Attachment_10_Sample_Task_Order_Project_Statement_of_Work.docx

Attachment 10: Sample Task Order Project Statement of Work

Location: Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge 8588 Route 148, Marion, IL 62959

Introduction:

Due to increasing visitation, the current Visitor Center is inadequate. Consequently, the US Fish and Wildlife Service is developing plans for a new visitor center adjacent to the existing structure. This Interpretive Plan & Vision was developed to guide the design of the interpretive opportunities within the new building and on the site.

To that end, the Interpretive Plan & Vision includes the following:

· Goals and the desired outcomes from a visitor experience with the interpretive network,

· Themes (messages) to be communicated within the network,

· Prescription of interpretive strategies for communicating those messages in a way to achieve the desired outcomes.

Although the goals and desired outcomes and the themes are essentially set, the prescription is intended to provide direction, but with flexibility to take advantage of the creativity of the designer, and to accommodate changes to the final budget allowed for the exhibits.

The prescription is presented to reflect the sequence of the desired visitor experience on the site. That experience is broken down into the following segments:

· Arrival/Departure Experience

· Building Visitor Center Experience: Lobby

· Building Visitor Center Experience: Exhibit Hall

· Back Terrace / Interpretive Trail Experience

The sections include an overview of the visitor experience in those areas, the interpretive and informational opportunities recommended for that part of the experience, and a description and basic concept for each of the recommended strategies. Due to the fact that the building design and landscaping plans were still under development at the time the plan was being completed, the concepts for some of the exhibits will have to be finalized during the design process.

The Appendices of this document contain a brief description of the methodology used in developing the plan, the background information ‐ audiences, parameters and interpretive opportunities ‐ on which the plan was based, input from USFWS staff, and a list of the primary information sources used to develop the plan.

Goals and Outcomes Interpretive Program Goals and Outcomes Note: The term 'visitor' refers to anyone who visits the refuge whether he or she is a resident or not.

Introduction An interpretive program can help achieve the Refuges purposes by increasing a visitor's environmental literacy (their understanding and awareness of key concepts associated with the natural environment and how it functions), and through that increased understanding and awareness, cause impact on visitor behaviors associated with good stewardship. To increase the level of stewardship, the interpretive network needs to offer opportunities that lead to:

· A better understanding of personal impacts ‐ both positive and negative ‐ on the environment.

· A better understanding of the negative impacts of habituating wildlife and how to avoid doing so, such as by using bear proof containers for food storage while camping, and using bear proof garbage cans like those used at the Refuge.

· A better understanding of the linkages in an ecosystem and the consequent need to manage entire ecosystems in order to manage wildlife.

· A better understanding of the role of fire, beetles, predators and other seemingly negative factors in maintaining a healthy ecosystem with healthy populations of wildlife.

· A better understanding of the mission of the USFWS and how it differs from other wildlife and land management agencies.

· A better understanding of the importance of intact ecosystems and designated wilderness in the Refuge.

· A better understanding of the key threats faced by the refuge and how those threats are being addressed.

People who have a better understanding of these key points should have a good understanding of ecosystems and how they function, which in turn will lead to a better understanding of USFWS management actions and philosophies.

Information / Interpretive Network Overview The flow of information in the information network to support visitor experiences reflects the typical sequence of information desired by visitors. For example, finding the visitor center requires wayfinding information, as does parking in the correct lot and accessing the building. Once inside, first‐time visitors still need site‐specific orientation and wayfinding information to locate the restrooms and plan their visit. Many will also be seeking orientation and wayfinding information for exploring the Refuge and will want to obtain a map of the area and get answers to basic trip planning questions ‐ "What is there to do around here?" "Where can I see wildlife?" "Is it safe to hike with bears around?" and, "Is this the Conservation Center?"

