Preserving the experience a low impact approach to landscape management at LeConte Lodge in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park /

by 1976- Shealy, William

LeConte Lodge predates the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and has continually been a vital part of connecting park visitors with the wonders of the Park’s backcountry. Since its inception, LeConte Lodge has impacted the natural systems of the mountaintop. In the mid 1970’s the wilderness movement pushed for the closure of the Lodge and Environmental Impact Studies conducted on the National Park Service’s behalf recommended closure. The Lodge was not closed, but had many restrictions placed on its operation. This thesis aims to provide recommendations for the management of LeConte Lodge in a manner that seeks to preserve not only the natural systems of the mountaintop but the experience that repeatedly brings visitors to the Lodge. Assessment of current management policies, evaluation of similar lodging operations, cataloging of the characteristics that define the LeConte Lodge Experience, and comparison of past and present research is used to guide recommendations.