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Acadia National Park N'atlona IP ar kS ervlCe. " u.s. Department of the Interior
VISITOR SATISFACTION AND VISITOR UNDERSTANDING OF THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ACADIA NATIONAL PARK: 2006
Meeting the Requirements of the Governnient Performance and Results Act
Charles Jacobi, Natural Resource Specialist November 2006 Acadia National Park Natural Resources Report Number 2006-8 SUMMARY
In 2006, the National Park Service measured visitor satisfaction and visitor understanding of the significance ofthe park they were visiting through a brief visitor survey. Acadia National Park participated in this survey, which was intended to meet the requirements of the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA). The response rate for the survey was 31 %.
In a brief report, the University of Idaho Cooperative Park Studies Unit compiled the results of visitor evaluations of park facilities, services, and recreation opportunities (GPRA goal Hal) at Acadia. Ninety-five percent of visitors were satisfied with the overall quality of visitor facilities, services, and recreation opportunities offered by Acadia. This was equal to the 2006 GPRA servicewide goal of 95%. Responses to questions about the quality of specific facilities or services showed there is limited room for improvement.
Visitor responses to the question about the significance of Acadia National Park (GPRA goal Hb 1) were compared to significance statements identified in the park's GPRA plan. According to servicewide standards for evaluating answers to this question (visitor identification of at least one park significance item), 96% of Acadia visitors understand something about the significance . of Acadia. This is well above the 2006 GPRA service wide goal of 87%. Seventy-seven percent of visitors knew Acadia was significant for its scenery and 30% percent knew it was significant for its recreation· opportunities. Nineteen percent of visitors knew Acadia was significant for its cultural heritage and 21 % knew it was significant for its natural resources. The "cultural heritage" percentage is the highest measured for Acadia since we began asking the public these questions in 1998.
11 CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ...... 1
METHODS ...... 1 VISITOR SATISFACTION (GPRA GOAL IIA 1) ...... 2 VISITOR UNDERSTANDING OF SIGNIFICANCE (GPRA GOAL IIB1) ...... 2 OTHER COMMENTS ...... 3 RESULTS ...... 3 VISITOR SATISFACTION (GPRA GOAL IIA 1) ...... 3 VISITOR UNDERSTANDING OF SIGNIFICANCE (GPRA GOAL IIB1) ...... 6 OTHER COMMENTS ...... 7 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 9
REFERENCES ...... 10 APPENDIX 1: UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO REPORT ...... 14 APPENDIX 2: SIGNIFICANCE COMMENTS ...... 15
TABLES
TABLE 1: Location, Day, And Time For 2006 GPRA Card Distribution ...... 2
TABLE 2: Response Rate, Overall Visitor Satisfaction Rating And Ratings For Combined Facilities, Combined Visitor Services, And Combined Recreation Opportunities 1998-2006 ...... 4
TABLE 3: Visitor Satisfaction Ratings Ratings For Facilities, Visitor Services, And Recreation Opportunities 1998-2006 ...... 5
TABLE 4: Percent Of Responses Matching One, Two, Three, Or Four Acadia Significance Statements .. 6
TABLE 5: Percent Of Responses With Specific Matches To Acadia Significance Statements For Scenery, Recreation Opportunities, Cultural Heritage, And Natural Resources ...... 7
iii Some Visitor Comments
This park (Acadia) inspires, enriches, and uplifts the spirit. We can become better people by spending time in the beautiful gift we call Acadia National Park.
formerly tranquil- now overrun by people and bicycles. too crowded. carriage paths have become race tracks for bicyclists & are very urifriendly to pedestrians;
mark more clearly where parking is not allowed;
we always enjoy our national parks and the well-informed rangers we meet;
park should be more contiguous, less private property;
The ranger-led programs are among the best we have encountered. Increase funding to this park to preserve and enhance this service;
RV generators should not be allowed at NPS campgrounds - it ruins the experience ofthe other campers.
It is just beautiful here. This is my best used tax dollar;
very well managed in spite ofheavy use by the public; the $20 fee for one day is very expensive with the price ofgas - everyone cannot stay for a week;
suggestion - consider a one day pass. We did not visit the park in June due to the $20 fee. A day pass would allow people an option;
I appreciate the dogfriendliness ofthe park, but hate how it's abused. I love to see Jines for dogs off leash;
I love everything about this park - everything! LO VE THIS P LA CE! ! It is the best place ever.
