2024 Socioeconomic Research of White Sands National Park: Combined Report on 2024 Data Collection During Peak and Off-Peak Seasons
Otak Inc., RRC Associates Inc., University of Montana, GAIA Environmental Consulting LLC. 2026. 2024 Socioeconomic Research of White Sands National Park: Combined Report on 2024 Data Collection During Peak and Off-Peak Seasons. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado. https://doi.org/10.36967/2317728
A strong mandate and need for socioeconomic monitoring have been expressed in the National Park Service (NPS) strategic goals for science, in statements by NPS leadership, and in various official reports. Since such monitoring began in 2022, the NPS has conducted visitor surveys at more than 24 parks per year across the United States and associated territories. White Sands National Park (White Sands) joined this effort by electing to survey its visitors during both its peak and off-peak seasons in 2024. This report can be used to help support upcoming park planning processes by developing a deeper, contemporary understanding of who visits White Sands, what they do during their visits, and their expectations of the unit as a newly designated National Park. This socioeconomic monitoring at White Sands uses a two-step survey methodology to capture a representative sample of visitor information, characteristics, and behavior during the park’s peak and off-peak seasons. This process includes (1) an on-site intercept survey conducted via tablet, and (2) a post-trip survey (completed either by mail-back or online) for more in-depth trip details. The types of data collected include visitor demographics, trip characteristics/planning, and experience evaluations. Results are organized by these two survey instruments and are aimed at assisting park managers in understanding current utilization and perception of park resources, assessing operations and potential issues, and 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 Inc.; University of Montana; GAIA Environmental Consulting LLC
- Date of Issue
- 2026-04
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- DOI
- 10.36967/2317728
- Units
- WHSA