages that are well displayed at trailheads,
popular camping sites and at times along the trails. They identified six
key messages that need to be emphasized to trail users (see Table 7.4),
including the types of knowledge needed, ethics and behavior elements.
The Cape Split study shows how a low-cost approach can effectively
improve minimal impact behavior in trail consumers.

Table 7.4 On-site key messages to encourage minimal impact on the Cape
Split Trail

Key messages to emphasize
Knowledge
What 'travelling and camping on durable surfaces' means in practice
How to properly dispose of human waste
How to properly dispose of dirty dishwater
How to minimize campfi re impact
Behavior and ethics
Behaviors that show respect for other wilderness visitors
What to consider when planning ahead and preparing to use the Cape Split Trail

Source: Modifi ed from Bissex et al. (2009).

more sustainable and enjoyable for everyone. In an Australian study,
Landsberg et al. (2001: 44) identified several guiding principles that would
ensure safer and more pleasant experiences on equestrian trails:

• no dogs allowed because of the potential for disturbance, injury or
accidents;

• equestrian trails are for recreational riding. Racing or rigorous training

are not allowed;

• trails ought to be located near the perimeter of reserves and in zones that

have already been extensively modified to avoid undesirable impacts;