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Abstract
The focus of this paper concerns how an established program was modified to better support the mission of the sponsoring agency. As an introduction, the NYS Forest Preserve and the Department of Environmental Conservation's role is discussed. .Formal educational programming has taken place in the Forest Preserve campgrounds since the 1930's. The present Interpreter Activity Program is a direct outgrowth of earlier offerings. It is based on an established list of goals set forth in 1996 by DEC campground managers. Formation of a partnership between the Bureau of Recreation and the Bureau of Environmental Education has helped to meet these goals. Program development and administration is guided by a steering committee with a strong emphasis on consensus building. The committee process has worked well and goals have been reached. New initiatives have been developed and attempted. Daily activities are offered using seasonal personnel with on-premise oversight. Regional management of the program allows for consideration of local interests and leads to acceptance of the program goals. Staff members are hired on the regional level and establish strong working relationships with local managers. A blend of both recreational and interpretive programs are offered, leading to a high level of customer satisfaction and accomplishment of program goals. Special offerings such as the Junior Naturalist Program are extremely popular with camping families. Program evaluation is accomplished via surveys, on-site visits, and analysis of reported data. Reasons for success of the program are explored in this paper along with a look to the future.
Parent Publication
Citation
Fitzgerald, W. Douglas. 2001. Interpretation programming in the NYS Forest Preserve campgrounds: successful consensus building, partnership, and regional management. 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. 251-255
