Communicating minimum impact behavior with trailside bulletin boards: Visitor characteristics associated with effectiveness

Abstract

Bulletin boards are a frequently used method of communicating minimum impact behaviors to wilderness visitors. But how effective are they? What types of visitors are most likely to pay attention to the messages posted there? This study used a field experiment to identify visitor characteristics associated with attention to minimum impact messages posted on a bulletin board located along a heavily used trail into the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. The results indicated that the bulletin board was most effective for hikers and overnight users. Personal utility of the messages posted on the bulletin board was one reason that such users, rather than horse riders or day users may attend to them.

Parent Publication

• Wilderness science in a time of change conference-Volume 4: Wilderness visitors, experiences, and visitor management; 1999 May 23-27; Missoula, MT

Citation

McCool, Stephen F.; Cole, David N. 2000. Communicating minimum impact behavior with trailside bulletin boards: Visitor characteristics associated with effectiveness. In: Cole, David N.; McCool, Stephen F.; Borrie, William T.; O’Loughlin, Jennifer, comps. 2000. Wilderness science in a time of change conference--Volume 4: Wilderness visitors, experiences, and visitor management; 1999 May 23–27; Missoula, MT. Proceedings RMRS-P-15-VOL-4. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 208-216