Branch Chief: Rudolph Schuster
FORT scientists in the Policy Analysis and Science Assistance Branch conduct and integrate biological, social, economic, and institutional analyses of conservation policies and management practices to help land and resource managers make informed decisions and resolve resource management conflicts.
More than 10,000 visitors to the country’s National Wildlife Refuge System say they are happy with their experiences on national wildlife refuges, according to just-published results from a survey by the U.S. Geological Survey. Some 90 percent of visitors to national wildlife refuges who were surveyed indicate they are satisfied with each of four key refuge offerings: services provided by employees or volunteers, recreational opportunities, refuge information and education, and the refuge’s job of conserving fish, wildlife and their habitats.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service worked with social science experts at the USGS to conduct a scientific, independent national survey of refuge visitors to better understand visitor needs and experiences. The information will help the Service manage visitation to the refuges and design programs and facilities that respond to visitor needs while conserving wildlife.
The survey was conducted during 2010 and 2011 at 53 refuges across the country. Results provide a summary of visitor and trip characteristics, visitor opinions about refuges and their offerings, and visitor opinions about alternative transportation and climate change. National combined results are available at http://www.fort.usgs.gov/products/publications/pub_abstract.asp?PubID=23447 and individual refuge results can be accessed at http://www.fort.usgs.gov/products/publications/pub_abstract.asp?PubID=23308.
National Wildlife Refuges Rate Highly for Visitors, USGS Survey Finds
More Policy Analysis & Science Assistance Headlines
Publications:
National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Survey Results: 2010/2011
National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Survey: Individual Refuge Results
Socioeconomic Issues for the Bear River Watershed Conservation Area Land Protection Plan
Landsat imagery: A unique resource
Appropriate uses and considerations for online surveying in human dimensions research
U.S. Geological Survey Science for the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative—2010 Annual Report
Abbreviated bibliography on energy development—A focus on the Rocky Mountain Region
U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http://www.fort.usgs.gov/PASA/Default.asp
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