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Analysis of Erosion Rates on User-Created Off-Road Vehicle Trails in Southeastern Ohio

Wagner, Richard R.
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0634-5400
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1659688081676777

Abstract Details

2022, Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, Geography (Arts and Sciences).
The need for understanding the impacts of off-road vehicle (ORV) usage on trail systems is widely accepted, with few studies being conducted in humid climates and even fewer examining the impacts of unauthorized user-created ORV routes. This research examines cross-trail profile measurements along authorized ORV trails and unauthorized ORV routes in southeastern Ohio over a six-month period in order to calculate erosion rates and understand how each trail type behaves throughout the riding season. Measurements from the two trail types are compared to one another in varying combinations and between data collection periods. Spatial comparisons of soil compaction and soil texture are also analyzed. Results from statistical analyses showed that there is no significant difference in erosion rates between authorized and unauthorized trail segments despite apparent differences in eroded sediments between the two trail types. The highest measured erosion rates on authorized and unauthorized segments totaled 3.65 m3/yr and 15.95 m3/yr, respectively. Few sites were found to have significant geomorphic change along the trail surface during the six-month study period. Soil compaction values were found to be greater on the trail surface compared to the trail-adjacent forest in both trail types. Soil compaction of the trail surface was not found to be statistically different between the two trail types, nor were values from the trail-adjacent forest different between the trail types. The results of this study demonstrate the need for effective management efforts that focus management efforts not only on authorized ORV trails, but also the unauthorized routes that are associated in ORV trail systems.
Dorothy Sack (Advisor)
88 p.
Environmental Geology; Environmental Management; Geography; Geomorphology
Off-road vehicle trails; Trail erosion; Trail compaction; Wayne National Forest; ORV

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Wagner, R. R. (2022). Analysis of Erosion Rates on User-Created Off-Road Vehicle Trails in Southeastern Ohio [Master's thesis, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1659688081676777

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Wagner, Richard. Analysis of Erosion Rates on User-Created Off-Road Vehicle Trails in Southeastern Ohio. 2022. Ohio University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1659688081676777.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Wagner, Richard. "Analysis of Erosion Rates on User-Created Off-Road Vehicle Trails in Southeastern Ohio." Master's thesis, Ohio University, 2022. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1659688081676777

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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This open access ETD is published by Ohio University and OhioLINK.