Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Social Science Research to Support Visitor Use Management at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Description:
The purpose of this project was to gather accurate, defensible, science-based information to help inform a Visitor Use Management Plan at Delaware Water Gap national Recreation Area (DEWA). Approximately 2,000 completed visitor surveys and 100,000 field camera photos were used to assess visitor experiences, use levels, and visitors’ expectations and attitudes towards the park unit and its management. Data were also collected on indicators and thresholds for the visitor experience and related visitor capacities. Phase I data collection took place in 2015, and Phase II data collection took place in 2016.
Objectives:
Specific objectives of this study include:
- Collect baseline data on visitor use and visitor attitudes.
- Identify indicators of quality and associated thresholds.
- Provide data interpretation for a visitor use management plan at the park.