Focus Group Questions for OMB Process – BLM Data collection Project
Codes: The following questions will be coded for use by type of question [OE for open ended – to be recorded by audio, flipcharts and/or note taker; AP for audience poll – to be recorded by audience polling devices (clickers), handouts and/or scantron forms; IM – Interactive Map recorded by audience putting marks on wall maps or handout maps]; by use {G for general question to be used in any focus group; NA for a recreational needs assessment – typically used before planning for SRMA or RMP; EM for evaluation and monitoring – used to determine if management plan is achieving objectives; CE for community engagement – used before and during planning process or evaluation process to determine impact/opportunities of land management decisions and actions on local area communities; UC for exploring relationships between underserved communities proximate to the field office-managed lands, recreation, and use of public lands}. While each question has only one type, several of the questions might be applicable for multiple uses such as NA and CE, or EM and CE, or even all three.
Topic Area 1: Participant Affiliation With Landscape
RESIDENCE – ZIP CODE (RES1): What is your home zip code? Or country (if you are not a US resident)? [AP] {G}
AFFILIATION (ROLE 1): Which of the following choices best describes your association with (location) __________? [AP] {G}
Visitor
Local Resident
Community Leader (elected/non-elected)
Outfitter/Guide
Business Owner
Other
LEGTH OF AFFILIATION (ROLE2): How long have you been connected to the ___________area with the affiliation you identified? [AP] {G}
Less than a year
1-5 years
6-10 years
11-25 years
Over 25 years
Topic Area 2: Management
MANAGER FOR DAY (MGMT1): If you were the public lands manager for a day and could set management priorities for _______________ area, what would your priorities be? [OE] {NA or CE}
MANAGEMENT BOUNDARIES (MGMT2): When traveling in the ____________ area are you aware when you travel across administrative boundaries (BLM, NPS, USFS, private land, state land, tribal land, etc.)? If so, how does that influence what you do, your expectations, or your perceptions? [OE] {NA}
WILDERNESS BOUNDARIES (MGMT3): When traveling in the ____________ area are you aware when you go into and out of Wilderness Study Areas? If so, how does that influence what you do, your expectations, or your perceptions? [OE] {NA}
MANAGEMENT SUGGESTIONS (MGMT4): As you think about this __________________area, what is/are the most important improvements(s) that recreation managers could make to enhance your visits in the future? [OE] {NA, CE and EM}
COLABORATIVE MANAGEMENT (MGMT5): What do you believe are the appropriate collaborative roles for each of the BLM’s land managing partners in managing and planning for federal public lands? [AP] {NA or CE}
Local Governments
Local Businesses
Resource developers
Visitors
Tourism Industry
Community Residents
Non-profit organizations
[Add Specific potential partners depending on location]
This question would be repeated for Options for each of these include:
1 = Planning
2 = Managing
3= Both planning and managing
4= Neither planning nor managing
5 = I don’t know
Topic Area 3: Location
LOCATION 1 (LOC1): When choosing where to recreate in this region, where do you spend the most time? (Choose up to 3) [AP] {NA or EM}
List of area landscapes, attractions (include neighboring non-BLM lands when applicable)
RECREATION ZONES (LOC 2): For the purposes of facilitating this discussion, the recreational managers of the area have divided the landscape into several recreation zones (labeled on map), please indicate which zone you would like to tell us more about. (Choose one and unless we tell you otherwise, assume that zone as a focus when answering future questions) [AP or IM] {NA, CE or EM}
Zone 1
Zone 2
Zone 3
Zone 4
[Additional zones numbered as needed by local managers map division]
SPECIAL PLACES MAP (LOC3): Please take a couple moments to think about a few areas or places on BLM managed public lands in the ________ Field Office (highlighted on the _(N)_ maps below or on the wall) that have special personal meaning and importance for you (alternate wording: that are and area of outstanding recreational opportunity). For each of these places please do the following: [IM] {NA OR EM}
circle it and number it on the four attached maps;
then in writing below name and locate the place;
indicate the things you do when you visit there;
indicate the reason that this place has special meaning for you (or is an area of outstanding recreational opportunity)
circle the name of the most special place for you (or is the area of outstanding recreational opportunity you would like to tell us more about)
Topic Area 4: Special Places - Settings
SPECIAL PLACE 1 (SPC1): What are the qualities of ______________ area or zone that make it a special place for you? [OE] {NA}
SPECIAL PLACE 2 (SPC 2): What are the qualities of ______________ area or zone that make it a special place for you? (Choose up to 5) [AP] {NA}
It’s my back yard
It’s where I spend quality time with friends and family
Historic qualities - how previous generations used the area
Productive qualities - grazing and hunting
Biological resources - plants, animals, etc.
