Factors influencing knowledge and self-reported application of Leave No Trace principles amongst rock climbers in Kentucky's Red River Gorge. Issue 1 (2nd January 2020) - Sharp, Ryan L.
ABSTRACT: Leave No Trace (LNT) principles help reduce outdoor recreation users' impacts on the natural and social environment. Rock climbers and climbing organizations have recently embraced LNT principles yet, there is a distinct dearth of research associated with LNT practices and rock climbers' adherence to LNT principles in their self-reported behaviours. The purpose of this applied study is to examine to what extent rock climbers know about LNT principles and how their self-reported behaviours may or may not be modified by this knowledge. Using data collected via online survey of rock climbers, we fiund that an increase in knowledge of LNT principles correlates with an improvement in self-reported behaviours that are consistent with LNT principles. Our study also presented the unexpected result that income may shape behaviours in the backcountry. This information can provide insight for managers when addressing minimum impact techniques through outreach, interpretation and education.