Recreation-Tourism Visitor and Resident Customer Assessment Handbook

Principal Investigators:
Dorothy H. Anderson, Department of Forest Resources and CPSP leader, 612-624-2721
Ron Nickerson, Department of Parks, Recreation and Leisure Services, Minnesota State University, Mankato, 507-345-6994

Project Personnel:
Taylor G. Stein, Assistant Professor, University of Florida, Gainesville

Project Duration:
September 1997 – ongoing

Funding:
USDI Bureau of Land Management

Summary:
This handbook is being developed and tested for use by natural resource recreation managers and cooperating public and private sector recreation providers located within communities adjacent to public lands. The handbook will consist of survey instruments, guidelines on how to administer surveys, instructions on how to analyze survey data, and guidelines on how to interpret data. The survey instruments are intended to help managers accurately identify visitors and their preferences for activities, settings, and experience opportunities. The survey instruments are also intended for use by communities in understanding the type of service they provide to visitors and tourists and the benefits that accrue to communities as a result of being a recreation service provider.

In 2001-2002 survey instruments were designed and field tested in several locations in Arizona, Colorado, and Minnesota. Results of the field tests have significantly changed the content of the surveys designed to identify community benefits. Handbook revisions are being made based on the outcomes of the field tests.