Physical resources - geology, paleontology, etc.
Cultural resources -archeology, etc.
Scenic quality
Spiritual and/or religious qualities
Sense of freedom
Wild, unspoiled, and natural
Remote and rugged
Sense of solitude and privacy
Natural quietness
Dark night skies
Sense of discovery/learning opportunities
Dogs and/or horses are allowed
Lack of development or improvements
It’s where I engage in recreational activities I enjoy
Other
SPECIAL DIMINISH 1 (SPC3): What could diminish the specialness of the place for you? [OE] {NA}
SPECIAL DIMINISH 2 (SPC4): What could diminish the specialness of the place for you (Choose up to 5) [AP] {NA}
Additional fees, permits, or restrictions
Increased use and crowding
Increased traffic
Increased use of wider array of vehicles
Group size limits I consider to be inappropriate (too high or too low)
Limitations on historic uses and productive qualities
Additional facilities and improvements
Lack of facilities and improvements
Increased access
Limited access
Vandalism, litter, graffiti, and/or human waste
Damage to soils and vegetation
Lack of solitude and privacy
Noise
Artificial light
Livestock or evidence of them
Culture clashes – locals vs. visitors or long time locals vs. move-ins
Lack of connection to or education about place
Residential or industrial development (utility lines, pipelines, etc.)
Other
Topic Area 5: Change
CHANGE OVER 5 YEARS (CHG1): At the places you enjoy visiting, has use increased or decreased in the last five (5) years? [AP] {EM}
Strongly Decreased
Slightly Decreased
No Change
Slightly Increased
Strongly Increased
VALUE OF CHANGE (CHG2): If use at that these places has changed in the last five (5) years, has it been for the better or worse? Why did you choose as you did? [AP and OE] {NA}
Much worse
Somewhat worse
No change
Somewhat better
Much better
Topic Area 6: Outcomes, Interests and Expectations
INTERESTS AND EXPECTATIONS 1 (OIE1): When going to your area of interest, describe the interests and expectations you have for your time there? In other words, why do you go there and what do you hope to experience? [OE] {NA}
INTERESTS AND EXPECTATIONS 2 (OIE2): When you go to your area of interest, which of these phrases best captures your interests and expectations for going there? (Choose up to 3) [AP] {NA}
Natural Landscapes
Rural Landscapes
Cultural & Heritage History
Natural History & Science
Health & Fitness
Self-Reliant Adventure
Tranquil Escapes
Youth, Family & Friends
Community Life
Economic
Well-being
Learning & instructing
Stewardship & Caretaking
MEET EXPECTATIONS (OIE3): Did your last recreational or outdoor outing in the _____________ area meet your expectations? Why or why not? [OE] {EM}
SURPRISES (OIE4): What was the most surprising thing about your visit compared to what you expected? [OE] {EM}
EXPERIENCES 1 (EXPER1): When visiting _______________ area or zone, what experiences are you most interested in achieving? [OE] {NA}
EXPERIENCES 2 (EXPER2): When visiting _______________ area or zone, which of these experiences are you most interested in achieving? (Choose up to 3) [AP] {NA}
Developing your skills and abilities
Enjoying the area’s wildlife
To enjoy the scenery
Enjoying risk-taking adventure
Enjoying closeness to family/friends
Enjoying group affiliation and togetherness
To experience the natural surroundings
Learning more about things here
Being able to be more contemplative
Getting some needed physical exercise
To experience adventure and excitement
Releasing or reducing some built-up mental tensions
Escaping everyday responsibilities for a while
Enjoying the solitude
Enjoying frequent access to outdoor physical activity
Gaining a greater sense of self-confidence
To test my equipment
To be with other who enjoy the same things I do
For the challenge or sport
[Add/allow for other site specific experiences]
EXPERIENCES 3 (EXPER3): When visiting _______________ area or zone, which of these experiences were you most able to attain if you wanted to? [OE] {EM}
EXPERIENCES 4 (EXPER4): When visiting _______________ area or zone, which of these experiences were you most able to attain if you wanted to? (Choose up to 3) [AP] {EM}
Developing your skills and abilities
Enjoying the area’s wildlife
To enjoy the scenery
Enjoying risk-taking adventure
Enjoying closeness to family/friends
Enjoying group affiliation and togetherness
To experience the natural surroundings
Learning more about things here
Being able to be more contemplative
Getting some needed physical exercise
To experience adventure and excitement
Releasing or reducing some built-up mental tensions
Escaping everyday responsibilities for a while
Enjoying the solitude
Enjoying frequent access to outdoor physical activity
Gaining a greater sense of self-confidence
To test my equipment
To be with other who enjoy the same things I do
For the challenge or sport
[Add/allow for other site specific experiences]
OUTCOMES - PERSONAL BENEFITS (OTCM1): When visiting _______________ area which of the following personal benefits are most important to you? [AP] {NA}
Restored my mind from stress/tension/anxiety
Improved physical fitness
To improve/maintain health
Improved outdoor knowledge
Greater self-reliance
Enhance sense of personal freedom
Improved sense of control over my life
Improved self-confidence
Living a more outdoor-oriented lifestyle
Restored my body from fatigue
Greater appreciation for our cultural heritage
Greater awareness and appreciation of natural landscapes
Greater freedom from urban living
Improved ability to relate to local residents and their culture
Increased personal accountability to act responsibly on public lands
Greater respect for private property
Closer relationship with natural world
Greater understanding of the importance of wildlife to my quality of life
Greater aesthetic appreciation
[Add/allow for other site specific personal benefits]
OUTCOMES – HOUSEHOLD/RELATIONAL BENEFITS (OTCM2): When visiting _______________ area which of the following household and relational benefits are most important to you? [AP] {NA}
Strengthened relationships with family and/or friends
Improved health
Greater recreation opportunities for your family
Reduced health maintenance costs
Improved family bonding
More well-rounded development for our children
Improved parenting skills
Improved desirability as a place to live
Increased work productivity
Lifestyle improvement or maintenance
Developing stronger ties with my family or friends
[Add/allow for other site specific household benefits]
OUTCOMES – COMMUNITY AND ENVIRONMENT BENEFITS (OTCM3): When visiting _______________ area which of the following community and environmental benefits are most important to you? [AP] {NA}
Greater community engagement in recreating on public lands
Maintenance/preservation of distinctive community atmosphere
Heightened sense of community pride
Improved desirability as a place to retire
Heightened sense of community satisfaction
Improved respect for privately-owned lands
Increased awareness and protection of natural landscapes
Greater community ownership and stewardship of recreation and natural resources
Greater protection of fish, wildlife, and plant habitat from growth, development, and public use impacts
Maintenance/preservation of distinctive public land recreation setting character
Increased local work productivity
Increased local tourism revenue
Reduced local health maintenance cost
[Add/allow for other site specific benefits]
Topic Area 7: Activities
ACTIVITIES 1 (ACT1): When visiting that area or zone, what activities do you engage in most often? (Choose up to 3) [AP] {NA, EM or CE}
Scenic Driving
Exploring or discovering new areas
Hiking/Walking/Running
Backpacking
Car Camping
Picnicking
Rock Climbing/Canyoneering
Nature Study (Wildlife Viewing/ Bird Watching/Geology/Plants)
4x4 Driving (Jeep, Truck, SUV)
ATV/UTV riding
Bicycling/ Mountain Biking
Horseback Riding
Organized group activities (i.e. civic groups, clubs, scouts, church, etc.) including historic reenactments
Ranching activities
Hunting
Photography
Learning activities (interpretive programs, educational outings, etc.)
Art/Writing activities
Spiritual renewal activities
Other
[Can add location specific activities or eliminate some activities above that are not offered at location]
Topic Area 8: Services
INFORMATION SOURCES (INFO): Which sources of information do you depend upon to plan your recreation or use of outdoor spaces in the _____________ area? (Choose all that apply) [AP] {NA or EM}
Friends and family
Past experience
Area business owners
Area residents
Visitor Center staff
Contact with park rangers in the field
Visitor Center exhibits
On-Site signage, kiosks, bulletin boards
Travel and tourism councils and associations
Free guides and maps
Guidebooks
Websites (.gov)
Websites (.org or .com)
Digital apps
Social media
Historic references
Maps (topographic, National Geographic, etc.)
Other
SERVICES (SERV1): What services do you depend on to have a successful recreational or outdoor experience? (Choose all that apply.) [AP] {NA or EM}
Gas stations
Gear stores
Grocery stores
Lodging (hotels, B&B’s, etc.)
Outfitters/guides
RV parks/campgrounds
Restaurants
Visitor information
Wireless/cellular coverage
Other
SERVICE LOCATION (SERV2): Where are those services located? (Choose all that apply.) [AP] {NA or EM}
List of local communities and nearby large communities, online and other.
MISSING SERVICES: (SERV3) Are there services that are missing and prevent you from having a successful experience? Why? [OE] {NA or EM}
Topic Area 9: Community Vision
COMMUNITY LIFE (COMM1): What are the things you like about living in or visiting this community? [OE] {CE}
PUBLIC LANDS IMPACT ON COMMUNITY (COMM2): How do public lands in the area affect the quality of life issues you just described? [OE] {CE}
POSITIVE ACTIONS FOR COMMUNITY (COMM3): What could the BLM or managing partners do in planning or managing the _______________area that would positively impact those values and vision for this community you expressed earlier? [OE] {CE}
NEGATIVE ACTIONS FOR COMMUNITY (COMM4): What could the BLM do in planning or managing the _______________area that would negatively impact those values and vision for this community you expressed earlier? [OE] {CE}
Topic Area 10: Barriers or Constraints to Recreational Use of Lands
[Note: This topic area is for focus groups directed toward specific, underserved communities. For these focus groups, choose from questions in this topic area and the next. Some questions in this topic area are the same as or closely match some questions in preceding topic areas, above. Underserved community focus groups could also draw questions from topic areas above, including Topic Area 6: Outcomes, Interests, and Expectations, using either the same wording or wording adapted to the community context.]
GENERAL RECREATION (GENREC1): What do you do for recreation in general? [OE] {NA, CE, EM, and UC}
GENERAL RECREATION – OUTDOOR RECREATION DEFINITION (GENREC2): When you think of outdoor recreation, what activities or images comes to mind? [OE] {NA, CE, EM, and UC}
GENERAL RECREATION – OUTDOOR RECREATION (GENREC3): What activities do you do outside? Do these fit what you normally think of as outdoor recreation? [OE] {NA, CE, EM, and UC}
CULTURAL LAND RELATIONSHIP (CULTUR1): Are there cultural and/or religious considerations that impact your use of public lands (or outdoor recreation spaces)? Please tell us about them. [OE] {NA, CE, EM, and UC}
ACTIVITIES 2 (ACT2): When recreating outside, what activities do you engage in most often? (Choose up to 5) [AP] {NA, CE, EM, and UC}
Scenic Driving
Exploring or discovering new areas
Hiking/Walking/Running
Backpacking
Car Camping
Picnicking
Rock Climbing/Canyoneering
Nature Study (Wildlife Viewing/ Bird Watching/Geology/Plants)
4x4 Driving (Jeep, Truck, SUV)
ATV/UTV riding
Bicycling/ Mountain Biking
Horseback Riding
Organized group activities (i.e. civic groups, clubs, scouts, church, etc.) including historic reenactments
Ranching activities
Hunting
Photography
Learning activities (interpretive programs, educational outings, etc.)
Art/Writing activities
Spiritual renewal activities
Barbequing
Fishing
Playing outdoor sports or in tournaments (e.g., soccer, basketball, tennis)
Attending outdoor sports events
Attending outdoor concerts
Family gatherings outdoors
Yard games (e.g., horseshoes)
Skating/rollerblading
Gardening/landscaping for pleasure
Visiting gardens or agricultural sites
Other
[Add location specific activities or eliminate activities above that are not applicable to the area. When activities seem too similar or overlap, choose the version most appropriate to the community.]
LOCATION 4 (LOC4): When choosing where to recreate or use outdoor spaces in this region, where do you spend the most time, whether outdoors or indoors? (please ✓ all that apply) [AP] {NA, CE, EM, and UC}
Home (indoor or outdoor)
Fitness center / gym
_________________ Recreation Area [insert name of BLM recreation area(s) of interest]
National Parks
State Parks
National Forests
Municipal Parks
Different outdoor recreation area or park (please specify): _______________________
Sports field
Other sports complex or facility (e.g., ice rink) (please specify):____________________
Roads or paths along roads
Work
Other (please specify): ________________________________________________
[add site or community specific recreation areas, landscapes, attractions (include both BLM and neighboring non-BLM lands when applicable)]
GENERAL RECREATION – FREQUENCY (GENREC5): How frequently do you recreate or do activities outdoors? [AP] {NA, CE, EM, and UC}
ACTIVITIES 3 (ACT3): Are there any activities from the above list that you would like to participate in but haven’t been able to up to now? Which ones? Why? [OE] {NA, CE, EM, and UC}
INTERESTS AND EXPECTATIONS 1 (OIE1): When going to your area of interests, describe the interests and expectations you have for your time there? In other words, why do you go there and what do you hope to experience? [OE] {NA, CE, EM, and UC}
INFORMATION SOURCES (INFO): Which sources of information do you depend upon to plan your recreation or use of outdoor spaces in the area? (Choose all that apply) [AP] {NA, EM and UC}
Friends and family
Past experience
Area business owners
Area residents
Visitor Center staff
Contact with park rangers in the field
Visitor Center exhibits
On-Site signage, kiosks, bulletin boards
Travel and tourism councils and associations
Free guides and maps
Guidebooks
Websites (.gov)
Websites (.org or .com)
Digital apps
Social media
Historic references
Maps (topographic, National Geographic, etc.)
Other
CONSTRAINTS 1 (CONSTR1): What factors keep you from recreating outdoors or using outdoor spaces at all or more often? [OE] {NA, CE, EM, and UC}
CONSTRAINTS 2 (CONSTR2): What factors keep you from coming to or recreating in ______________ area [insert name of BLM recreation area(s) of interest] (more often [as applicable])? [OE] {NA, CE, EM, and UC}
CONSTRAINTS 3 (CONSTR3): Check all the factors that keep you from coming to or recreating in __________ area (more often [as applicable])? (please ✓ all that apply) [AP] {NA, CE, EM, and UC}
Not enough time
Family obligations
Not enough energy
Having no one to go with
You or family members have been in poor health
Not interested in outdoor recreational activities
Pursue recreation elsewhere
Fear of physical assault
Fear of crime
Feeling unwelcome
Fear of racial conflict
Location is too far away
This area does not offer activities I want
Not enough money
Not enough lighting
Sites are too crowded
Lack of transportation to sites
Lack of information (e.g., about trails, allowed uses)
Poor weather
Lack of ADA compliant trails
None of these are factors that keep me from visiting the [insert name of recreation area]
[add site or community specific items]
EQUITY 1 (EQU1): How equitable is access to outdoor recreation or use of outdoor spaces in this area? Do all parts of this community participate with equal ease and comfort? Why is this the case? What factors affect your communities’ access in particular? [OE] {NA, CE, EM, and UC}
COMMUNITY LIFE (COMM1): What are the things you like about living in or visiting this community? [OE] {CE and UC}
PUBLIC LANDS IMPACT ON COMMUNITY (COMM2): How do public lands in the area affect the quality of life issues you just described? [OE] {CE and UC}
EQUITY 2 (EQU2): What policies, improvements to parks or recreation areas, or other actions by land management agencies, government, or local organizations could improve your or your communities’ experience of outdoor recreation or use of outdoor spaces in this area? [OE] {NA, CE, EM, and UC}
[Add community or site specific questions generated in consultation with field office and representatives of the underserved community of interest]
Topic Area 11: Demographics
[Note: Questions from this topic area are intended to be included when determined useful to a particular field office or focus group. These may be of particular importance in focus groups with underserved communities. This list is inclusive of all demographic questions that might be of interest in particular study sites/field offices. The selection and number of questions from this section used in specific focus groups will be decided based on field office, site, and community needs. Thus the total number of questions used in specific focus groups will be smaller than the total listed here. If possible, the number of demographic questions should be limited to 5 or fewer to reduce burden.]
GENDER –(GEND1): What is your gender? (please check one) [AP] {G}
a. Male b. Female c. Self-identify as________ d. Prefer not to respond
AGE (AGE1): a. In what year were you born? __________ b. Prefer not to answer [AP] {G}
EDUCATION (ED1): Please indicate the highest level of education you have attained. (please check one) [AP] {G}
Less than a high school diploma
High school diploma or GED
Technical/vocational degree beyond high school
Some college/vocational
4-year college degree
Advanced degree beyond 4-year college degree
Prefer not to answer
RACE/ETHNICITY 1 (RACE/ETH1): Do you consider yourself to be Hispanic or Latino/a/x (please check one) [AP] {G}
a. Yes b. No c. Prefer not to answer
RACE/ETHNICITY 2 (RACE/ETH2): With which racial group(s) do you identify? (please check all that apply) [AP] {G}
American Indian or Alaska Native
Asian
Black or African American
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
White
Prefer not to answer
HOUSEHOLD INCOME (INCOME1): Which of the following broad categories best describes your total annual household income for the last calendar year? (please check one) [AP] {G}
$25,000 or less
$25,001 – $50,000
$50,001 – $75,000
$75,001 – $100,000
$100,001 – $125,000
$125,001 – $150,000
More than $150,000
Prefer not to answer
HOUSEHOLD SIZE (HHSIZE1): How many people live in your household? [AP] {G} ____________________________
RESIDENCE – ZIP CODE (RES1): What is your home zip code? Or country (if you are not a US resident)? [AP] {G}
NOTICES
The following Notices will be provided to the Focus Group Participants:
Privacy Notice: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is authorized by 43 U.S.C. 1711 and 1712 to collect this information. This information will be used by BLM managers to better understand recreational visits to public lands managed by the BLM. Your response to this request is voluntary and completely anonymous. Your name will never be associated with your answers, and all contact information will be destroyed when the information collection is concluded. No action may be taken against you for refusing to supply the information requested. DOI will not share this information unless authorized or as required by Federal law for security or law enforcement purposes.
These focus groups may be recorded. These recordings will be limited to the research team and will be used to ensure the accuracy of reporting the findings of the focus group. RecordingS will be destroyed after the research is concluded. PLEASE INFORM YOUR FOCUS GROUP FACILITTOR IF YOU ARE NOT COMFORTABLE BEING RECORDED.
PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT STATEMENT: An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number and expiration date. The OMB control number for this survey is 1004-XXXX (expiration date: xx/xx/20xx).
BURDEN ESTIMATE STATEMENT: Public reporting for this form is estimated to average 90 minutes per response. Please direct comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection to: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau Information Collection Clearance Officer (WO-630), 1849 C St., N.W., Room 2134LM, Washington, DC 20240.
[Note: Clearly, not all of these questions can or should be asked in a single focus group. Depending on the purpose of the focus group (Needs Assessment, Evaluation and Monitoring, Community Engagement, or Underserved Community) a smaller subset of these questions would be used. Please see the accompanying excel spread sheet that indicates which questions would be used in which type of focus group/public meeting. Within those subsets, the field office staff would eliminate possible duplicate questions (there are often several ways offered to get at similar information), or shorten the overall set of questions in response to management needs or time constraints (focus groups should not go over 90 minutes).]
Page
File Type | application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document |
Author | Tim |
File Modified | 0000-00-00 |
File Created | 2022-05-23 |