Loving Our Parks to Death: The Real Conversation About Carrying Capacity

How many visitors are too many? It is one of the most important and most misunderstood questions in parks and public lands today. In this episode of Tailgate Talks, Donald sits down with Jonathan Brunjes, Deputy Administrator for the Nevada Division of State Parks, to unpack the concept of carrying capacity and why it is not just about counting people. It is about protecting resources, preserving visitor experience, and making thoughtful management decisions that sustain parks for generations. Together they explore: What carrying capacity really means, beyond a simple number The difference between physical, ecological, social, and managerial capacity Why "more visitation" is not always a success story How crowding affects both natural resources and the visitor experience Practical tools park leaders can use to evaluate use and impacts The role of communication, expectations, and education in managing demand Why carrying capacity is ultimately about stewardship, not restriction This conversation brings real world perspective to an issue many agencies are grappling with as visitation grows nationwide. It is an honest look at how we balance access with preservation, while staying true to the mission of public lands. Whether you are a park professional, planner, elected official, or someone who simply loves the outdoors, this episode will challenge you to think differently about how we care for the places entrusted to us. [email protected]  [email protected]