Since orientation and wayfinding information is a need, it has priority over interpretive opportunities, which for most travelers are options for spending time. Consequently, to facilitate a good interpretive experience, the orientation and wayfinding information is available at the beginning of the visitor experience, in the lobby, in the form of visitor center staff, maps and other publications, a topographic model, and answers to basic questions. Because safety is so important, guidelines for recreating in the Refuge are offered in the same location to increase the probability of visitors encountering that information. Basic orientation and wayfinding information is also available just outside the facility to serve visitors who come at times when the facility is not open.

The interpretive experience is layered, reflecting the need to serve different audiences with different time constraints. The layers are designed to stand alone, but also to pique interest in other interpretive opportunities on site that offer more detail. Visitors with only a few minutes of time can get the basic story by watching the short video or other type of audiovisual program offered in the multi‐purpose room. It provides a brief overview of the story, emphasizing the key themes (messages) to be communicated, while striving to pique the interest of viewers so they are motivated to get more detail on at least a few of the stories.

The exhibit elements in the Exhibit Hall visible from the lobby are also designed to pique interest and attract visitors with more time into the Exhibit Hall, where additional exhibits provide depth and detail to stories introduced in the audiovisual program. The experience in the Exhibit Hall piques interest in visiting the terrace, while the exhibits on the terrace pique interest in experiencing the short interpretive loop trail. As a whole the interpretive network inspires people to explore and discover the Refuge while associated information provides the maps and other information to facilitate that experience. The interpretive experience also provides a different lens with which to view the refuge and the USFWS.

The information is organized into the following sections:

Arrival/Departure: This encompasses the visitor experience from the parking to the front door and from the front door back to their vehicle.

Building: This encompasses the Visitor Center Lobby, the Exhibit Hall, and Multipurpose Room.

Outdoor: This encompasses the back terrace and interpretive trail associated with this facility.

Each section contains an overview of the experience and a summary of the interpretive strategies recommended for that area followed by a description of and design concepts for those strategies.

Arrival/Departure Experience Overview The purpose of the information network supporting the arrival experience is primarily to move visitors easily from where they have parked to the front entry of the Visitor Center and back to their vehicles, even if they happen to exit the trail system to the existing parking area associated with the Visitor Center.

Facilitating the arrival experience requires wayfinding information geared to pedestrians from each parking area to the front door. The initial goal is to facilitate the transition from vehicular travelers to pedestrians, which requires travelers knowing where they are going when they exit their vehicles. That can be accomplished by clear visual access to the building, or to signage that can be read from their parking slot, or to an obvious source of information that will tell them where to go next, such as a kiosk with orientation information.

Ideally, to facilitate the transition from and separation between the vehicular experience and the visitor center experience the Visitor Center would not be visible from parking areas. Also, access pathways would be curvilinear. Such a design can separate the facility and parking areas visually while also shifting focus from roads and straight line travel to a slower, meandering experience.

Given the planned circulation pattern, parking areas and access pathways, simple structures, such as kiosks, containing orientation information at the intersection with the access pathway that are visible as visitors drive into and/or park in a lot will immediately identify where a visitor goes first after exiting their vehicle. Additional directional signage at intersections along the pathway where the route is not obvious, will also be necessary. The kiosks will contain a Site Orientation Panel, with an appropriate "You Are Here," and a space for changeable time‐sensitive information, such as hours of operation (which change by season), schedule of special events and flyers advertising those special events. The Site Orientation Panel, combined with directional signage when necessary, also needs to be located at key decision points (intersections) within the trail system.

Visitors will pass by the Staging Area and the retaining wall on their way to the front door. Both have opportunities that support the arrival/departure experience. The Staging Area contains a Forest Interpretive Panel Cluster, a Site Orientation Panel, an Area Orientation Panel and a Recreating Safely Panel, all intended primarily to serve departing visitors and those who arrive when the facility is closed. Although arriving visitors can use these opportunities, they do not usually spend much time on interpretation during arrival. Typically they are on their way to the restrooms, have not really "arrived" yet and do not have the information necessary to orient and plan their stay. Consequently, they are usually not particularly receptive to interpretive information as they arrive.

