Form 3-2330 Lake Umbagog NWR 2007 Visitor Survey

OMB Control No. 1018-0132
Expires XX/XX/20XX

Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge

2007 Visitor Survey

Date: ______________________
Time: ______________________
Interviewer: _________________
Location: ___________________

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------In accordance with the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a) and the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501),
please note the following information. This information collection is authorized by the National Wildlife
Refuge Improvement Act of 1997. Managers at Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge will use this
information to make management and policy decisions. Your response is voluntary. We will aggregate
the information and use only for statistical purposes. We do not maintain personal identifying information.
OMB has assigned OMB Control No. 1018-0132, which expires XX/XX/20XX. Response is not required
unless a currently valid OMB control number is displayed. We estimate that it will take 15 minutes to
complete this form. You may direct comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of the
form to the Service Information Collection Clearance Officer, Fish and Wildlife Service, Mail Stop 222,
Arlington Square, U.S. Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street, NW., Washington D.C. 20240.

FWS Form 3-2330
REV 04/07

Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge is located in northern New Hampshire and Maine. It
includes Umbagog Lake, portions of the Androscoggin, Magalloway, Rapid, and Dead
Cambridge Rivers, and surrounding uplands. A map of the refuge is on the last page of this
questionnaire. The refuge and the lake are managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and
the States of New Hampshire and Maine.
1a.

Is this your first visit to Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge and/or Umbagog Lake?

‰ Yes → Skip to question 2.
‰ No
b.

Approximately how many times have you visited the refuge?
Approximate number of visits in the last 12 months: _____
Approximate number of visits overall: _____

c.

Approximately how many years have you been visiting the refuge?
Approximate number of years: _____

2a.

Please check the activities below that you participated in at the refuge.
‰
‰

Looking for loons, ducks, eagles, osprey and other birds on or near the
water
Looking for moose

‰

Boat fishing for bass

‰

Boat fishing for trout and salmon

‰

Boat fishing for other fish species

‰

Fishing from shore

‰

Motorboating (in a pontoon boat)

‰

Motorboating (not in a pontoon boat)

‰

Paddling (canoeing or kayaking)

‰

Waterfowl hunting

‰

Wildlife photography opportunities

‰

Camping

‰

Swimming

‰

Trapping

‰

Other activities (Please list) ____________________________________
___________________________________________________________

2

b.

From the above list of activities, what was your primary reason for visiting the refuge
today?
Primary activity: ____________________________

3.

Please rate the importance of the following items in determining the quality of your
experience at the refuge today. (Circle one number for each item.)

Importance
a.

Somewhat Moderately Extremely
Important Important Important
2
3
4

e.

The number of visitors to
the refuge
The number of boats on the
lake/rivers
The number of motor boats
on the lake/rivers
The number of
canoes/kayaks on the
lake/rivers
The speed of boats

f.

The noise of boats

1

2

3

4

g..

Visitors disturbing loons,
eagles and other wildlife
Parking at access sites

1

2

3

4

1

2

3

4

1

2

3

4

1

2

3

4

k.

Large groups of
visitors/boats
Congestion at popular
fishing spots
Seeing wildlife

1

2

3

4

l.

Catching fish

1

2

3

4

b.
c.
d.

h..
i..
j.

4.

Not at all
Important
1
1

2

3

4

1

2

3

4

1

2

3

4

1

2

3

4

We would like to know how many and what types of boats you think could use the lake
without you feeling too crowded. To help judge this, we have a series of photographs that
show different numbers and types of boats on the lake. Please look at the photographs on
Poster 1.

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a.

Please rate each photograph by indicating how acceptable you think it is based on the
number and types of boats shown. A rating of “-4” means the number and types of boats
are very unacceptable, and a rating of “+4” means the number and types of boats are very
acceptable. (Circle one number for each photograph.)

Photo 1
Photo 2
Photo 3
Photo 4
Photo 5
b.

