Trails in the National Forest of São Francisco de Paula, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: Mapping, Analysis and Study of the Touristic Carrying Capacity

Abstract

The National Forest of São Francisco de Paula-RS (Flona/SFP) is a conservation unit that needs to update its management plan through studies that will provide an ecologically sustainable use according to the landscape matrix of which it is part. The present study is intended to provide a contribution to the public use of the area, specifically to the evaluation of interpretative trails, seeking to use a method that will supply the foundation to consolidate a management plan. Mapping, analysis and calculation of Tourist Carrying Capacity (TCC) were made for the three main trails in the Flona/SFP. For the “Bolo de Noiva” trail a TCC of 33.21visits/day was found, for the “Araucárias Centenárias” trail the TCC was 13.91visits/day, and on the “Mirante” trail the TCC was 19.41visits/day. The study also indicated that the infrastructure must be improved and a more effective project of environmental education must be implemented, increasing visitor satisfaction and helping improve area conservation and management.