The retaining wall contains a mural or other visual elements tied to the storyline and messages. Interpretive elements requiring a visitor to stop and spend some time are not recommended for this surface because stopping visitors in this area increases the potential for congestion.

The primary purpose of the information network outside the facility supporting the departure experience is primarily to move visitors easily back to their vehicles, while at the same time capitalizing on opportunities to provide additional interpretive experiences. (Information on other experiences is available within the facility and on the Area Orientation Panel in the Staging Area.) The basic departure experience is facilitated by the same Site Orientation Panels coupled with directional signage focused on moving visitors to specific parking areas. Visitors who have a few more minutes or who need to wait for others in their party can take in the Forest interpretive panel cluster at the edge of the Staging Area while they wait.

Summary of Strategies In summary, the following strategies comprise the basic information/interpretive network to facilitate the Arrival/Departure experience:

· Directional Signage

· Site Orientation Panel

· Area Orientation Panel

· Forest Interpretive Panel Cluster

· Recreating Safely Interpretive Panel

In addition, a structure such as a kiosk will be needed to accommodate Site Orientation Panels and time‐ sensitive information such as hours of operation and posters advertising special events.

Descriptions/Concepts Directional Signage

Locations At key decision points (intersections) potentially encountered by visitors during their on‐site experience

Objectives After encountering a directional signage visitors will

· Be able to quickly make a choice as to direction with confidence

Design Concept To be determined by designer based on color schemes and style used in other elements of the information network.

Visitor Center Site Orientation Panel

Locations As needed

Objectives After viewing the panel visitors will:

· Be inspired, informed, and eager to proceed down the sidewalk to the visitor center

· Know where they are in relation to other locations at the site

· Know where to go next to continue their experience

· Be aware of key interpretive/recreational opportunities on‐site, including the trails

· Be able to determine if they can find what they want in the Visitor Center or if they need to go to the Administrative Building

· Feel comfortable in their ability to navigate the site

· Aware of the opportunities that are fully accessible

Design Concept The following are key aspects of the design and placement of the Site Orientation Panels that will increase the effectiveness of the sign and the orientation network:

1. Limit information to that which helps with its function, and avoid putting symbols and information that does not help, especially on the map. Adding unnecessary information clutters the sign and increases the difficulty in getting the desired information, which usually focuses on answering the questions, "Where am I?," "What is there to do here?," and, "How do I get where I want to go?" At a minimum the Site Orientation Panel should contain the following:

· Simple map of the site including roads, parking areas, trails, structures and key features

· Mileages and times for walking the trails

· A "You Are Here"

· Visuals of key interpretive and recreational opportunities tied to location

· List of services available in the Visitor Center and in the Administrative Building

· North arrow

· Legend scale i.e., 1inch = 100yds

2. Orient the panel in the direction that the visitor is facing when looking at the sign instead of north. People expect information at the top of a map to be in front of them. This requires determining location and orientation for panels prior to fabrication.

3. Viewing the same map on a panel as is used in an associated brochure helps visitors move back and forth between the two, so consider adopting the map for this panel for the brochure when it is re‐designed in the future.

4. Use a 3‐dimensional look to the map to help visitors recognize features. This is not always possible, especially if you are trying to match maps used elsewhere, but studies show it is significantly easier for many people to use a map with 3‐dimensional orientation rather than a flat map.

One possible concept is to use a stylized oblique aerial perspective graphic of the site as the major orientation element and as a backdrop for all the basic orientation information. Arrange images of recreational opportunities, such as walking a trail, cross‐country skiing, viewing exhibits, viewing the lake and reading outdoor interpretive panels, around the perimeter of the map, with a graphic element (line) connecting the image to the appropriate location on the map.

