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Comparing Visitor Perceptions, Characteristics, and Support for Management Actions before and during a Pilot Timed Entry System at Arches National Park

Author

Listed:
  • Zachary D. Miller

    (National Park Service, Lakewood, CO 80228, USA)

  • Amy Tendick

    (National Park Service, Moab, UT 84532, USA)

  • Caleb Meyer

    (Department of Environment and Society, Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84341, USA)

  • David Pettebone

    (National Park Service, Fort Collins, CO 80525, USA)

  • Bret Meldrum

    (National Park Service, Fort Collins, CO 80525, USA)

  • Steve Lawson

    (Otak Inc., Portland, OR 97204, USA)

Abstract

Over the past decade, many national park units in the United States broke visitation records. Arches National Park (UT, USA) is no exception. Between 2011 and 2021, visitation increased 74%. As part of considering management options to address the issues from sustained and concentrated visitation, Arches implemented a pilot timed entry system from 3 April to 3 October 2022. This article compares visitor perceptions, characteristics, and support for management actions before and during the pilot timed entry system using data from visitor intercept surveys. Findings suggest visitors experience quality improved across the park and on hiking trails during the pilot timed entry system. Visitor characteristics were extremely similar, and there were no differences in local residency, group size, vehicle occupancy, race, ethnicity, first time visitation, education level, or household income. Visitors were more likely to plan for the trip further in advance and were less likely to re-enter the park during the pilot timed entry system. Lastly, visitors demonstrated more support for timed entry and lower levels of support for expanding parking, site specific reservations, and temporary closures during the pilot timed entry system. These results reflect unique insights for managers considering managed access systems like timed entry to sustainably manage visitor use in parks and protected areas.

Suggested Citation

  • Zachary D. Miller & Amy Tendick & Caleb Meyer & David Pettebone & Bret Meldrum & Steve Lawson, 2023. "Comparing Visitor Perceptions, Characteristics, and Support for Management Actions before and during a Pilot Timed Entry System at Arches National Park," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-13, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:13:p:10035-:d:1178648
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. B. Derrick Taff & William L. Rice & Ben Lawhon & Peter Newman, 2021. "Who Started, Stopped, and Continued Participating in Outdoor Recreation during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States? Results from a National Panel Study," Land, MDPI, vol. 10(12), pages 1-9, December.
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