2022 socioeconomic research of Mount Rushmore National Memorial: Report on 2022 data collection
Otak, Inc., RRC Associates, University of Montana. 2023. 2022 socioeconomic research of Mount Rushmore National Memorial: Report on 2022 data collection. Natural Resource Report. NPS/MORU/NRR—2023/2546. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado. https://doi.org/10.36967/2299623
A strong mandate and need for socioeconomic monitoring are expressed in the NPS strategic goals for science, in statements by the NPS leadership, and the report of the Second Century Commission. This mandate resulted in a pilot socioeconomic monitoring study in 2015/2016 at a sample of park units across the U.S; the current study uses outcomes from the first stage of the pilot program and progresses into a second stage of the pilot process at 24 NPS units across the United States. Mount Rushmore National Memorial (Mount Rushmore) was selected as one of these units. This report informs core issues of visitor use management and develops a deeper, contemporary understanding of who visits Mount Rushmore and what they do during their visit. It uses a two-phased survey methodology to capture a representative sample of visitor information, characteristics, and behavior: (1) an on-site intercept survey conducted via tablet, and (2) a follow up (mail-back and/or online survey) for full trip details. The results are organized by these two phases and are aimed to assist park managers in understanding current utilization and perception of park resources, operations and potential issues, as well as facilitating communication and decision-making processes within the park and between the park and its local partners and stakeholders.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Otak, Inc.; RRC Associates; University of Montana
- Date of Issue
- 2023-08
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- DOI
- 10.36967/2299623
- Units
- EQD , MORU , NRSS
- Keywords
- demographics, SEM, Socioeconomic monitoring, trip characteristics, visitor surveys