This project will obtain and analyze survey responses from visitors at national park service (NPS) units and U.S. Fish and wildlife service (FWS) national wildlife refuges to understand visitor…

This Cooperative Agreement award from the National Park Service (NPS) under the Cooperative Research and Training Programs - Resources of the National Park System (CFDA 15.945) will obtain and analyze survey responses from visitors at National Park Service units and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuges to understand visitor perceptions of climate change. The $149,972 award to Northern Michigan University will guide visitor engagement and provide support for future investments in climate change communication products, methods, and technologies. The survey results will inform climate change interpretive materials and training provided to interpretive rangers, improving the quality and relevance of climate change interpretation for national park visitors and the public. This project will also provide opportunities for students at the university to develop professional skills and gain experience in national parks.

This project will obtain and analyze survey responses from visitors at national park service (NPS) units and U.S. Fish and wildlife service (FWS) national wildlife refuges to understand visitor perceptions of climate change. The survey results will inform climate change interpretive materials and training provided to interpretive rangers. The project will guide visitor engagement across the country and provide support for future investments in climate change communication products, methods, and technologies. Results from this project will improve the quality and relevance of climate change interpretation materials provided to national park visitors and the public. The public will have full access to the final products produced by this project. This information will be useful to other federal, state, and local land management agencies as well. This project will provide opportunities for students at the university to develop professional skills and gain experience in national parks.