Very Unacceptable
-4
-3
-2
-4
-3
-2
-4
-3
-2
-4
-3
-2
-4
-3
-2

-1
-1
-1
-1
-1

0
0
0
0
0

+1
+1
+1
+1
+1

Very Acceptable
+2
+3
+4
+2
+3
+4
+2
+3
+4
+2
+3
+4
+2
+3
+4

Which photograph shows the number and type of boats you would prefer to see in the
lake?
Photo number: _____

c.

Which photograph shows the number and type of boats you think is so unacceptable you
would not return to Umbagog Lake? (If none of the photographs represent this condition,
you may indicate that.)
Photo number: _____
OR
‰ None of the photographs are so unacceptable that I would not return to Umbagog
Lake.

d.

Which photograph shows the highest level of use you think should be allowed on the
lake? In other words, at what point should visitors be restricted from using the lake? (If
use should not be restricted at any point represented by the photographs, or not restricted
at all, you may indicate that.)
Photo number: _____
OR
‰ None of the photographs show a high enough level of use to restrict visitors from
using the lake.
OR
‰

Visitor use of the lake should not be restricted.

4

e.

Which photograph looks most like the number and type of boats you typically saw on
the lake today?
Photo number: _____

5a.

Did you boat on any of the rivers included in the refuge today? (Circle one number.)
1. Yes
2 No (Skip to question 6.)

b.

Which rivers did you boat on? (Circle all numbers that apply.)
1.
2.
3.

Androscoggin
Magalloway
Rapid

c.

We would like to know how many and what types of boats you think could use the river
without you feeling too crowded. To help judge this, we have a series of photographs that
show different numbers and types of boats on the river. Please look at the photographs on
Poster 2.

d.

Please rate each photograph by indicating how acceptable you think it is based on the
number and types of boats shown. A rating of “-4” means the number and types of boats
are very unacceptable, and a rating of “+4” means the number and types of boats are very
acceptable. (Circle one number for each photograph.)
Photo 1
Photo 2
Photo 3
Photo 4
Photo 5

e.

Very Unacceptable
-4
-3
-2
-4
-3
-2
-4
-3
-2
-4
-3
-2
-4
-3
-2

-1
-1
-1
-1
-1

0
0
0
0
0

+1
+1
+1
+1
+1

Very Acceptable
+2
+3
+4
+2
+3
+4
+2
+3
+4
+2
+3
+4
+2
+3
+4

Which photograph shows the number and type of boats you would prefer to see on the
river?
Photo number: _____

f.

Which photograph shows the number and type of boats you think is so unacceptable you
would not return to the river? (If none of the photographs represent this condition, you
may indicate that.)
Photo number: _____
OR
‰ None of the photographs are so unacceptable that I would not return to the river.
5

g.

Which photograph shows the highest level of use you think should be allowed on the
river? In other words, at what point should visitors be restricted from using the river? (If
use should not be restricted at any point represented by the photographs, or not restricted
at all, you may indicate that.)
Photo number: _____
OR
‰ None of the photographs show a high enough level of use to restrict visitors
from using the river.
OR
‰

h.

Visitor use of the river should not be restricted.

Which photograph looks most like the number and type of boats you typically saw on
the river today?
Photo number: _____

6a.

Did you fish using a boat at the refuge today? (Circle one number.)
1. Yes
2. No (Skip to question 7.)

b.

We would like to know how many fishing boats you think you could see in an area
without you feeling too crowded. To help judge this, we have a series of photographs
that show different numbers of fishing boats in an area. Please look at the photographs
on Poster 3.
Please rate each photograph by indicating how acceptable you think it is based on the
number of fishing boats shown. A rating of “-4” means the number of boats is very
unacceptable, and a rating of “+4” means the number of boats is very acceptable. (Circle
one number for each photograph.)
Photo 1
Photo 2
Photo 3
Photo 4
Photo 5

c.

