Informal camping on the margin of wild country: Early indicators of degradation and potential for some positive nature conservation outcomes

Wild areas provide a wide array of recreational opportunities in nature, including informal camping. We examined the potential for land degradation associated with campsites accessible by vehicle on margins wild country Central Plateau Tasmania, where alpine and sub-alpine ecosystems numerous glacial periglacial wetlands sit within Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. There were no integrated analyses biotic abiotic effects camping distinctive Tasmania's high mountains work looking specifically at flyfishers from anywhere world. hypothesised that impacts vegetation communities, soil properties native animals would be deleterious. assessed comparing trampled fire pits ten geomorphologically similar adjacent controls. found resulted colonisation different plant species, greater compaction, more acid soils decreased volumetric water content than control areas. Soils 16 illegal firepits had higher pH, electrical conductivity lower unburned ground. Visual amenity was also reduced litter. More positively, campsite coverage herbs grasses controls attracted animals, threatened iconic carnivore, Tasmania devil (Sarcophilus harrisii). Informal may offset damage helping endangered plants current visitor rate. However, campers degrade world heritage values.