Exploratory Mixed Methodology to Understand Visitor Use and Perceptions at a National Grassland

Abstract

National Grasslands offer a variety of ecosystem services that benefit visitors and must be managed to ensure sustained yield. However, a paucity of visitor use management research in National Grasslands has limited the advancement of knowledge about these areas. This exploratory study used a mixed methodology with two connected phases to better understand visitor experiences, perceptions, and enjoyment at Cimarron National Grassland. A survey instrument was constructed with information gathered by semi-structured interviews with managers. The survey was distributed online through the Dillman Method. This survey featured quantitative and qualitative questions. Principal component analysis was used to group survey items into four components. These were then used in two multiple linear regressions to understand which components influence visitor enjoyment and nature relatedness, meaning visitor ability to connect with nature. The primary findings of this study were that visitors who reported the highest positive perceptions for the natural environment also had high nature relatedness. Visitor enjoyment was most positively influenced by achieving their primary activity. Conversely, it was found that visitor enjoyment was most negatively impacted by conditions of developed facilities, meaning built structures on site. Nature relatedness was negatively influenced by both missing and undermaintain developed facilities conditions. Qualitative survey question responses suggest that the most detracting aspect from visitor experience was the conditions of developed facilities. These findings suggest that National Grasslands managers could focus on visitor access to the natural environment. Helping visitors achieve their primary activity suggests that this will increase visitor enjoyment and positive perceptions. Additionally, helping visitors access the natural environment could increase nature relatedness. As missing or degraded developed facilities were reported as detracting from the visitor experience, managers could prioritize maintenance of facilities that contribute to helping visitors connect to the natural environment and achievement of their primary activity such as trails and trailheads. Additionally, managers could provide intuitive navigational signage to help visitors quickly gain access to natural areas. National Grasslands are an important resource and are typically surrounded by rural communities. By leveraging mechanisms to boost the visitor experience, it is potentially possible to increase regional economic impact and rural vibrancy.