Our Research

 
 

Visitor Use Planning and Management (VUPM)

Visitor Use Planning and Management (VUPM) refers to the process of planning, monitoring, and managing the use of parks and protected areas by visitors. The goal of VUPM is to provide high-quality recreational experiences for visitors while protecting the natural and cultural resources of the park or protected area.

VUPM involves a range of activities, including:

  1. Assessing visitor needs and preferences: This involves gathering information about visitors and their expectations for their visit to the park or protected area.

  2. Identifying and monitoring visitor use: This involves tracking the number of visitors, the types of activities they engage in, and the impact of their activities on the environment.

  3. Developing management strategies: Based on the information gathered through assessment and monitoring, park managers can develop management strategies that balance visitor use with resource protection. This might involve, for example, setting limits on the number of visitors allowed in a particular area or designating certain trails for specific types of use.

  4. Implementing and evaluating management strategies: Once management strategies have been developed, they must be implemented and evaluated to determine their effectiveness. This might involve gathering feedback from visitors or conducting ongoing monitoring of visitor use and resource impacts.

VUPM is an important tool for ensuring that parks and protected areas are managed in a way that provides high-quality recreational experiences for visitors while protecting the natural and cultural resources that make these places special.

Socioeconomic Monitoring (SEM)

Socioeconomic Monitoring (SEM) research in national parks involves the collection and analysis of data related to the social and economic impacts of park visitation.

One important aspect of SEM research is the collection of data on visitor use patterns. This includes information on the number of visitors, how long they stay in the park, and the activities they engage in. This information can help the NPS understand how park visitation affects the local population and the park itself. For example, if there is a significant increase in visitation, the NPS may need to develop strategies to manage overcrowding or mitigate environmental impacts within the park.

SEM research also involves the collection of data on visitor experiences and satisfaction. This can be done through surveys, which ask visitors about their reasons for visiting the park, their expectations, and their overall experience. This information can help the NPS improve visitor experiences and ensure that the benefits of parks are shared equitably.

The NPS also collects data on the social impacts of park visitation, including changes in the community's identity and cultural practices. This information can help the NPS understand how park visitation affects the local community and identify strategies to promote positive impacts and mitigate negative effects.

SEM research in national parks is an important tool for understanding the social and economic impacts of park visitation. By collecting and analyzing data on visitor use patterns, visitor experiences and satisfaction, and the economic and social impacts of park visitation, the NPS can make informed decisions about park management and ensure that the benefits of parks are shared widely and sustainably.