Attachment_Interp_Sign_Plans.docx

AG-0120-S-15-0035

Amendment 00001

Interpretive Planning Overview

Interpretive planning is a strategic process which, in its implementation, achieves management objectives for interpretation and education by facilitating meaningful connections between visitors and forest resources. Interpretive planning comprehensively analyzes all interpretive needs and determines a wide array of interpretive services, facilities, and programs to communicate in the most efficient and effective way the forest’s purpose, significance, and themes. Interpretive planning is a goal driven process that determines appropriate means to achieve desired visitor experiences and provide opportunities for audiences to form their own intellectual and emotional connections with meanings/significance inherent in the resources while protecting and preserving those resources.

Goal-driven: Goals, which direct the planning process, are rooted in a clear identification of the purpose and significance of the area.

Visitor Experience: Interpretive planning defines a variety of visitor experience opportunities for audiences. Visitor experience is everything that visitors do, sense, and learn; it includes knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and values; it is affected by experiences prior to the visit and affects behavior after the visit.

Means: Interpretive planning determines appropriate interpretive services, facilities, programs, and media to communicate in the most effective way the area’s purpose, significance, compelling stories, themes and values. Sound interpretive planning defines desirable and diverse experiences, recommends ways to facilitate those experiences, and assures they are accessible.

Outcome: The outcome of interpretive planning is effectiveness in communicating the area’s story in a larger context, ideas, meanings, and the values associated with the resources themselves, while achieving a balance between management objectives and visitor use/enjoyment.

Key concepts:

The interpretive planning process extends beyond forest or area boundaries. Planning incorporates concessions and cooperating associations as well as local communities, regional partnerships, subject matter experts, and subscribes to the principles of sustainability.

Interpretive planning decisions are based on current research. Decisions regarding personal and non-personal services are rooted in solid subject-matter expertise, and reflect knowledge of visitor expectations, demographics, changing social trends and needs.

Interpretive planning is based on a thorough understanding of the most current and appropriate interpretive techniques and services, and draws upon current research and educational philosophy in program planning.

Interpretive planning includes practical strategies for implementation including funding and management alternatives.

Elements of an interpretive plan:

While each interpretive plan is unique, the major components of a plan include (but are not limited to):

· introduction/background

· inventory of existing interpretation

· visitor analysis/use patterns

· interpretive themes, goals and objectives

· media recommendations

· cost estimates

· design guidelines

Sign Plan Overview:

The intent of sign plan is to provide a consistent and established set of guidelines for various types of signage throughout a defined area. These guidelines clearly set forth the expectations for quality, integrated signage as a means to provide quality information, enhance the visual environment of the area and provide clarity to wayfinding.

Basic elements of a sign plan include (but are not limited to):

· Narrative outlining objectives (ex. improve safety, provide information, identify a feature) and planning criteria

· Definition of project limits

· Inventory of existing signage

· Proposed locations and sign content

· Proposed graphic layout for each sign (schematic ok)

· A sign schedule (list of all signs, messages, materials and quantity)

· Cost estimate

· A maintenance plan