Designing a Data- and Theory-Driven System for Fairly Allocating Trailhead Parking
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18666/JPRA-2025-13070Keywords:
recreation allocation, rationing, permits, use limitsAbstract
This research note presents an application of a recently developed theoretical framework for allocating scarce recreation resources—in this case, trailhead parking—in a fair and data-driven manner. Drawing from this theoretical framework, developed by university and agency researchers, this study operationalizes a set of six allocation design principles—equitable, flexible, accessible, balanced, data-driven, and meets agency requirements—within the context of Yellowstone National Park. Results reveal varying levels of support for rationing mechanisms and significant variation in preferred booking windows based on visitors’ proximity to the park. By grounding a hypothetical design in both empirical data and new theoretical guidance, this work fills a gap in recreation allocation research. It also provides a replicable model for managers seeking to implement allocation systems that are not only operationally viable but also fair—highlighting the importance of integrating data with theory in applied visitor use management.
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