Evaluating multiple dimensions of visitors' tradeoffs between access and crowding at Arches National Park using indifference curve analysis

Abstract

Tradeoffs are an inherent part of many of the decisions faced by outdoor recreation managers. For example, decisions concerning the social carrying capacity of popular attraction sites involve tradeoffs between limiting visitor use to ensure a high quality experience and allowing high levels of visitor use to ensure that large numbers of visitors retain access to park and outdoor recreation resources. This study uses indifference curve analysis to evaluate the tradeoffs visitors are willing to make between access and visitor use levels at Delicate Arch, Arches National Park. Differences in the evaluation of tradeoffs between access and crowding are examined for first time visitors versus repeat visitors; local visitors versus non-local visitors; and across questionnaire formats. The results of the indifference curve analysis allow Arches National Park managers to make informed evaluations of alternative management options for visitor use at Delicate Arch.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the 2000 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium

Citation

Lawson, Steven R.; Manning, Robert E. 2001. Evaluating multiple dimensions of visitors'' tradeoffs between access and crowding at Arches National Park using indifference curve analysis. In: Kyle, Gerard, comp., ed. 2001. Proceedings of the 2000 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium. Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-276. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Research Station. 167-175