Monetary and social impact measures of visitor experience and the effects of a piping plover recovery program on visitor experience

Abstract

This study examined visitor perceptions and attitudes towards their experience at a national wildlife refuge which limits access to its barrier beach during the nesting season of the threatened piping plover. It determined attitudes towards the closure, as well as what factors influenced these attitudes. It also examined how willingness to pay for refuge protection related to overall experience rating and attitudes towards wildlife protection and crowding. The data were gathered in 1993 in a self-administered user survey. The results indicate visitor support for the refuge and the beach closure, with those visitors interested in beach-related activities more likely to indicate less positive experiences and less support for the beach closure. A positive relationship was established between willingness to pay for refuge protection and a positive experience, as well as between willingness to pay and support for wildlife protection efforts and limiting the number of visitors.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the 1994 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium

Citation

Gilbert, Laura. 1995. Monetary and social impact measures of visitor experience and the effects of a piping plover recovery program on visitor experience. In: Vander Stoep, Gail A., ed. Proceedings of the 1994 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium; 1994 April 10-12; Saratoga Springs, NY.: Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-198. Radnor, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. 35-38