Very Unacceptable
-4
-3
-2
-4
-3
-2
-4
-3
-2
-4
-3
-2
-4
-3
-2

-1
-1
-1
-1
-1

0
0
0
0
0

+1
+1
+1
+1
+1

Very Acceptable
+2
+3
+4
+2
+3
+4
+2
+3
+4
+2
+3
+4
+2
+3
+4

Which photograph shows the number of boats you would prefer to see?
Photo number: _____

6

d.

Which photograph shows the number of boats you think is so unacceptable you would
no longer fish at the refuge? (If none of the photographs represent this condition, you
may indicate that.)
Photo number: _____
OR
‰ None of the photographs are so unacceptable that I would no longer fish at
the refuge.

e.

Which photograph shows the highest number of boats you think should be allowed at
fishing areas at the refuge? In other words, at what point should visitors be restricted
from fishing at the refuge? (If visitor use should not be restricted at any point
represented by the photographs, or not restricted at all, you may indicate that.)
Photo number: _____
OR
‰ None of the photographs show a high enough level of use to restrict visitors
from fishing at the refuge.
OR
‰ Fishing should not be restricted at the refuge.

f.

Which photograph looks most like the number of fishing boats you saw at the refuge
today?
Photo number: _____

7.

Please read and follow the instructions for each statement.
a.

To avoid disturbing nesting loons and waterfowl, you should: (Circle all numbers
that apply.)
1. Paddle or motor quietly, close to the shoreline.
2. Paddle or motor close to the shoreline, but try to make enough noise to warn
incubating birds that you are coming.
3. Paddle or motor quietly, well away from the shoreline.
4. Paddle or motor well away from the shoreline, but try to make enough noise
to warn incubating birds that you are coming.

b.

It is best to observe or photograph wildlife by: (Circle all numbers that apply.)
1. Using binoculars or a telephoto lens to see the animal clearly, while keeping
your distance.

7

2. Moving very slowly and quietly, while approaching the animal as closely as
possible.
3. Using food to attract wildlife, so you can get a good photo.
4. Approaching the animal from behind, so it is less likely to see you.

8.

c.

What should you do if you see the nest or the young of a loon or duck? (Circle
all numbers that apply.)
1. Approach no closer than 15 ft. and report what you see to a refuge staff
member or State conservation officer.
2. Attempt to capture the young bird and return it to the nest or parent.
3. Stay near the nest or young to see if the parents will return.
4. You should never knowingly approach a nest or a young waterbird.

d.

Which of the following statements is true? (Circle all numbers that apply.)
1. Loons are most sensitive to disturbance during the breeding season, from
May-July.
2. When a loon leaves its nest, the eggs are exposed to predation and chilling,
which may result in nest failure.
3. A boat wake close to shore can flood a loon nest and result in loss of the eggs.
4. A loon on a nest keeps its neck low and extended over the water, in order to
keep cool while incubating eggs.

e.

How do you know if you are getting too close to an animal? (Circle all numbers
that apply.)
1. It changes its behavior in some way (e.g. from eating or grooming to alertly
watching.)
2. It moves away from you.
3. It vocalizes.
4. It dives under the water.

The size of groups using Umbagog Lake and associated rivers in the refuge can vary. We
would like to know how you feel about different group sizes. Please rate the acceptability
of the following number of boats for a group of visitors to the refuge. (Circle one number
for each group size.)
Very Unacceptable
Very Acceptable
1 boat
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 +1 +2 +3 +4
2 boats
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 +1 +2 +3 +4
3 boats
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 +1 +2 +3 +4
4 boats
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 +1 +2 +3 +4
5 boats
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 +1 +2 +3 +4
6 boats
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 +1 +2 +3 +4
7 boats
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 +1 +2 +3 +4
8 boats
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 +1 +2 +3 +4
9 boats
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 +1 +2 +3 +4
10 boats -4 -3 -2 -1 0 +1 +2 +3 +4

8

9.

