measuring wilderness recreation use: counts & visit/visitor characteristics
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Measuring Wilderness Recreation Use: Counts & Visit/Visitor
Characteristics
Adapted from a presentation by:Vita Wright and Brian GlaspellResearch Application Program
Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research InstituteMissoula, Montana
http://leopold.wilderness.net
Social & EcologicalResearch
Research Application
Today’s Objectives Status of wilderness use estimation Handbook of methods & systems Components of a use estimation system Common types of use estimation
systems
Reported Use Trends:How Accurate Are They?
0
25,00050,000
75,000
100,000
125,000150,000
175,000
200,000
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
482% 121%
403% 619% 184%
Increase
Year
Est
imat
ed #
vis
itors
1
1Based on USFS Recreation Visitor-Days as reported
Wilderness Use Estimation USFS Survey1 Results:
Most managers indicated: Limited resources available (funding,
personnel, equipment, training) Few systematic efforts to estimate use Little confidence in existing data Wide variation in experience with
methods 1USFS Regions 4, 5, 8
Wilderness Use EstimationAll Agencies
Managers from 423 of 440 wildernesses were surveyed
63% relied on “best guesses” to estimate visitor use
-- McClaran and Cole. 1993.
Why Monitor Social Conditions (visitor use) In
Wilderness? Meet legal mandates (Wilderness Act,
RPA1, etc.) and agency policy direction Increase confidence: Demand
projections and use trends Input to decisions about limiting,
managing, or distributing visitor use Credibility and support: Budget
requests or management decisions1Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act (1974)
Why Monitor Social Conditions (visitor use) In
Wilderness? Management plans and actions LAC/VERP and baseline data needs Where/when to allocate field
personnel Determining facility needs Agency reporting What else?
Commonly Identified Needs
How to estimate use with multiple access points and/or highly dispersed use?
How to estimate and correlate registration rates, permit compliance, etc.?
How to assess previously collected data? How to do statistical sampling and
calculations? How to get the best data for the least
effort/cost? What are other places/agencies doing?
Wilderness Recreation Use Estimation: A Handbook of Methods and Systems
http://leopold.wilderness.net/htopics/recuse.htm
What Is a Wilderness Use Estimation System?
1. Objectives2. Use characteristics of interest3. Appropriate measurement techniques4. Appropriate sampling strategy5. Data analysis and summary
System = Technique
Handbook Organization
Components of a use estimation systemComponents of a use estimation system Objectives & use characteristics Use estimation techniques Sampling strategies for data collection
Step-by-step implementation of 10 major Step-by-step implementation of 10 major use estimation systemsuse estimation systems
Recreation Use Measurements
Counts Visitor-hours Recreation visitor
days Sociodemographics Visitor knowledge Visitor attitudes and
preferences
Method of travel Group size Activity Length of stay Distribution Etc.
Step 1: Clarify Objectives
WhyWhy are you collecting visitor use information?
WhatWhat question(s) are you trying to answer, and where?where?
HowHow are you planning to use this information?
WhoWho is interested in this information?
Examples of Objectives – Why?
Obtain baseline information Track trends Link recreation use with changes in
ecological conditions Allocate/prioritize resources Analyze effects or need for closures
& other administrative decisions
More Objectives – Why? Identify commercial vs. noncommercial use Improve communication with visitors Identify different visitor groups Set social standards (planning frameworks) Prove/disprove assumptions
Example Objectives Statement Managers at XXXX Wilderness want to know if the
amount of use and sociodemographics have changed since baseline data was collected in 1985. (day and/or overnight use)
Example Objectives Statement Managers at XXXX Wilderness want to know if the
amount of use and sociodemographics have changed since baseline data was collected in 1985.
Information will be gathered to estimate the amount, type, and distribution of use.
Desired sociodemographics data includes age, sex, income, residence, and # of previous visits.
Example Objectives Statement Managers at XXXX Wilderness want to know if the
amount of use and sociodemographics have changed since the permit system was discontinued in 1985.
Information will be gathered to estimate the amount, type, and distribution of use.
Desired sociodemographics data includes age, sex, income, residence, and # of previous visits.
This information is needed for revision of the management plan.
