Trail degradation in Cape Breton Highlands National Park : an ecological approach to vegetation restoration

Abstract

Ecotourism and hiking are increasingly popular, but trails can lead to vegetation loss, substrate compaction and erosion. Degradation and failure of vegetation recovery was observed at two closed sections of trails in Cape Breton Highlands National Park (Skyline and Mica Hill). In 2018, when compared to undamaged vegetation, trail conditions had reduced vascular plant cover and substrate nutrients, as well as higher temperature, compaction, moisture, and pH. Additionally, Skyline had no seed bank and Mica Hill’s seed bank was a different community. In 2019, five treatments were implemented and monitored at Skyline: topsoil addition with erosion control mats combined with direct seeding and transplanting treatments. When compared to controls, all treatments improved vegetation cover and quality where added topsoil in combination with transplanting and seeding increased improvement. This study provides the basis for a long-term restoration study where further monitoring over many years can elucidate or modify these findings.