See upload as wellthis document outlines a time-limited research and training project between clemson university, potential cooperators, and the U.S. Department of the interiors U.S. Fish and wildlife…

See upload as wellthis document outlines a time-limited research and training project between clemson university, potential cooperators, and the U.S. Department of the interiors U.S. Fish and wildlife service (USFWS)southeast region and merritt island national wildlife refuge (merritt island). This document describestwo synergistic components: 1) a comprehensive evaluation of visitor capacity at merritt island NWR, and 2) concurrent training for USFWS staff focused on advanced visitor use management and visitorcapacity determinations. The training is focused on equipping visitor use specialists and regional staffwith the skills and knowledge necessary to assist refuges with visitor capacity determinations. Thetraining leverages a visitor use and visitor capacity research project at merritt island national wildliferefuge (NWR) as the training context. This project aims to enhance outdoor experiences at merritt island national wildlife refuge by transforming scientific insights into practical tools that improve quality, accessibility, and sustainability. Key benefits include:1. Real-time and predictive information: the project will implement tracking technologies to provide visitors with real-time data on peak use times and spatial patterns. This information will help visitors make informed decisions, reducing congestion and protecting sensitive habitats.2. Visitor trip planning tools: data collected will support the creation of trip planning resources, offering guidance on optimal times for activities like solitude or wildlife viewing. 3. Visitor-centered zone design: the project aims to identify high-pressure areas and underused spaces within the refuge to design zoning strategies that improve visitor flow and diversify recreation opportunities. This includes creating family-friendly zones and solitude-oriented areas.4. Feedback mechanisms: follow-up surveys and feedback tools will foster public engagement, allowing visitors to influence management decisions and improving the overall visitor experience.5. Staff training for broader impact: the training component will enable USFWS staff to apply these tools and strategies across other refuges, promoting improved management and visitor satisfaction nationally.conclusionthe project emphasizes managing for values such as visitor safety, access, and stewardship rather than just numbers. By grounding decisions in data and public input, IT aims to preserve essential wildlife and nature-based experiences, ultimately enhancing the mission of the national wildlife refuge system.