Example Objectives Statement Managers at XXXX Wilderness want to know if the
amount of use and sociodemographics have changed since the permit system was discontinued in 1985.
Information will be gathered to estimate the amount, type, and distribution of use.
Desired sociodemographics data include age, sex, income, residence, and # of previous visits.
This information is needed for revision of the management plan.
Data collection will be considered part of existing personnel duties. It is anticipated that personnel can contribute 1-2 days/week to data collection. Minimal funds are available for additional equipment.
Step 2: What Use Characteristics Do
You Want To Measureto Meet Your Objectives?
Step 2: What Use Characteristics Do You
Want To Measure? (p. 9) Visit counts: Number of times past
a site Visit attributes: Characteristics of
visits Visitor attributes: Characteristics of
visitors Summary use statistics: Combine
visit attributes with visit counts
Summary-Use StatisticsSummary-Use Statistics(Counts + visit attributes(Counts + visit attributes)Visitor-days (24 hrs)Recreation visitor-days (12)Overnight stays
Visit AttributesVisit AttributesMethod of travelGroup sizeLength of stayActivityCommercial servicesTemporal distributionSpatial distributionWilderness conditions
Visitor AttributesVisitor AttributesSociodemographicsPast experienceKnowledgeAttitudes & preferences
Visit CountsVisit CountsIndividual visitsGroup visits
Use Characteristics –Do they meet objectives?Visit countsVisit counts.. Site-specific plans for high use sites; ignores
visit attributes Method of travel, group size, spatial & temporal Method of travel, group size, spatial & temporal
distributiondistribution.. Location & nature of impacts; field personnel allocation
Commercial useCommercial use.. Necessity of commercial allocations; impacts; trends; conflicts
SociodemographicsSociodemographics. Visitor contact methodsPast experience & knowledgePast experience & knowledge. Resource protection &
education strategiesAttitudes & preferencesAttitudes & preferences. Anticipate response to
management strategies
Information will be gathered to estimate:
amount, amount, type, and type, and distribution of distribution of
use. use.
Sociodemographics include:
age, age, sex, sex, income, income, residence, and residence, and # of previous visits.# of previous visits.
Example Objectives StatementManagers want to know if the amount of use and amount of use and sociodemographics have changed since baseline sociodemographics have changed since baseline data was collecteddata was collected in 1985.
Step 3: WhichMeasurement Techniques
Meet Your Needs?
Visual Observation
External, internal, roaming
Categories of Use Estimation Techniques
Permits
Registration
Surveys Indirect Estimation
Mechanical Counters
Structure of Systems
Use characteristics that can be measured Measurement techniques Equipment purchase Equipment installation Data collection strategies Visitor use calculation
Choosing a Counter Sample from Handbook (p. 23)
Installation site Equipment vandalism Environmental influences on accuracy Cost Maintenance requirements Method of calibration
Types of CountersType Approx. Cost Accuracy Vandal
Resistance
Active Infrared
$200-$1200 Good-Very Good
Average
Passive Infrared
$130-$400 Poor Good
Seismic $75-$350 Poor-Average
Very Good
Inductive Loop
$300 Not evaluated
Not evaluated
System B: Steps (p. 79)Counters with observer
calibration1. Use
characteristics measured
2. Counter type3. Number of
counters needed4. Calibration
method5. Sampling plan
6. Purchase equipment
7. Install equipment 8. Collect
calibration data9. Collect counter
data10.Estimate use
System G: Steps (p. 128)Permits with compliance checks
and interviews1. Use
characteristics2. Permit form3. Permit-issue
procedure4. Sampling plan5. Purchase/install
equipment
6. Select/train interviewers
7. Collect compliance rate and interview data
8. Estimate use
Summary of Techniques
The most appropriate technique provides:The most appropriate technique provides: Data that meet objectives Minimal visitor burden Acceptable cost Desired accuracy
What determines if a sampling technique is good?
All methods are ‘good’ and can produce high quality results
All methods can be ‘bad’ without ‘good’ application
To assure ‘good’ results be sure to have a ‘good’: - sampling strategy/plan - implementation of sampling plan
What Is a Wilderness Use Estimation System?
