Social Science Research

Visitor Services Project

In 1998, the National Park Service and the University of Idaho conducted a general visitor study in Acadia National Park. We asked questions of a representative sample of park visitors - about themselves, their visit to the park, and several current issues such as public transportation and park fees. A similar study was conducted in 2009, addressing some new transportation issues and park interpretive programs; results should be available in 2010. Similar studies for many national parks are available through the University of Idaho.

 

Visitor Survey Cards

Since 1998, Acadia National Park has participated in a servicewide program (developed for the Government Performance and Results Act) to measure visitor satisfaction and visitor understanding of the significance of the park they are visiting through a visitor survey card. Reports of the annual results for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 are available for review. (The University of Idaho coordinates this program, and their reports on other parks are available as well.)

Results show visitors are very satisfied with Acadia’s facilities, services, and recreation opportunities. A high percentage of them also understand at least one aspect of the national significance of the park. Usually that is the scenic beauty, followed by recreation opportunities. Fewer visitors understand the significance of the natural and cultural resources the park protects.

 

Social Science Research

Jacobi, C. 2014: Monitoring Visitor Capacity for Acadia National Park Carriage Roads: 2013 (crowding and behaviors).
Jacobi, C. 2007: Monitoring Visitor Capacity for Acadia National Park Carriage Roads: 2006 (crowding and behaviors).
Jacobi, C. 2007: Carriage Road Visitor Attitudes about Equestrian Use on the Witch Hole Pond and Eagle Lake Sections of the Carriage Road System (2006).
Jacobi, C. 2003: Developing a Regression Equation to Estimate Acadia National Park Carriage Road Use Using Censuses and Electronic Trail Counters: 2001-2002.
Jacobi, C. 1997: Applying the Visitor Experience Resource Protection Process to Acadia National Park Carriage Roads: A Summary of Research and Decision-making.
Manning, R. and W. Friemund 2004: Use of Visual Research Methods to Measure Standards of Quality for Parks and Outdoor Recreation.
Manning, R. et al 2000: Crowding in Parks and Outdoor Recreation: A Theoretical, Empirical, and managerial Analysis.
Manning, R. 2001: Visitor Experience and Resource Protection: A Framework for Managing the Carrying Capacity of National Parks.
Manning, R. et al 1999: Crowding Norms: Alternative Measurement Approaches.
Manning, R. et al 1998: Standards of Quality in Parks and Recreation
Wang, B. and R. Manning 1999: Computer Simulation Modeling for Recreation Management: A Case Study on Carriage Road Use in Acadia National Park, Maine USA.