Forest and Grasslands Interpretive Panel Cluster

Location Edge of Staging Area oriented toward the forest

Objectives After visitors interact with this opportunity they will:

· Be inspired to learn more about the refuge forest

Note: Other objectives depend on the themes selected to guide the design of these panels, which in turn depends on the elements in line‐of‐sight from the final location of the cluster.

Key Themes and sub‐themes

Sub‐theme 1‐1: Everything in an ecosystem is linked. Impacting one component affects all other components in that system.

Design Concept The panels are low‐angled to facilitate focus on the environment/features being interpreted rather than preventing visual access to those features. The basic concept is to use elements of the landscape (flora) as focal points for focusing on connections between flora and the fauna that might be found there, or on the importance of a particular species of vegetation for migratory birds. This plan is being developed prior to finalizing the plans for the building and site. Consequently, the landscape visible from these signs is not yet known, which precludes identifying specific elements of that landscape that can be used as focal points.

Area Orientation Panel

At the edge of the Staging Area, near the Forest and Grassland Interpretive Panel Cluster

Objectives After interacting with this opportunity, visitors will:

· Be inspired to visit other parts of the refuge

· Know where they are in relation to major roads and towns in the area

· Be aware that the refuge offers a large variety of recreational opportunities as well as providing home to a wide variety of fish and wildlife

· Be aware that different wildlife are associated with different zones within the refuge

Design Concept The same keys to effective Site Orientation Panels also apply to Area Orientation Panels ‐ limit information to that which is useful; orient it in the direction people are facing when reading the map (if possible); use the same map as used in the area orientation brochure (if possible); and use a 3‐ dimensional perspective.

At a minimum the Area Orientation Panel should contain the following:

· Map of the site with basic features of importance to the traveler, such as roads and communities

· Mileages and travel times to destinations in the area, including A "You Are Here"

· Visuals of key recreational opportunities on the refuge linked to specific locations

· North arrow

· Information presented visually reflecting key aspects of the refuge, notably the wilderness, different zones, and array of wildlife

One possible approach is to use a stylized three‐dimensional representation of the area from an oblique aerial perspective as the basis for the map. Key locations and features would be enlarged to reflect significance and make it easy for users to find key locations. Different types of habitats would be obvious if the visual reflected the vegetation/key features in the refuge. Key species from each zone would be included in the graphic to support the fact that the refuge contains a wide variety of wildlife. The intent is not to show every species in every location, but rather to provide a consistent image of the refuge as a place with 'wild' and with wildlife.

Images of key recreational opportunities on the refuge would be arranged around the perimeter with graphic elements (lines) connecting the image to the appropriate location on the map. The images could include, but are not limited to, staying at a refuge campground, viewing exhibits in the Visitor Center (to motivate people who come after hours to return), hiking the trails on‐site, using the canoe system, angling at the river, cross country skiing one of the trails, backpacking, birdwatching, and boating on the refuge lake. The intent is not to provide people with all the information to visit those places and engage in the recreational opportunities, but rather to communicate the fact that the refuge has a large array of opportunities for recreating.

Recreating Safely

Location At the edge of the Staging Area, near the Forest and Grasslands Interpretive Panel Cluster

Objectives After interacting with this opportunity, visitors will:

· Be aware of the hazards related to wildlife associated with recreating in this area, and also the low probability of encountering a problem, especially when practicing appropriate behaviors;

· Be aware that thousands of people engage in recreational activities in the area without experiencing any problems with wildlife;

· Be more comfortable engaging in recreational opportunities on the refuge and therefore more likely to engage in outdoor recreational activities;

· Know how to minimize the potential for encounters;

Design Concept

The key to a panel accomplishing the goals of encouraging visitors to engage in outdoor recreational activities while at the same time educating them about how to do so safely is a challenge. The danger involved when encountering wildlife should not be minimized, but visitors should also not be frightened away from recreational opportunities.

One possible design concept is to use images of people recreating in the area amidst wildlife accompanied by the question "Is This Safe? The point is to communicate that recreationists and wildlife can co‐exist. The other images should focus on guidelines for avoiding encounters, recognizing warning behaviors and what to do when they occur. These would be accompanied by the answer, "Yes. With a Few Precautions."