1) Objectives2) Use characteristics 3) Measurement techniques4)4) Sampling strategySampling strategy5) Data analysis and summary
System = Technique
Step 4:Design a Sampling Plan (i.e. Strategy for Data
Collection)
Why Sample and not Census Efficiency
Sampling = studying a part to gain information about the whole
Less time and cost than a census of the entire population
Obtain a sample that is representative of the population
Why Statistics?
So we can sample rather than census the population.
Helps us design projects that meet our accuracy goals.
Helps us understand what we can and can’t say about our population, from our data.
Discuss results in probability terms:“I am 95% confident that between June 1 and September 30, there were between 5,250 and 5,340 visits to the XXX Wilderness.”
Right 19 of 20 times
Confidence in Numbers(Based on Random Sampling)
Eliminating Bias…Bias = some units represented more in
sample than population1) Convenience/judgment sampling
based on assumptions/guesses may not represent the population
2) Random sampling protect against bias represent the population
Steps Before Sampling1) Define the population2) Define the sampling unit3) Determine appropriate sample size
PopulationAll members of the group that
you want to learn about
Group:All visitorsDay usersPackstock users
Bounds:Entire WildernessLocal populationSummer dates
Sampling unit = subset
Sample Size:How many days to
sample?How many people to
sample?
How many days to sample?How many people to sample?Based on: Variability in measured characteristic;
obtained from a previously collected data or preliminary survey
How precise do you want your sample estimate to be?
Cost: available personnel & budget
Precision vs. cost
Step 5: Entering and Analyzing Data
What tools do you have? Software: Excel, Access, SPSS, SPLUS, others?
The Analysis Paralysis What to do with all the data ? Count and weigh the boxes Use locally generated
database/spreadsheet programs Use corporate information management
programs (i. e. FS Infra-WILD VUPS)
Analysis Paralysis solutions?Analysis of data is just as important as
collection of data Plan ahead Include in cost estimates Seek help through agency IM staff and
other wilderness managers Utilize off-season volunteers, SCA, front
office staff, university grad. student ???
What Is a Wilderness Use Estimation System?
1) Objectives2) Use characteristics of interest3) Appropriate measurement techniques4) Appropriate sampling strategy5) Data analysis and summary
System = Technique
Types of Use Estimation Systems
Convenience or judgment sampling
External Visual Observations
Internal Visual Observations – stationary and roaming
Mechanical Traffic Counters
Registration Permits – limited
and non-limited Visitor Surveys Indirect estimation Aerial surveys
Types of Use Estimation Systems
Convenience or Judgment SamplingConvenience or Judgment Sampling(Best Guesses)(Best Guesses)
Inherent bias due to biased sample selection and untested assumptions
Common examples:- visitors that are convenient or easily
surveyed- vocal supporters or critics- visitors at easily accessible trailheads
Types of Use Estimation Systems
External Visual ObservationExternal Visual ObservationObservation of visitors as they leave or
enter the wilderness by staff or cameras Use – Small number of portals, regular
contacts exist already Costs – High for personnel, cameras Accuracy – variable, requires
systematic sampling plan Results – Amount, entry/exit, type, age
Ethical and legal considerationsEthical and legal considerations
Types of Use Estimation Systems
Internal Visual Observation - StationaryInternal Visual Observation - StationaryObservation of visitors at specific locations in
wilderness by staff or cameras Use – Assess visitor use on a trail segment or at
a destination area Costs – Variable, higher if cameras used Accuracy – Variable, requires systematic
sampling plan Results - Amount, entry/exit, type, age,
destination
Effective at popular destinationsEffective at popular destinations
Types of Use Estimation Systems
Internal Visual Observation - RoamingInternal Visual Observation - RoamingObservations of visitors taken during wilderness
ranger patrols Use – Overnight stays at destinations or by trail
segments Costs – Low, as part of routine work Accuracy – Low due to non-random scheduling
and bias towards heavy use areas and trails Results – Amount, type, age, destination,
possibly number of days or nights
Systematic sampling strategies critical to Systematic sampling strategies critical to minimize difficulty of mobile visitors and minimize difficulty of mobile visitors and observersobservers
