Trail preference and use in Kananaskis: Advancing human-wildlife coexistence

Our study is designed to document Kananaskis visitors’ trail preferences and use patterns, their motives for visitation, their attitudes towards environmentally-friendly trail use practices, and knowledge of impacts on wildlife arising from trail use. This information will advance recreation-wildlife coexistence, by informing investment, communications and planning efforts – designed to promote more sustainable use of Kananaskis trails. Yellowstone to Yukon (Y2), our NGO partner, works to promote regional conservation work by providing the vision, leadership and data necessary to promote a healthy Yellowstone to Yukon landscape. Our Kananaksis Trail User data set represents a valuable opportunity to advance understanding of why hikers/bikers/runners sometimes make poor choices on hiking trails, leading to behaviours that put themselves at risk as well as the wildlife present in wildlands. In short, we believe the social science data collected from visitors using trails in Kananaskis this summer presents a terrific opportunity to promote more pro-environmental behaviors of visitors – this aligns strongly with Y2Ys interested in harmonizing the needs of people and nature.

Faculty Supervisor:

Elizabeth Halpenny

Student:

Partner:

Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Other services (except public administration)

University:

University of Alberta

Program: