NPS Programmatic Approval Form - NERI

Nattional Park Service
S
U.S
S. Departmen
nt of the Interior
Soccial Science Program
P

Exp
pedited Apprroval for NPS
S Sponsored Surveys
1.
2.

3

w River Gorgee Submissioon Date
3-28-2011
Project Recreattional uses off cliff resourcees in the New
Tittle: Nationaal River
The New River Gorg
ge National River
R
(NERI),, contains oveer 50 miles off vertical rockk walls—the
Abstract:
most ex
xtensive in West
W Virginia and
a possibly w
within the enttire Appalachhian range. These cliffs
and gorrges have been
n identified as
a contributingg to NERI’s nnational signiificance, and ccontain
specialiized and poten
ntially rare pllant communiities. The Parrk’s mandate is to protect these cliffs,
as well as provide fo
or opportunitiees to enjoy thhese resourcess. However, important datta is lacking
pertainiing to both the visitor use of
o the cliffs, aas well as imppacts from usage. This surrvey will
collect information about
a
the visittor use, know
wledge and preeferences relaated to cliff
manageement, as well as potential impacts to thhe cliffs and aassociated resources relatedd to visitor
use.
(not to exceed 150 words)
w
Principal Investigator
I
Contact Info
ormation
Dav
ve
First Name:

Last Naame:

Smalddone

Title Asssociate Professsor
U
Affilliation: Weest Virginia University
O Box 6125
Street Ad
ddress: Perrcival Hall; PO
organtown
City Mo

Statte:

WV

4-293-7404
Phone: 304

Z
Zip Code
Fax

266506-6125

3044-293-2441

vid.smaldone@
@mail.wvu.eedu
Email: dav
4.

Park or Prrogram Liaisson Contact Information
hn
First Name: Joh

Last nam
me

Perez

ologist
Title: Bio
w River Gorg
ge National River
R
Park: New
gement
Paark Office/Diivision: Ressource Manag
4 Main Streett
Street Ad
ddress: 104
City: Gleen Jean
4-465-6537
Phone: 304

Sta
ate: WV

Zip Code:
Fax

25846

n//a

E:mail:
E
joh
hn_perez@np
ps.gov
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Project Information
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Park(s) for which Research
New River Gorge National River (NERI)
is to be conducted

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Survey Dates

04/15/2011

Anticipated
Start Date:

Anticipated
End Date

(mm/dd/yyyy)

11/7/2011
(mm/dd/yyyy)

Type of information Collection Instrument (Check ALL that Apply)
7.

‰
‰

8.

Mail Back
Questionnaire
Other
(explain)

Survey
Justification:
(Use as much
space as needed;
if necessary
include
additional
explanation on a
separate page.)

‰

On-Site
Questionnaire

‰

Face-to-face
Interviews

‰

Telephone
Survey

‰

Focus Groups

The long expanses of cliffs in the NERI are fundamental resources to NERI and are
essential to its national significance (Mahan, 2004; NPS, 2009). Based on research from
other areas (Camp and Knight 1998; Farris 1998; Hilke 2002; McMillan and Larson,
2002; Nuzzo, 1995 and 1996), there is growing concern that cliff biodiversity in more
popular areas has been, and continues to be, degraded by impacts from recreational rock
climbing and other recreational uses. The cliffs are popular destinations for a diverse
group of users, particularly rock climbers. Over 1,600 bolted climbing routes exist in
NERI (many established before NPS obtained ownership) and this abundance of routes
draws climbers from all over the world. The effect of recreational use on cliff-associated
rare plant communities, rare and endangered animal species, and their habitats, is
unknown. This project will collect information that is critical to understanding visitor
use of cliff face and near-cliff-face ecology that can be used to make science-based
management decisions on cliff use. This visitor survey is part of a larger
interdisciplinary study—the other parts include a botanical assessment of cliff face
species, as well as a geological assessment of the cliff resources.
Visitor use impacts to NERI cliff areas from rock climbing, bouldering and hiking
appear to be increasing in scope and magnitude. Vegetative communities that live on
cliffs and rock outcrops are very susceptible to human impacts (Wood, Lawson, and
Marion, 2006). Increased visitor use of NERI cliff areas has led to a proliferation of
social trail networks, widespread vegetation trampling, and resultant soil erosion
(Vanderhorst, 2007). Scraping of fungi, mosses, and other non-vascular plants from
cracks and crevices by climbers has also been noted (Varner, 2007). Lichens and
bryophytes (mosses and liverworts) may take years to grow back (McMillan and Larson,
2002). Many of the stunted bonsai-like trees on cliff edges are hundreds of years old and
are easily impacted by soil loss and damage to their trunks when used for climbing
anchors by climbers. Degradation of NERI clifftop vegetative communities has been
documented (Vanderhorst, 2007), but cliff face and cliff base communities have not been
inventoried or assessed. Miles of popular climbing area cliff faces are potentially under
threat of being denuded of lichen and other vegetative cover. Rare rimrock plant
communities have exhibited declines in size and vigor (Maxwell, 2007).
These observations have given rise to a concern about the current level of cliff-area
recreational use, and that coupled with other noted visitor use impacts (e.g. illegal
campsites and fire pits, food scraps, human waste) to these areas and changing
environmental factors, may lead to irreparable damage to the cliff ecosystem. Past park
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efforts to manage group size and restrict rock climbing activities in some areas has been
followed by these activities expanding into other, more sensitive, areas. In regards to
recreational use of the cliffs, while smaller scale recreation surveys have been conducted
(Attarian, 1998; Ramthun and Blake, 2002), no comprehensive survey has been
conducted of the cliff users (day hikers, climbers, etc.). Thus the park has very little idea
about how much use the cliffs are experiencing, if and what impacts are occurring, and
visitor’s awareness of and opinions regarding these unique cliff resources
Study Purpose
This visitor survey will assess the type and extent of recreational activities, visitor
attitudes and preferences regarding cliff use and values, and behaviors and opinions
associated with visitor impacts on cliff areas. This study will gather visitor information
about activities, importance of facilities, opinions about the values of cliffs and their
habitats, low impact behaviors, opinions regarding resource impacts, management
preferences, and trust in information sources and management (Cvetkovich & Winter,
2003; Davenport, Leahy, Anderson & Jakes, 2007; Gilbertson, 2002).
Questions that are used were modified from a number of previous studies (Monz, 2009;
Ramthun & Blake, 2002; Schuster, Thompson, & Hammitt, 2001; Wynveen, Kyle &
Theodori, 2008). Two main types of cliff users at NERI are hikers and climbers—while
all users will be surveyed, it was important to use a different survey for climbers. Thus
two versions of the survey were created—one specifically for climbers, and the other
version for all other users (the surveys are predominately the same, with slight wording
modifications). Differences in opinions, preferences, and knowledge between the user
groups will be assessed as well.
Management implications
The overall goals of this project are first, to better understand the different user groups of
cliff resources in NERI. Secondly, the results will then be used develop focused
educational and interpretive interventions to increase awareness of the uniqueness of the
cliff resources and minimize cliff impacts, by targeting specific user groups that use the
cliff areas (Ham & Krumpe, 1996). After assessing knowledge levels, attitudes,
management preferences and recreational impacts in this survey, park managers will be
in a better position to develop targeted interpretive and educational products and
programs designed to address resource and visitor needs (i.e., increase understanding,
increase appreciation of cliffs and awareness of potential visitor impacts, etc.).
Currently, that knowledge (related to visitors) is lacking. In addition, results of this
survey (as well as the results from the larger study) will help managers revise their
climbing management plan.

9.

Survey
Methodology:
(Use as much
space as needed;
if necessary
include
additional
explanation on a
separate page.)

(a) Respondent Universe
On-site surveys at NERI will be used to collect data from approximately 800 adult (18
and older) visitors between April and November 2011

(b) Sampling Plan/Procedures
A stratified random sampling approach will be used: stratified by day of week
(weekday/weekend), time block on that date (morning/afternoon), and by location
(trailhead). In the summer season, May through August, the survey will be administered
on weekdays (Mon.-.Thurs.) and weekend days (Fri-Sun.). In addition, data will also be
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collected on one weekend day from mid-April to mid-May, and in Sept. & Oct. The
sampling days will be either from 9am-4pm, or 12pm-7pm (with some minor adjustment
in the spring and fall for changing daylight hours). Total sampling days will be
approximately 50 over the course of the study (36 days in the summer, and 14 days in the
spring/fall). Four trailheads will be selected for sampling for this study: Fern Creek,
Kaymoor, Beauty Mountain, and Bubba City. These trailhead were chosen because they
will capture a large percentage of both climbers and other cliff users, as well as capture
the diversity that exists among climbers (traditional vs. sport; beginners vs. experts, etc.).
These sites were selected after discussions with local climbers and NERI staff. One
trailhead will be sampled on each day. The goal will be to collect approximately 200
surveys over the course of the study at each trailhead
A convenience sample of visitors will then be done on the sampling days. If
possible, all individuals or groups of visitors exiting the trail will be asked to participate.
For those in groups, the adult with the most recent birthday will be asked to fill out the
survey (White, Virden, van Riper, 2008). When the interviewer has completed the
visitor contact, he/she will recruit the next exiting group to participate in the study.
(c) Instrument Administration
As noted, on-site surveys will be used to collect the data. Surveys will be selfadministered by the visitors at trailheads within NERI. During each sampling day, a
trained surveyor will be stationed at selected trailheads in NERI. At the beginning of the
sampling period at each sampling location, the interviewer will select the first visitor
group exiting the cliff area and ask them to participate in the study. When the surveyor
has completed the visitor contact, he/she will recruit the next exiting group to participate
in the study. This process will continue throughout the sampling period. Exiting visitors
will be read a standard introductory script, similar to ones used in social science surveys
in other U.S. National Parks (Littlejohn and Gramann, 2002).
After approaching the visitors, they will be asked to participate in the study, and will be
told that it is voluntary, confidential, and the results will be anonymous. If they assent,
they will be asked if they are climbing. There will be two versions of the survey—one
for climbers, and one for other users (which is more focused on hiking). Both surveys
include many of the same questions (modified as appropriate) for comparison, but the
climber version has additional climbing specific questions. Climbers will receive the
climbing survey; all others will receive the other survey (‘hiking” survey). The surveyor
will fill out the visitor contact log after interacting with every group. No incentives will
be offered to fill out the survey. The survey will include questions about: 1)
demographics, 2) trip and activity characteristics, 3) awareness and understanding related
to cliff resources and impacts, and 4) opinions related to using and managing cliff
resources
(d) Expected response rate/confidence levels
The expected response rate (those accepting and then completing the survey on-site)
should be approximately 80-90% of approached visitors. Previous studies at NPS and
other outdoor recreation sites using similar on-site surveys have found similar response
rates (Coble, et al., 2007; Monz, 2009; Ramthun, 2002).
(e) Strategies for dealing with potential non-response bias:
Non-response bias is not expected to be a factor as we anticipate a high response rate
(Coble, et al., 2007; Monz, 2009; Ramthun, 2002). However, a contact log will be used
to track all visitors approached, including non-respondents. Therefore, some simple non4 

response bias analyses (gender, group size, type of group) will be used to test for
differences between those filling out the survey and those refusing
(f) Description of any pre-testing and peer review of the methods and/or instrument
(recommended):
Both survey instruments were peer reviewed by an academic expert associated with
recreation and parks research at West Virginia University prior to data collection, as well
as NERI staff. Modifications were made based on their feedback. The climbing survey
was then pilot-tested on 4 climbers familiar with NERI, and final modifications were
made

10.

Number of Respondents

11. Estimated Time (Mins)

12. Burden Hours

Initial Contacts: 950

Initial Contacts: 1 Minute

Initial Contact 16 Hours

Expected Responses:
Hikers: 400
Climbers: 400

Complete Instrument
Hikers: 15 Minutes
Climbers: 20 minutes

Complete Instrument
Hikers: 100 hours
Climbers: 133
Total: 249

13.

Reporting Plan

A summary of the study results will be provided in report format to NPS and other
interested agencies. Study results will be presented at various academic and professional
conferences, e.g., the International Symposium for Society and Resource Management,
the National Association for Interpretation workshop, and/or the George Wright Society
Forum. Articles will be submitted for publication to one or more appropriate
parks/outdoor recreation research journals (such as Park Science, Journal of
Interpretation research, etc.). A copy of all reports will be archived with the NPS Social
Science Program for inclusion in the Social Science Studies Collection.

Literature Cited
Attarian, A. (1998). An Overview of Rock Climbing in New River Gorge National River [technical
report]. Golden, CO: American Alpine Club.
Camp, R.J., and R. L. Knight. (1998). Effects of rock climbing on cliff plant communities at Joshua Tree
National Park, California. Conservation Biology, 12(6):1302-1306.
Coble, T., Lin, S., Coble, D., & Hart, J. (2007). Visitors Voices Project 2005-2006: Overall Final Report.
Technical report submitted to the National Park Service, Intermountain Region. 12pp.
Cvetkovich G., and P.L. Winter. (2003) Trust and social representations of threatened and endangered
species. Environment and Behavior 35(2):286–307.
Davenport, M., Leahy, J., Anderson, D., and Jakes, P. (2007). “Building trust in natural resource
management within local communities: A case study of the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie”
Environmental Management. 39(3): 353-368.

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Farris, M.A. (1998). The effects of rock climbing on the vegetation of three Minnesota cliff systems.
Canadian Journal of Botany, 76:1981-1990.
Gilbertson, K. (2002). Determining Baseline Behaviors of Rock Climbers Toward Protecting Resource
Degradation. Unpublished Manuscript.
Ham, S.H., and E.E. Krumpe. (1996). Identifying audiences and messages for nonformal environmental
education: A theoretical framework for interpreters. Journal of Interpretation Research, 1 (1):11-23.
Hilke, J. C. (2002). Management considerations for rock outcrop barren communities on three peaks in
Shenandoah National Park. Master’s Degree Research Project. University of Vermont, Burlington, VT.
Littlejohn, M., and J. Gramann. (2002). Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Visitor Study, Summer
2002. Visitor Services Project 137, Park Studies Unit, University of Idaho.
Mahan, C. G. 2004. A Natural Resource Assessment for New River Gorge National River. Technical
Report NPS/NER/NRTR—2004/002. National Park Service. Philadelphia, PA.
Maxwell, R.S. and R.R. Hicks. March (2007). Rimrock Pine Communities at New River Gorge National
River. Technical Report NPS/NER/NRTR-2007/081. National Park Service. Philadelphia, PA
McMillan, M. A., and D.W. Larson. (2002). The effects of rock climbing on the vegetation of the Niagara
Escarpment in Southern Ontario, Canada. Conservation Biology, 16, 389-398.
Monz, C. (2009). Climbers’ Attitudes toward Recreation Resource Impacts in the Adirondack Park’s
Giant Mountain Wilderness. International Journal of Wilderness, 15(1), 26-33.
National Park Service. (2009). Draft Foundation for Planning and Management. New River Gorge
National River. 64p.
Nuzzo, V. (1995). Effects of Rock Climbing on Cliff Goldenrod (Solidago sciaphila Steele) in Northwest
Illinois. American Midland Naturalist, 133(2), 229-241. Retrieved May 3, 2009, From JSTOR database.
Nuzzo, V.A. (1996). Structure of cliff vegetation on exposed cliffs and the effect of rock climbing.
Canadian Journal of Botany, 74, 607-617.
Ramthun, R., & A. Blake. (2002). Exploring Quality Standards for New River Gorge Climbing Sites:
Establishing a Baseline for the Future. In: Schuster, Rudy, comp., ed. Proceedings of the 2002
Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium. Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-302. Newtown Square, PA: U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Research Station. 87-89.
Schuster, R., Thompson, J, & Hammitt, W. (2001). Rock Climbers’ Attitudes Toward Management of
Climbing and the Use of Bolts. Environmental Management, 24(3), 403-412.
Vanderhorst, J. (2001). Plant Communities of the New River Gorge National River, West Virginia:
(Northern and Southern Thirds). Report submitted to the National Park Service, New River Gorge
National River, Glen Jean, WV.
Varner, Matthew S. (2007). Unpublished monitoring data of the Allegheny woodrat at New River Gorge
National River. National Park Service. Glen Jean. WV.

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White, D.D., Virden, R.J., & van Riper, C.J. (2008). Effect of place identity, place dependence, and
experience-use-history on perceptions of recreation impacts in a natural setting. Environmental
Management, 42(4), 647-657.
Wood, K., Lawson, S., & Marion, J. (2006). Assessing Recreation Impacts to cliffs in Shenandoah
National Park: Integrating Visitor Observation with Trail and Recreation Site Measurements. Journal of
Park and Recreation Administration, 24(4), 86-110.
Wynveen, C.J., Kyle, G.T., & Theodori, G.L. (2009). The relationship between place bonding and social
trust. Northeast Recreation Research Symposium. Proceedings of the 2008 Northeastern Recreation
Research Symposium. USDA-FS-Northeastern Research Station, GTR- NRS-P-42.

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