Abstract ID: 3.13080 | Accepted as Talk | Requested as: Talk | TBA | TBA

The Patagonian Andes, particularly alpine meadows, face growing threats from climate change, including drought and glacier retreat, which reduce water availability and alter ecosystem structure. Additionally, growing tourism exacerbates these ecological impacts, as high-altitude ecosystems suffer from trail erosion, campsite expansion, and off-trail trampling, compromising their ecological integrity. Nahuel Huapi National Park (NHNP), one of Latin America’s most visited mountain parks, contains trails networks traversing sensitive ecosystems such as alpine meadows, riparian habitats, and treelines. While Frey Hut sees high visitation, remote backcountry areas are also experiencing increased use. However, the lack of visitor use regulations poses a rising threat to these ecosystems. My research examines how visitor use patterns impact NHNP’s alpine ecosystems, considering sites with varying popularity. I also analyze visitor behavior and distribution using a socio-ecological approach, recognizing that conservation requires addressing both biophysical and recreational factors. In Frey, I examined vegetation impacts and recovery after trail closures as part of the conservation project Walk the Trail, analyzing trails with varying past use and microenvironments along a moisture gradient. I also conducted unobtrusive observations to assess visitor behaviors linked to these recovery efforts. In the backcountry, I surveyed a 40 km trail network and 20 campsites, assessing trail and campsite conditions in alpine meadows using standardized methods, alongside visitor perceptions by online surveys. In Frey, 80% of visitors used the new trail, facilitating vegetation recovery. In the backcountry, I found a direct relationship between campsite proximity to trails and vegetation loss, fire pits, litter, and informal toilets. Alpine meadow campsites were more dispersed than treeline sites, but both showed greater impact near to trails. Surveys showed visitors prioritized adventure and noticed only obvious recreational impacts, overlooking vegetation and soil degradation. These results highlight the need to assess visitor impacts in alpine ecosystems, considering use patterns, behavior, and their ecological effect on campsites and trails. Management strategies should prioritize visitor education, campsite upgrades, and enhanced trail design to reduce dispersed use. This is especially crucial in alpine meadows, where climate change weakens their resilience to human impacts.