IV INTRODUCTION
In 2006, the National Park Service (NPS) measured visitor satisfaction and visitor understanding of the significance of Acadia National Park through a brief survey card administered to a representative sample of visitors. Satisfaction and understanding of significance had been identified as two important servicewide goals established by the NPS to satisfy the requirements of the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA).
In this report, data from the Visitor Survey Card Data Report (see Appendix 1) prepared by the University ofIdaho Cooperative Park Studies Unit will be reviewed briefly. The Idaho report presents the results of very general visitor evaluations of park facilities, services, and recreational opportunities. We also present and analyze the results for the open-ended part of the survey card that asks visitors to tell why Acadia is significant and to give any other comments they wish.
METHODS
The University of Idaho established survey methods for all park units. At Acadia, four hundred survey cards were distributed on eight days between August 1 and August 31, at eight different locations (fifty cards for each). Locations, days, dates, and times are shown in Table 1. The locations have stayed the same since beginning the GPRA surveys in 1998.
We selected these eight sampling sites mainly for their high visitation, but there were several other considerations. Because of the division of the park and Mount Desert Island into an east and west side, we chose five locations on the more heavily visited east side and two on the less visited west side. The eighth location was made up of both Blackwoods Campground on the east side and Seawall Campground on the west side.
Three locations on the east side were high use frontcountry sites. The other two locations were high use backcountry trail and carriage road sites. The carriage road intersection selected was between the high and low use areas on the carriage road system (see Jacobi and Manning 1997). The trail junction selected represents moderately difficult to difficult trails with high use. One of the high use frontcountry sites on the east side, Jordan Pond, was selected because of the concession there and the multitude of activities available (hiking, biking, and boating). On the west side, Echo Lake Beach was selected because it is a high use frontcountry area. The primary activity there is visiting the beach and a secondary activity is hiking. Ship Harbor and Wonderland Trails were selected because they are easy trails and they represent the frontcountry users of the Rt. 102A corridor with its easily accessible park attractions.
The protocol for survey card distribution evenly divides the sample between weekends and weekdays, and between two blocks of time, 8:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. We deviated from this protocol slightly as shown in Table 1.
National protocols also call for contacting visitors on a frequency of every third person or vehicle if more than 100 persons or vehicles were expected in the four hours, and every person or
1 vehicle ifless than 100 visitors were expected in the four hours (see Table 1). This protocol was followed with the following exceptions. Where vehicular or foot traffic was heavy, we spread surveys out over the entire four hour period instead of every third party. A time interval of five minutes of was used. Distribution was also adjusted from every third group to every group or vice versa for inconsistent flows. The Recreation Intern and four ridgerunners distributed the questionnaires. Extra survey days were needed at two sites.
TABLE 1: LOCATION, DAY, AND TIME FOR 2006 GPRA CARD DISTRIBUTION. Location Date/Day Time Frequency Echo Lake Beach parking lot 8/01/06, Tuesday 1:00-5:00 every visitor Entrance Station 8/05106, Saturday 8:00 -12:00 12/hour Visitor Center 8/06/06, Sunday 8:00 -12:00 12/hour Ship HarborlWonderland Trails 8/09/06, VVednesday 1:00-5:00 every visitor Ship HarborlWonderland Trails 8110106, Thursday 3:45 - 5:00 every visitor Jordan Pond Area parking lots 8113/06, Sunday 1:00 - 5:00 12/hour Seawall CG 8115106, Tuesday 9:00-12:00 every other site Blackwoods CG 8/15106, Tuesday 9:00-12:00 every other site Beehive and Bowl Trail Jct. 8117/06, Thursday 1:00-5:00 every 3rd visitor Intersection 10, carriage roads 8/20106, Sunday 11 :00 - 17:40 every 3rd visitor Intersection 10, carriage roads 8126106, Saturday 8:00-12:00 every 3rd visitor
VISITOR SATISFACTION (GPRA GOAL IIA1)
The results for the closed-ended questions about facilities, services, and recreation opportunities were tabulated and reported by the University ofIdaho (Appendix 1). We compare the various years in two tables.