Visitor Center Experience & Displays: Lobby Overview The purposes of the information network in this part of the experience are to satisfy basic needs, motivate visitors to engage in interpretive opportunities in the Visitor Center and on the site, and facilitate safe exciting experiences here and elsewhere on the refuge. Given the planned layout for this space, a visitor entering the facility will have immediate be able to see the Information Desk, the Topographic Model, the Self‐Serve Orientation Area, the Recreating Safely Exhibit, the entry to the multipurpose room, the exit to the back terrace and the entry to the Exhibit Hall, Directional signage in line‐of‐sight indicating the location of the restrooms will be required since they are not clearly visible in forward line‐of‐sight.

Self-Serve Orientation Area This area allows visitors to get all the orientation and wayfinding information they need without having to go to the Information Desk. Availability of the information eases pressure on the Information Desk when the facility is crowded and serves visitors who prefer to gather information this way rather than engage in personal contact. Key information needs include answers to basic questions (Where can I see wildlife? What is there to do here?) and orientation and wayfinding information facilitating a visit to other parts of the refuge. Visitors at the station should be able to select an activity, such as hiking, canoeing, birdwatching, etc., and easily find information to facilitate their desired experience, such as maps and other publications.

Recreating Safely Exhibit This exhibit, located next to the Self-Serve Orientation Area to maximize the potential for visitors to encounter the opportunity, focuses on providing the guidelines for avoiding negative encounters with wildlife and how to behave if an encounter occurs. At the same time it has to send the message that "You can recreate safely around wildlife with a few precautions." Exhibit elements would be designed in part to attract a visitor's attention and identify the focus of the exhibit. Associated publications will be available at the exhibit.

Topographic Model The function of this element is primarily as an orientation, wayfinding and trip planning strategy rather than an interpretive strategy, but should be designed so it can be used for ranger talks. Visitors will use it to orient themselves to the area in terms of where they are, where they have been and where they can go. They will also use it to determine physical location / relative location of opportunities, such as good places to see wildlife, places to hike, places to camp and to engage in other activities on the refuge.

The model can be simple, with touching different areas the only opportunity for interaction, or it can be more complex, such as be including a system where visitors can push buttons to obtain different information. One way to facilitate use as a trip planning strategy is for visitors to be able to push buttons that trigger lights corresponding to the information of interest. For example, a visitor could push a button labeled "campgrounds" and the campgrounds would light up. Buttons for hiking trails and canoe trails could also be included. Additional incentive for exploration can be provided by locating images around the perimeter of people recreating. Corresponding buttons could be pressed to show the locations for these activities. This basic system must be relatively easy to update as trails and campgrounds are added or closed and so it can be modified quickly to reflect a temporary closure.

Since this is an orientation, wayfinding and trip planning strategy, the Refuge map/brochure should be available nearby. Ideally, the map in that brochure would be similar to the topographic model so users can easily move intellectually between the two.

Ideally, presenters would be able to address a group in this area with the aid of a microphone and speakers if necessary. This will be important if this is one of the locations used when splitting large groups into small groups so they can be pulsed through the facility.

Summary of Strategies The lobby will contain the Information Desk and the following information / interpretive strategies:

· Self‐Serve Orientation Area

· Recreating Safely Exhibit

· Topographic Map

· Discovery Guide

The relative locations of the fixed elements are depicted on Figure 1.

Space Identification Key

1. Self‐serve Orientation and Recreating Safely Exhibit

2. Topographic Map

Figure 1: Relative Location of Interpretive Elements in Lobby

Note: The line to the right of exhibit area 1 is not meant to depict the exact location of the edge of the information desk, but rather to indicate that the information desk is going to extend further into the lobby space than depicted on this floor plan.

