Assessment of impacts of visitors’ activities on vegetation in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Abstract

In three scenic spots (Golden Whip Crag, General Rock, and Treasure Box for Celestial Books) of Zhangjlajie National Forest Park, four sample plots were selected to investigate the number of tree skin scars camaged by visitors and the quantity and species of vegetation. The analysis results indicated that trees located along the sides of roads are seriously cut by visitors, especially in Yellowstone Village and Gold Whip Stream areas. The wounded degree was mainly related to tree species, smoothing degree, and the distance from tree to the edge of roads. The impacting degree of tourism activities on vegetation, was confirmed by impact Vegetation index (l _VI). On the three most visually impacts sites, the range ofl _VI value varied from 59.4% to 87.5%. This showed that the vegetations of the sides of the trails were impacted seriously. To these problems, some suggestions are proposed for the park’s management on visitors.

Keywords

National Forest Park / Ecotourism / Vegetation / Impact / Assessment / S759.91 / A

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