VISITOR UNDERSTANDING OF SIGNIFICANCE (GPRA GOAL 1181)
One of the open-ended survey questions asked, "What is the special significance of this park?" Visitors could respond by writing in as many items as they wished. Their answers were classified according to a series of four significance statements prepared for the Acadia National Park GPRA plan (National Park Service 1997). We revised these significance statements slightly based on visitor responses in 1998 and 2001 (2001 revisions are in italics below). These significance statements were followed closely. Exact wording was not necessary, but the concept had to be readily apparent from the visitor's choice of words. This was not always obvious or easy, but most statements clearly fell into one category. If a statement contained one or more ideas that were different, both were used in the analysis.
1. Outstanding scenery - glaciated coastal and island landscape - mountains meet the sea - highest topography along the East coast of North America - Somes Sound the only fjord in the continental U.S. - geography - preservation from development, especially the coastline - geology (as relates to topography) - tides.
2 2. Recreation Opportunities - many activities available - carriage roads, trails, hiking, biking, boating - scenic motor roads - park accessible to all users - public shoreline access - peace/quiet/solitude -learning/education.
3. Rich cultural heritage - Native American history - French and British settlement - history of park formation, large land donations, visible proponents of conservation -historic hiking trails - historic carriage roads.
4. BiologicallEcological (Natural) resources - any mention of flora or fauna - exceptionally high biological diversity - presence of numerous rare species - unique mix of plant species that are at their northern and southern range limits - abundant wetlands - variety of habitats and communities - clean air and water.
We counted the number of surveys with any response related to significance, even if it was not included as part of our significance statements. Responses not related to the significance question at all and non-responses were discarded from analysis. Of the responses related to significance, we then counted those matching at least one of the four significance statements.
OTHER COMMENTS
We established eleven categories of comments and allocated comments to the appropriate categories, although there is always a lIttle judgment involved in this. Because of content overlap, all comments should be read to gain a full understanding of any category. Multiple/ independent comments on each survey were classified separately whenever possible. A semi colon separates the comments of individuals. All visitor comments are reported verbatim without censoring or editing.
RESULTS
VISITOR SATISFACTION (GPRA GOAL IIA1)
The data presented in Visitor Survey Card Data Report from the University of Idaho report is mostly self-explanatory (see Appendix I for details). The response rate was 31 % (1211400 survey cards). This rate is based on the question with the most responses. It is comparable to previous years (Table 2) and to similar surveys in the private sector and is considered adequate.
The most important result was that 95% of visitors were satisfied overall with the quality of appropriate facilities, services, and recreation opportunities. This is equal to the National Park Service 2006 GPRA goal of 95%. The data are accurate to plus or minus 6% with 95% confidence. This means that if different samples had been drawn, the results would have been similar (+/- 6%) 95 out of 100 times.
3 TABLE 2: RESPONSE RATE, OVERALL VISITOR SATISFACTION RATING AND RATINGS FOR COMBINED FACILITIES. COMBINED VISITOR SERVICES. AND COMBINED RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES 1998-2006 Combined Combined Combined Recreation Overall Visitor Satisfaction Facilities Visitor Services Opportunities Year Response Rate 1 N2 Percene Points3 Percent Points Percent Points Percent Points
1998 23 86 95 4.7 88 4.4 86 4.4 97 4.8
1999 35 137 99 4.7 91 4.4 89 4.5 98 4.8
2000 29 113 96 4.6 89 4.4 94 4.6 98 4.7
2001 23 92 98 4.8 89 4.5 91 4.5 98 4.7
2002 23 87 100 4.8 90 4.5 93 4.5 98 4.8
2003 22 76 100 4.8 89 4.5 89 4.5 96 4.7
2004 24 94 98 4.7 87 4.4 91 4.5 94 4.7
2005 29 III 99 4.8 92 4.5 93 4.6 95 4.7
4.7 2006 31 118 95 4.7 90 4.5 91 4.5 93
1. Response rate and N refer to the survey question with most responses. For response rates for each question, see Appendix 1. 2. Percent represents the combined total of good and very good evaluations. . 3. Points reflects the average score given by respondents on a scale of 5, from 5=very good to 1=very poor.