Visitor Center Experience & Displays: Exhibit Hall Overview This space contains the core of the interpretive experience at the Visitor Center. Its purpose is to communicate and reinforce the themes identified for the interpretive network to as many visitors as possible. To that end it will provide a variety of different access paths to the key messages in the form of different topics and media with the intent of providing a large enough array of opportunities so that everyone will find something that captures their attention and imagination. The intent is also to provide the opportunity to dig deeper into the stories that are presented in the audiovisual program (such as a video).

Key aspects of approach to developing the concept for the exhibits include the following:

· An emphasis on connections and interrelationships, which is the reason the Zones of the Refuge Exhibit contains elements relating to all parts of the story presented in Interpretive Network.

· An emphasis on 'discovery’ of an awe inspiring place, the refuge.

· An emphasis on exciting and inspiring visitors to explore the refuge in person as “detectives of the landscape”, which focuses on being able to 'read' the landscape to find connections, signs of wildlife and other aspects of the land and its inhabitants.

· An emphasis in providing an interactive, multi‐sensory experience.

As depicted on Figure 2, visitors enter on the right side of the exhibit hall and immediately encounter two exhibits designed to provide an introduction and overview. The first, People and the Wildlife of the Refuge, focuses on the fact that the wildlife and resources of the refuge have always been and continue to be an integral part of the lifestyle of those who live here, and increasingly for many people from outside the area. The second exhibit, What Is So Special Here?, focuses on the intact ecosystems within the refuge and what it means to have those areas. Visitors continue in a counterclockwise flow dictated by a central exhibit island stretching down the middle of the room. This exhibit island contains the Zones of the Refuge exhibit ‐ a continuous three‐ dimensional structure with exhibit elements reflecting the sequencing of the zones found in the refuge. The structure includes three‐dimensional elements representing landforms to create an irregular boundary with the walking space.

Exhibit elements within each zone include drawers, doors, flip plates and other means of 'discovering' different aspects of the refuge using all senses. All aspects of the refuge ‐ plants, wildlife, fish, birds, humans, and the natural forces that continue to shape the land ‐ can be found in the array of strategies to emphasize that all occur in the same place at the same time and that they are connected, and to emphasize that humans are integrally connected to the refuge. The issues facing the refuge and potential impacts can also be found in the array of strategies.

The integration of a variety of elements into a single exhibit reflects the holistic quality of nature and avoids the compartmentalization of information, which tends to be an obstacle in communicating interactions and connections. To avoid giving the impression of a vast quantity of information to digest, while at the same time motivating visitors to engage, much of the information will be hidden in drawers, recesses, flip plates and other reveals (strategies involving manipulation to find additional information) waiting to be 'discovered' as visitors 'discover' the refuge.

As reflected in Figure 2, visitors pass by the entrance to the exhibit hall to the start of the River Zone and beginning of the Forest Zone in the Zones of the Refuge exhibit as they move toward the prow of the exhibit hall. The River Zone runs through all the other zones to emphasize its central role in connecting all parts of the Refuge. Visitors also encounter the beginning of the Follow the Wildlife Trail exhibit, which continues through all the rest of the zones and out to the 'ocean.'

After taking in the view on the prow, visitors continue to experience the Forest and the Lakes and Wetlands sections of the Zones of the Refuge exhibit on the inside along with a continuation of the River Zone. The Forest Zone ends about halfway along the exhibit island, but the exhibit elements continue with a focus on connections between the refuge and areas outside its boundaries, such as a component of the Follow the Wildlife Trail exhibit that focuses on what happens at sea. The exhibits on the exhibit island conclude with the end of the Follow the Wildlife Trail, which is an exhibit focusing on all the ways wildlife at the Refuge support the ecosystem and the people who live there.

