Niobrara National Scenic River: Replication of a 1993 Visitor Study

Principal Investigators:
Dorothy H. Anderson, Department of Forest Resources and CPSP, 612-624-2721
Jerrilyn L. Thompson, Department of Forest Resources and CPSP, 612-624-3699

Project Personnel:
Mae Davenport, Research Assistant, Forest Resources
Kate Flitsch, Research Assistant, Forest Resources

Project Duration:
January 2001- September 2002

Funding:
Midwest Regional Office, NPS

Summary:
The main objectives of the Niobrara National Scenic River (Niobrara NSR) Visitor Study were to replicate the 1993 Visitor Use Study (Lime et al 1994) and to address current river management issues. Visitor use on the river has increased significantly since it was designated a National Scenic River in 1991. Changing conditions on the river prompted the need to better understand: 1) current visitor and trip characteristics, 2) the types of recreation experiences visitors seek and the extent those experiences are attained, as well as 3) visitor perceptions of management. In addition managers were interested in identifying the values that visitors assign to the Fort Niobrara Wilderness Area as compared to the remaining Niobrara NSR.

General visitor information was collected in the summer of 2001 through two onsite questionnaires and an in-depth mail-back questionnaire. The sample population included those floating the river by canoe, inner tube, kayak, or raft. A total of 923 visitors in 422 groups were contacted onsite, according to a predetermined sampling plan stratified by weekend/weekdays, time of day, and site location. The sampling plan was designed to capture a diversity of experiences, as well as equal proportions of weekend and weekday visitors. To examine and compare the values that visitors assign to the Wilderness Area and the values visitors assign to the rest of the National Scenic River, a questionnaire was administered to 556 visitors just outside the Wilderness Area. The onsite survey instrument included a set of values scale identical to the one used in the mail-back questionnaire, in which respondents were asked to rate several items related to the role of the National Scenic River (or Wilderness Area).

A final report has been completed along with two research summaries, one comparing the values assigned to the Niobrara NSR and the Wilderness Area and the other comparing the experiences and perceptions of canoeists and inner tubers. Two other summaries are being finalized.

Results show that a diversity of experiences is important to visitors. Enjoying natural scenery, getting away from usual demands, and being with family and friends are among the most important experiences. Results also indicate that several social and biophysical conditions such as the absence of litter, absence of inappropriate behavior and opportunity to see wildlife are important indicators of quality experiences. Altogether the study findings will be used to help inform NPS managers during their development of a general management plan. The study will also provide other agencies, local organizations and outfitters with baseline information as to who Niobrara NSR visitors are and what kinds of experiences they seek.