Program on the Environment

With increasing pressure of urbanization, wildlife populations depend on protected natural areas to survive. However, many conservation lands have trails intersecting wildlife habitat. These trails are used by hikers, dog walkers, bikers and equestrians to varying degrees. Similarly, wildlife perceive each recreation type as different risk levels. Land trusts must weigh the benefits of outdoor recreation and trails against the impact human presence has on wildlife. The aim of this study was to determine the specific impacts of trail users and their accompanying dogs on local wildlife. Three connected parcels of Bainbridge Island Land Trust properties were selected as a case study because of their habitat integrity, proximity to urban neighborhoods and their established trail system. Through cameras traps and field surveys, we were able to monitor both human and wildlife activity. Placed on and off trail, cameras sampled an area for three weeks. Each camera site was ranked based on disturbance and related to trail systems via ArcGIS mapping. Wildlife were seen more at sites without any human activity, indicating that wildlife avoid disturbed areas. However, this trend was species specific with some species being tolerant of human activity. Because of the varying degrees of disturbance and different species sensitivities, it is clear that fine scale research is needed to effectively manage trail systems on conservation lands. Preferred habitat location, species sensitivity and human use intensity should all inform trail management.