Types of Use Estimation Systems
Mechanical Traffic CountersMechanical Traffic CountersCounters: photoelectric, sensor-plate, and loop-
type Use – Number of visitors at location by time
period. (Can be combined with observation) Costs – High for equipment and personnel Accuracy – High if installation, calibration,
and maintenance is adequate Results – Amount, type, frequency, location
Counters must be calibrated against a known Counters must be calibrated against a known and accurate standard and maintainedand accurate standard and maintained
Types of Use Estimation Systems
Voluntary RegistrationVoluntary RegistrationVoluntary trailhead cards or sheets filled out at
entry (and exit) Use – All data types, constrained only by OMB
approval Costs – Moderate for station construction and
maintenance Accuracy – Variable due to maintenance and
estimation of compliance rates, user types Results – Comprehensive Voluntary, must have compliance estimates Voluntary, must have compliance estimates
and maintenanceand maintenance
Types of Use Estimation Systems
Required Permits - Limited/non-limitedRequired Permits - Limited/non-limitedRequired use authorization forms (permits) issued
by agency Use - All data types, constrained only by OMB
approval Costs – Variable based on type of system
(unlimited self-issue, limited reservation, etc.) Accuracy – High, based on compliance Results – Comprehensive
‘‘Permits’ controversial, especially if limited, Permits’ controversial, especially if limited, provides contact opportunityprovides contact opportunity
Types of Use Estimation Systems
Visitor SurveysVisitor SurveysContacting a sample of visitors, obtaining
information via interview or survey Use - All data types, possibly constrained only
by OMB approval Costs – High for survey design, mail, data
collection, analysis Accuracy – Variable, based on sampling
procedure Results – Comprehensive
Visitor preference vs. necessary management for Visitor preference vs. necessary management for wilderness stewardship decisionswilderness stewardship decisions
Types of Use Estimation Systems
Indirect EstimationIndirect EstimationEstimation of use based on other variables (i.e.
overnight camping use based on trailhead car counts)
Use – Visits, time spent, type, encounters Costs – High initially to develop predictive
relationships, then low Accuracy – Variable, based on strength of
predictor variable and relationship Results – Limited based on lack of testing
Selection of predictors and evaluation of Selection of predictors and evaluation of relationships critical relationships critical
Types of Use Estimation Systems
Aerial SurveysAerial SurveysRemote sensing via aircraft or satellite Use – Visits (on rivers), vegetative type,
condition, or cover trends, ??? Costs – High Accuracy - Undetermined Results – Largely unknown
Low altitude flights incompatible with wildernessLow altitude flights incompatible with wilderness
Use Estimation MethodsLong term cost efficient strategyLong term cost efficient strategy
Direct counts: Counters and calibration Voluntary registration and compliance Non-voluntary registration/permits and
complianceIndirect counts: Observation, survey, etc.
One method of direct counting is needed in One method of direct counting is needed in order to rely on indirect counts for order to rely on indirect counts for subsequent years.subsequent years.
Techniques and EquipmentTechniques and Equipment for Gathering
Visitor Use Data on Recreation Sites Yuan, Kocis, and Hoshide, August 1995
Missoula Technology and Development Center
http://fsweb.mtdc.wo.fs.fed.us/programs/rec/index.htm
> products > documents in stock > 9523-2838
Wilderness Recreation Use Estimation: A Handbookof Methods and Systems
http://leopold.wilderness.net/htopics/recuse.htmhttp://leopold.wilderness.net/htopics/recuse.htm
FS – Infra-WILD - VUPS ExampleData Entry and Reporting
Quota Systems or Unlimited Permits/Registration
Data Entry Permit Form – real time Speedo Form – customize for batch
INFRA-Wild Speedo Data Entry Form
INFRA-Wild Speedo Definition Form
FS – Infra-WILD - VUPS ExampleData Entry and Reporting
Quota Systems or Unlimited Permits/Registration
Reports Standard elements User Views (Excel, Access, ArcView)
Use Characteristics –Do they meet objectives?
Recreation Visitor-DaysRecreation Visitor-Days. Can determine use by visit attribute (travel mode, activity); day/overnight use; total use
Overnight countsOvernight counts. Campsite impacts & use; ignores day use