4 TABLE 3: VISITOR SATISFACTION RATINGS RATINGS FOR FACILITI AND RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES 1998-2006
FACILITIES
1998 97 4.6 4.5 3.9 94 4.7 4.2 1999 96 4.6 4.3 4.1 99 4.7 4.4 2000 93 4.5 4.3 4 95 4.7 4.5 2001 94 4.5 4.3 4.3 100 4.8 4.5 2002 91 4.5 4.4 4.2 98 4.8 4.5 2003 90 4.5 4.4 4.2 98 4.7 4.6 2004 93 4.6 4.3 4 97 4.7 4.4 2005 98 4.6 4.4 4.3 98 4.7 4.4 2006 93 4.5 4.3 4.3 96 4.8 4.6 VISITOR SERVICES
1998 96 4.7 4.4 4.4 4.2 1999 94 4.7 4.5 4.6 4.2 2000 99 4.7 4.5 4.8 4.3 2001 95 4.7 4.6 4.6 4.2 2002 95 4.7 4.6 4.5 4.3 2003 96 4.7 4.5 4.7 4.1 2004 95 4.6 4.5 4.5 4.2 2005 96 4.7 4.6 4.8 4.4 92 4.6 2006 95 4.6 4.5 4.7 4.2 91 4.6
REC OPP
1998 95 4.7 96 4.8 98 1999 97 4.6 98 4.8 99 2000 94 4.5 99 4.8 99 2001 94 4.5 100 4.8 99 2002 96 4.6 99 4.9 100 2003 93 4.4 97 4.9 99 2004 88 4.4 96 4.7 97 2005 90 4.4 100 4.9 2006 88 4.4 97 4.9 1. Shaded columns have variation of 10% or more. 2. New question 2005 3. Question deleted 2005; Sightseeing added to outdoor recreation question.
5 Visitor satisfaction with restroom facilities; exhibits, learning about nature, history, or culture; and commercial services in the park had the lowest overall evaluation scores (4.3 to 4.4 on a scale of 1 to 5). Their associated satisfaction measures (good and very good combined) ranged from 82% to 88%. A score of 4 out of 5 or above 80% is still very good. All other measures were at 4.5 or above with a 90% or greater satisfaction measure. We exceeded the GPRA satisfaction goal for commercial services (79%) with a satisfaction measure of83%.
We include summary tables of the response rate, percent scores, and point scores for the combined evaluation criteria (Table 2) and the each ofthe individual criteria (Table 3) for 1998- 2006. The following individual evaluation criteria varied by 10% or more over the nine year period and are shaded in Table 3: exhibits, restrooms, campground and picnic areas, ranger programs, park map brochure, and commercial services. Other scores show remarkable consistency.
VISITOR UNDERSTANDING OF SIGNIFICANCE (GPRA GOAL IIB1)
Ninety-eight percent of surveys with responses to the significance question had at least one match (98/100). This is above the National Park Service 2006 GPRA goal of 87%. The percentage of surveys with one, two, three, or four matches are shQwn in Table 4. Results from previous years are included for comparison.
Table 5 shows the percentage of surveys matching each individual significance statement from 1998-2006. The percent matching cultural heritage was the highest ever at 19% (by 1% over 2005).
Nine years of data consistently show that visitors most often recognize Acadia is significant for its scenery, followed by recognition of its recreation opportunities. Recognition ofthe park's rich cultural heritage and natural resources is much less common, though much improved over 1998. Appendix 2 contains all the verbatim significance responses.
TABLE 4: PERCENT OF RESPONSES MATCHING ONE, Two, THREE, OR FOUR ACADIA SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTS* Number of 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Matches !n=81! !n=126! !n=94! !n=72! !n=681 !n=721 !n=741 !n=1151 !n=1211 At least one 82% 89% 91% 99% 95% 98% match 94% 93% 92% At least two 21% 36% 32% 32% 27% matches 39% 42% 33% 32% At least three 1% 4% 3% 4% 7% 2% 11% matches 4% 0% Four matches 0% <1% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% *The percentages in Table 2 do not add up to 100 because visitors could give multiple answers.
6 TABLE 5: PERCENT OF RESPONSES WITH SPECIFIC MATCHES TO ACADIA SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTS FOR SCENERY, RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES, CULTURAL HERITAGE, AND NATURAL RESOURCES* Significance 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Statements (n=81) (n=126} {n=94) (n=72) (n=681 (n=72) (n=741 (n=1151 {n=121) Scenery 67% 74% 74% 82% 67% 71% 74% 71% 77%
Recreation 31% 40% 33% 29% 34% 31% 34% 23% 30% Cultural 3% 9% 15% 10% 14% 15% 16% 18% 19% Heritage Natural 6% 8% 14% 8% 12% 11% 14% 24% 21% Resources *The percentages in Table 3 do not add up to 100 because visitors could give multiple answers.