On the right visitors encounter the Where Am I? exhibit, which emphasizes the importance of different zones at different times of the year for some species of birds and wildlife. They also encounter the Are You Connected to the Refuge? exhibit where they can discover if they are connected in some way to the refuge. The final major exhibit, Worth Protecting, focuses on threats to the Refuge and the progress towards meeting those threats to ensure that the ecosystem stays intact and continues to support the fish and wildlife that everyone values so much. At the end of the Exhibit Hall experience, visitors encounter an up‐to‐date list of what has been sighted recently on the trails around the headquarters, which inspires them to turn right when they exit the Exhibit Hall to reach the Back Terrace and trailhead for the Interpretive Trail.

Summary of Strategies The exhibits and opportunities in the Exhibit Hall included in this plan include the following:

· People and the Wildlife of Refuge

· What is So Special Here?

· Forest Exhibits

· Life Zones of the Refuge

· Follow the Wildlife Trail

· Are You Connected to the Refuge?

· Worth Protecting

Note: It is possible that not all the exhibits identified will fit, nor that they will organized as depicted on the floor plan.

4 5

Figure 2: Exhibit Area General Floor Plan

Exhibit Identification Key

1. People and Wildlife of the Refuge

2. What is so Special Here?

3. Intact Ecosystem

4. Forest Exhibits

5. Life Zones of the Refuge

6. Follow the Wildlife Trail

7. Where Am I?

8. Are You Connected to the Refuge?

9. Worth Protecting

Although the general concept for the Exhibit Hall has been developed, at this point in the process the array of variables make it difficult to be highly specific about where certain pieces of information or exhibit components should be located within that framework, or how large they should be relative to other exhibit elements. For example, the exhibit component focusing on the ways in which Native Americans used the spruce tree, which is currently in the Zones of the Refuge exhibit, could be expanded into a separate exhibit, or could be discarded in favor of another story that communicates the messages more effectively. That decision is based on other decisions that will be made during the design process about locations of other elements and final selection of stories to be presented. Consequently, the design concepts in this plan focus on providing a menu of suggestions for stories to be included, location of those stories and presentation strategies as a starting point for the designer to work with USFWS personnel to develop and refine the designs. Several thumbnail (rough) sketches are included to help clarify design concepts.

Figure 3: Concept for People of the Refuge exhibit

What is So Special Here?

The list of possibilities for each zone is not meant to be complete nor set in stone, but rather reflects the input to date on supporting stories and reflects the concept for the exhibit as a collection of opportunities to 'discover' the refuge.

Figure 4: The Life Zones of the Refuge

Visitor Center Experience and Orientation Film: Multipurpose Room

Overview:

The multipurpose room of the visitor center serves as place where visitors can view a new interpretive orientation film about the refuge before they explore the exhibits and various public use areas of the refuge. As part of this project, an 8-minute film will be designed, developed, and produced to be shown in the multipurpose room as an overview of the refuge within the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS).

The content will focus on the natural, historical, and cultural resources. Film concept planning will draw on existing interpretive themes already developed. The objectives are to inspire and motivate visitors to explore the refuge and enjoy wildlife-dependent recreation while developing a sense of stewardship for refuges as part of our nation’s public lands.

The film will serve as part of a multi-pronged outreach strategy that supports the NWRS Mission Statement as follows: To administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management, and where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

This film will be played at the visitor center and could be used to introduce FWS to new employees, partners, and representatives. This film would be available for use through various outreach, interpretive, and educational venues, including streaming on the Internet (FWS Facebook page, YouTube channel, and webpage).

Visitor Center Experience & Displays: Back Terrace / Interpretive Trail Experience Overview Visitors exiting through the terrace doors will find themselves on a terrace area that connects with the beginning of the interpretive trail and the trail system. An exhibit on firewise landscaping will be located somewhere in this area, but in such a way as not to interfere with the view from the interior of the building. The interpretive trail will be a short loop designed to minimize elevation gain and loss to avoid a focus on physical exertion rather than on the interpretive opportunities.

