FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., Sep. 25, 2024 — Beginning October 2, the public will encounter contract employees working on the Coconino National Forest in developed and dispersed recreation sites and along forest service roads as they conduct surveys to help inform future forest management.
The National Visitor Use Monitoring survey is conducted every five years on national forests, which provides forest managers with an estimate of how many people recreate on the national forest, what activities they engage in while there, and how satisfied people were with their visit.
Economic impact to the local economy is also captured in the survey, and the basic information gathered is useful for forest planning as well as local community tourism planning.
These voluntary surveys will be conducted for one year on the Coconino NF, concluding Sep. 30, 2025. Interviews last about 10 minutes and all responses are confidential. Names are not included. Surveyors will be out in all types of weather conditions, wearing bright orange vests, and be near a sign that says, “Traffic Survey Ahead.”
Information gathered include things such as:
- where the individual recreated on the forest,
- how many people traveled with the individual,
- how long the individual was on the forest,
- what other recreation sites the individual visited while on the forest, and
- how satisfied the individual was with the facilities and services provided.
About a third of the visitors will be asked to complete an additional confidential survey on recreation spending during their trip.
“Although the survey is entirely voluntary, participation is extremely important so we can assess visitor experiences on the forest as we strive to make it a better place to visit,” said Recreation Program Manager Brian Poturalski for the Coconino National Forest. “We would appreciate if visitors would take just a few moments and answer a few questions. It’s important for interviewers to talk with local people using the forest, as well as out-of-area visitors, so all types of visitors are represented in the study.”
Information about the Forest Service’s National Visitor Use Monitoring program can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/nvum.
For more information on the Coconino National Forest, visit www.coconinonationalforest.us.