OTHER COMMENTS
Visitors provided many comments in the final section ofthe survey card. Multiple comments occurred for the following: campground showers needed - 9; better trails map - 4; excellent ranger programs - 3; better trail rating system - 3; fee complaints - 2; good trail markings - 2; generator complaints - 2; Jordan Pond House good - 2; great trails - 2. The comments below have not been edited for spelling or grammar.
Facilities and Maintenance It is perfect just as it is. More facilities would be harmful; Great job maintaining the roads; good trail markings; hiking trails very well marked. Maybe add a rating system to show difficulty. Some hikes much harder than expected; carriage ways magnificent;
Facilities and Services Needed There should be more handholds for some rocky staircases at highlighted sites; The park could use more trails and a better rating system. Many people we met on hikes seemed prepared; Jordan Pond Trail boardwalk could use more opportUnities for passing, such as step out platforms; wish there was lodging within the park; could also use more picnic areas; new trail Sand Beach to Bowl- too tough for old folks. Can't you save the old one?; Need more rest rooms at low use trailheads (especially for women hikers) e.g. Hunters Beach trail on Cooksy Dr; trail signs need to be more readable;
Concessions Jordan Pond House, carriage rides, were superb; very disappointed Jordan Pond House - how about a window to get popovers?; staff in Cottage St. Acadia store not helpful on 8116106 pm; Loved Jordan Pond House; some of the college age staff were very rude - especially one girl in Cadillac Mountain Gift Shop; restaurant food very poor;
Campgrounds Campgrounds need showers; bathroom doors slam noisily - need dampers; get showers and ice vendor and dryers; showers for the campers would be a plus; hot showers would be appreciated after a hot humid hike; the bathrooms in the Seawall Campground could have a soap dispenser =
7 (paper) towels as in picnic area; too much noise by generator (it's infernal), no shower, very clean campground; Add showers; It is neat and clean and almost all campers are well behaved; they should accommodate families by allowing some sites for tents and trailers. That was very difficult for us; would like showers, laundry facilities at campground; It would be wonderful if . one were able to reserve a specific campsite. We come to Blackwoods every summer; Campground restrooms: hot water, soap, and hand" dryers would be greatly appreciated and showers; RV generators should not be allowed at NPS campgrounds - it ruins the experience of the other campers. Also, showers should be available. Coin operated showers should be available so that they are self supporting; more campsites;
Resource Management It is a beautiful landscape - one which deserves preservation; park should be more contiguous, less private property;
Congestion/CrowdingNisitor Experience Formerly tranquil- now overrun by people and bicycles. Too crowded. Carriage paths have become race tracks for bicyclists & are very unfriendly to pedestrians; hiking trails were superb; mark more clearly where parking is not allowed; scenery expiring; hiking is outstanding; Keep Acadia natural and beautiful by keeping ATVs out, Thanks; ... along with more parking at trailheads; I appreciate the dog friendliness of the park, but hate how it's abused. I love to see fines for dogs off leash;
Fees This park was an enjoyable, affordable, breathtaking beautiful vacation; There are numerous routes and hikes that can be done without entering the park. The $20 fee is unproportional to this; the $20 fee for one day is very expensive with the price of gas - everyone cannot stay for a week; suggestion - consider a one day pass. We did not visit the park in June due to the $20 fee. A day pass would allow people an option;
Buses add more bike racks to shuttle - if you're not at first stop, you're out of luck; the park needs more parking facilities or enforce the use of busses!; appreciated Island Explorer, nice drivers; you should do as has been done n Zion and Yosemite - no cars in the park Loop Road - only shuttle busses;
Interpretive Services Isle au Haut Trails - map is difficult to obtain - (only on ferry) - trails need distance (mileage of walk) and degree of difficulty!; Children's ranger programs were excellent; Also more explanation of artifacts at Abbe Museum; I think the map needed more explanations about stops along the park loop road; having a ranger at the popular spots/ie - Thunder Hole, etc. would be great - to answer questions; visitor center - more about geology - how area was formed, type of rocks etc.; Like to see more published about the public gardens (Asticou, Thuya, Nature. Center, SW Harbor; I would appreciate even more exhibits/displays of 19th/20th c. human history photos, founders, buildings; I would like to see a list of the trails, a brief description of difficulty ... etc .. Maybe there was one but we didn't see one with a lot of trails on it; Road signs
