Are there too many visitors in national parks? A campsite analysis in two Finnish national parks

The major and visible impact of recreation is mechanical trampling of vegetation. Ecological changes are inevitable even after short-term trampling (Tolvanen et al. 2001, 2004). Due to trampling the original species are often replaced by more tolerant species and moreover, alien species can be carried along by visitors and pose a threat to native vegetation. In Finland many National Parks are concentrated in north, where environmental factors set limitations to the recovery of the vegetation after disturbance. It is important to identify sensitive environments and species when planning new trails and campsites. Monitoring techniques for campsites have been developed particularly in North America (Cole 1989, Hammit & Cole 1998). Also in Finland a few studies have been made concerning the impacts of recreation on vegetation in campsites (e.g. Rautio et al. 2001). Yet, there is a need for more detailed studies in a variety of environments for developing a reliable and cost-effective technique for campsite monitoring in Finnish National Parks.