Summary of Strategies

· Firewise exhibit

· Interpretive Trail

Firewise Exhibit

Location TBD ‐ depends on the final design and layout of the terrace

Objectives After interacting with this exhibit, visitors will:

· Use firewise strategies at their home

Design Concept This opportunity is based on firewise measures that can be demonstrated in this area through manipulation of the vegetation and landscape. The actual strategies to be depicted will be identified during the design development process as the actual location of the building and the associated modifications to the surrounding landscape become clear.

An interpretive panel would provide overview of the strategies for "Living with Forest Fire." An associated publication would contain the specific information necessary to apply the strategies.

Note: We recommend this as an outdoor exhibit because of the opportunity to show firewise landscaping. Although we have that same opportunity if we use windows within the exhibit area, the subject does not fit well in the flow of interpretive information.

Forest Interpretive Trail

TBD

Objectives After interacting with the interpretive opportunities on the trail, visitors will:

· Be inspired to hike other trails on the site and in the refuge

· Be motivated to continue to apply information learned in the visitor center and on the trail to being a 'Detective of the Landscape.'

· Want to return at other times of the year to see what has changed

Themes Sub‐theme 1‐1: Everything in an ecosystem is linked. Impacting one component affects all other components in that system.

Sub‐theme 1‐2: Every part of an ecosystem, including the forces that shaped and continue to shape it, play an important role in nutrient cycling, which is a key to the health of that ecosystem and the subsequent conservation of healthy populations of fish and wildlife.

Design Concept Specific interpretive opportunities along the trail will depend on the features available for use as focal points, but the focus will be on reading the landscape to discern connections, especially between flora and fauna. Ideally the trail would pass by evidence of wildlife, such as claw marks on trees, cone stalks and scales, woodpecker holes and other such features that could be used to emphasize that the area is filled with wildlife even if it can't always be seen. The interpretation would be offered by an introductory overview panel located at the trailhead and visible from the terrace. The panel would highlight the route and what could be discovered along the way. Additional interpretation would be provided by an associated trail brochure.

Appendix A:

Background Information

Target Audiences

Introduction Information is a commodity; people have to buy it with their time, a highly valued personal resource. Since different people "buy" different communication experiences, it is important to identify and then profile the specific target audience(s) you want to reach.

Based on the goals, input from the work sessions, research on comparable sites, and on experience with other interpretive planning projects in general, the following appear to be the key audiences for the interpretive network. Although overlap exists, such as a resident who is also activity‐oriented, each audience has distinct characteristics that help guide development of an effective network. Just because a group is not identified does not mean that they will not be served. It just means that no additional information related to that group was necessary to help develop the plan.

Key Target Audiences Local Residents. From an interpretive perspective, local residents will typically have more extensive knowledge about the general area, a more extensive knowledge of the impact of the USFWS on lifestyles in the state, a higher potential for repeat visitation, a higher level of awareness of the Refuge specifically, and are more likely to be affected by actions of the USFWS.

State residents: not local. This refers to all other leisure‐oriented travelers from the state, such as vacationers and day‐trippers, and also other travelers with some discretionary time to spend, such as business travelers and people visiting friends or relatives in the area. Key characteristics include a more extensive knowledge of the state and of the impact of the USFWS on lifestyles in the state, but not necessarily a knowledge of this area.

Out‐of‐State visitors. The key characteristics of visitors in this category include a lack of familiarity with the unique aspects of the state and lack of experience around wild animals. These visitors are also not as likely to be as aware as residents of this state of refuges and the USFWS.

Activity‐oriented visitors. This includes hikers, anglers, birdwatchers, and others who are focused on their activity. The key characteristic is the priority for an activity which consumes most if not all of their attention, thus rendering interpretation as a competing opportunity during the time periods when they can be engaged in their activity or preparing for that activity.

Tour groups. The key characteristic of this audience, which applies to most organized groups, is the number of people to be served at essentially the same time.

Note: Educational groups, such as field trips from the local schools, have not been included because the Refuge already has an extensive high quality environmental education program developed for groups and schools in the area and facilities to serve this audience.

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