Purpose of award (summary of the goals and objectives of the project): investigate visitor use patterns that have emerged following federal wilderness designation, rapidly increasing annual…

Michigan State University will receive $160,996.32 under a cooperative agreement award from the National Park Service Midwest Region to investigate visitor use patterns at three sites within the National Park System. From May to September 2022 through 2025, MSU will conduct field efforts including onsite visitor surveys, parking lot counts, trail counters, and online surveys to provide updated information on visitor use patterns, motivations, preferences, and attitudes towards management strategies across Platte River, Crystal River, and North Manitou Island. MSU will work collaboratively with park staff and involve undergraduate students, faculty, researchers, and interns. Findings will inform potential planning efforts such as river use plans and wilderness character monitoring. This award is funded through the Cooperative Research and Training Programs – Resources of the National Park System program (CFDA 15.945), which supports collaborative study units to facilitate multi-disciplinary science within the National Park System.

Purpose of award (summary of the goals and objectives of the project): investigate visitor use patterns that have emerged following federal wilderness designation, rapidly increasing annual visitation, and covid-19 pandemic. Study includes platte river, crystal river, and north manitou island.summary of project specific activities: field efforts scheduled for 2022/2023 seasons from may to september. Field staff will consist of undergraduate students, faculty, researchers, and park staff and interns. Park staff assistance with data collection at north manitou island will be critical for efficiency and costs, as travel logistics present unique challenges. Social science efforts include onsite visitor use surveys, parking lot counts, and trail counters. Quick response code survey links, postcards, and information signage will be deployed as indirect methods to collect data during lower use times.performance goals including milestones and expected outcomes: provide updated information on visitor use patterns, motivations, and preferences, and preferences across previously studied sites and new areas of interest at park. Examine visitor attitudes towards management strategies and actions implemented to address visitor use. Provide information for utilization in future potential planning efforts (e.g., river use plans, management plans, management plan updates, wilderness character monitoring).beneficiaries: michigan state university