Recreation impacts. Visitation and associated trampling The construction of the Wallowa Lake Tramway (Tramway) in 1970 greatly increased visitation to Mount Xxxxxx. Currently, Mount Xxxxxx receives approximately 30,000 visitors each year. The Tramway operates under a special use permit from the WWNF, and is generally open from Memorial Day weekend through the end of September. During the early years of the Tramway, trails atop Mt. Xxxxxx were not well defined. Due to the gentle slopes of the summit of Mount Xxxxxx, people were free to traverse virtually anywhere on the mountaintop (WWNF 1999). Over time, as visitor use increased, a trail system developed. Because these trails were not “constructed” by the Forest Service or Tramway operators, they were not necessarily located in the best locations. Although trails became more defined by the 1980’s, these trails were wider, prone to erosion, and plagued with multiple side trails. Ownership of the tramway changed hands in the late 1980’s. Usage of the tramway substantially increased in the 1990’s to the current level of use of 30,000 visitors per year. Trampling has consistently been a major concern for the long-term viability of Lomatium greenmanii. Forest Service presence on Mount Xxxxxx was fairly minimal until the late 1990’s. At this time the Forest Service began implementing trail improvement projects, including the construction of rock borders along trail edges, improving drainage throughout the trail network, new trail construction/reconstruction on the Royal Purple Overlook Trail and the placement of signs. While many improvements have been made there remains additional work to be completed. It has been observed that impacts occur during the early spring when visitors go off the trail to get around snow patches, thereby trampling adjacent vegetation. Additionally, when soils are saturated from snow melt and spring rains, they are subject to physical disturbance and erosion. To date these impacts have not been quantifiably studied. The placement of temporary rope fences and signs has helped encourage visitors to remain on the trails. One problem requiring attention is in the area situated between the Summit Overlook and the Highlands Overlook. While walking along this segment of the trail system, hikers can see another trail that leads to East Peak, Hidden Peak and Aneroid Mountain and they will occasionally traverse across Lomatium greenmanii habitat to access this trail. Special-event activities are held on Mount Xxxxx...