To help ensure a high quality visitor experience at the refuge, what is the minimum
acceptable percentage of visitors who should be able to see each of the following types of
wildlife each day? (Indicate a percentage for each type of wildlife.)
Minimum Acceptable Percentage
__________of Visitors__________
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

10.

See a loon
See an eagle
See an osprey
See waterfowl
See a moose

__________%
__________%
__________%
__________%
__________%

[If you did not fish at the refuge today, please skip to question 11.]
To ensure a high quality visitor experience at the refuge, what is the minimum acceptable
percentage of anglers who should catch the following types of fish each day? (Indicate a
percentage for type of fish.)
Minimum Acceptable Percentage
__________of Visitors__________
a.
b.
c.

Catch a bass
Catch a trout or salmon
Catch other fish species

__________%
__________%
__________%

11a. Did you camp at a remote campsite at the refuge on this trip? (Circle one number.)
1. Yes
2. No (Skip to question 12.)
b.

To help ensure a high quality visitor experience at the refuge, what is the maximum
number of boats per day that should pass close to a remote campsite? (Enter a number.)
Maximum number of boats per day: _____

c.

Approximately how many boats per day passed close by your remote campsite?
Number of boats per day: _____

9

12.

The following management actions might be taken at the refuge to improve wildlife
habitat and/or enhance the quality of the visitor experience. Please indicate the extent to
which you support or oppose each of the following management actions. (Circle one
number for each item.)
Strongly
Strongly
Oppose
Oppose
Support
Support
a. Limit the number of boats
on the lake/rivers
-2
-1
+1
+2
b. Limit the number of motor
boats on the lake/rivers

-2

-1

+1

+2

c. Limit the number of canoes/
kayaks on the lake/rivers
-2

-1

+1

+2

d. Limit the speed of boats
on the lake/rivers

-2

-1

+1

+2

e. Limit the horsepower of
motor boats on the lake/
rivers

-2

-1

+1

+2

f. Limit the noise generated
by motor boats

-2

-1

+1

+2

g. Require clean emission
engines for motor boats

-2

-1

+1

+2

h. Ban motor boats from the
lake/rivers

-2

-1

+1

+2

i. Educate visitors more
aggressively about
minimizing impacts
on wildlife

-2

-1

+1

+2

j. Enforce regulations more
aggressively about
minimizing impacts on
wildlife

-2

-1

+1

+2

k. Close sensitive wildlife
areas to visitor use

-2

-1

+1

+2

10

Strongly
Oppose

Strongly
Support

Oppose

Support

-2

-1

+1

+2

m. Improve wildlife habitat
by substantially reducing
the depth of the lake

-2

-1

+1

+2

n. Reduce number of
campsites to protect
wildlife

-2

-1

+1

+2

o. Relocate campsites to
protect wildlife

-2

-1

+1

+2

p. Add more shore-based
fishing access (e.g., docks)

-2

-1

+1

+2

q. Separate recreation activities
that conflict with
each other
-2

-1

+1

+2

r. Regulate use and/or type of
fishing tackle to protect
wildlife

-2

-1

+1

+2

s. Close campsites during
wildlife breeding
seasons

-2

-1

+1

+2

t. Close areas to fishing to
protect wildlife

-2

-1

+1

+2

u. Limit additional shoreline
development

-2

-1

+1

+2

v. Expand parking at
access areas

-2

-1

+1

+2

w. Add more boat ramps

-2

-1

+1

+2

l. Improve wildlife habitat
through forest management
(e.g., selective cutting of
trees) that might be seen
from the lake.

11

13.

Do you live in the United States?

‰ Yes → What is your zip code? ______
‰ No → What country do you live in? _________________________
14.

Are you?

‰ Male ‰ Female
15. In what year were you born? _______

Thank you for completing the survey.

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