8 and maps were OK but could use some improvement; more info Lobster Industry and details would be helpful; need to include campfire talks in the Beaver Log. Otherwise there is no way to know without phoning the visitor center; need better trail maps; The ranger-led programs are among the best we have encountered. Increase funding to this park to preserve and enhance this service; small crowded visitor center; Abbe Museum only fair; really enjoyed evening interpretive programs + guided hikes; park map should have trail names on it; We would like to see better maps and a more comprehensive trail guide .. ;
Employees Rangers at info center in B. H. were very informative; very good staff;
General Impressions Ben meeting friends &making new ones for 39 years. Heaven way from home!; As a people we need to increase funding for NPS so that the agency can continue to implement it purpose; very well organized; Thank you; magical + we keep coming back! Thank you©; Keep Acadia park maintained as it is or better - it is a wonderful place; I love everything about this park - everything! LOVE THIS PLACE!! It is the best place ever; loved it and will be back as soon as I can!!; It is just beautiful here. This is my best used tax dollar; otherwise, everything was wonderful; We had a wonderful visit. We'll be back!; very nice park; Excellent, one of the very best in the nation; You're doing a great job - everything is clear, etc. keep it up; we always enjoy our national parks and the well-informed rangers we meet; God has blessed us and Maine with a unique & beautiful comer of creation; we loved it; It very nice, one of our favorite trips; wonderful place to visit and we will return; it was our first time visiting and we'll definitely be back!; fantastic, fun, hope to return someday and visit islands, attend ranger programs; very well managed in spite of heavy use by the public; We very much enjoyed our time spent in the Acadia National Park; keep going;
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The 2006 GPRA sUrvey showed that Acadia National Park exceeded or met the national goals for satisfaction (including commercial services) and significance. Visitors understand very well that Acadia is significant for its beautiful scenery. Recognition of the park's rich cultural heritage and natural resources is less common, though it has improved substantially since 1998. Inclusion of our mission statement in as many presentations, pUblications, and other media as possible and posting it prominently in public contact areas is one of many actions that may help with this.
Some visitors also expressed dissatisfaction with their camping experience. There were two complaints about generator noise and nine would like hot showers available. Since we sample fifty camping visitors, perhaps this is not surprising. Visitors obviously have some camping expectations that are not met; they do not understand why park campgrounds do not have showers. If this were explained, perhaps more of them would understand.
9 REFERENCES
Jacobi, C. and R. Manning 1997 Applying the visitor experience resource protection process to Acadia National Park carriage roads: A summary of research and decision-making. Technical Report NPSINESO-RNRlNRTR/98-S. December 1997. U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service. New England System Support Office. 23pp.
National Park Service 1997 Strategic management plans: Acadia National Park; St. Croix Island International Historic Site, Maine Acadian Culture Project. U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service. 72pp.
10 APPENDIX 1: UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO REPORT
r\cadia NP 2006 Visitor Survey C:lrd Data Report
Introduction
To ~~ttbe N.l(ici~d'J~lrk Scnice ill (!l~\it}~ Inside t~i.. reportaru ~aphs ttml iUustmle the -Sl",-ey wilb tM Ouvc.nm)\''Ut Iltmnmmn(;c and R~uft$ Act rusuJls.. the ruplJrt (loolmns Ulr..~ cat.ric.s or (GPRA), a )'isitlWiitln'tW WtlSCt)oouclctt in ooits of data-park lacltkties. v'slli')r serria.'S, and fCCtUtHmml tbe Natiomtl Prirk gvsteftl in PY(J(". Too sum~y W$ opportunities. \Vl.h1ntke.!\C wt~es are gmpJ,s f()f' d(t,.cloped lo ftlCrururc., each ~rk Vl)lt' $ p<::rftJOmluce each lndicut()f' tn:ufunted "by putk Visl~()f'S. j\)t ~JatOOm NPS (iPRA Goals nal (vi:sik»" mliM'&ikm) ~1:U"tm; 1M lwk t~ihC$ cutc~'U UlCrud$ and Ubi (visifQl' UDderslmtdill~ and apprccialiun). rndh::aturs suCh us 'I'l1Ilh'W center, 'l:. ~IDml', and M lbnb. tn ilddlUou, TC$.)Xll)'S'(lS lorlldl:mlol'S l"befeS'ults of the Vi"'tor Sun''C'' Cntd (\/$(:;'1 Slln'1:lY within 'C1Kil c. are ;.nrcm,;..tt.'d ink) a mmblJlcd c(.Much;.-d III this F'rk are su~ lit llllS dam llnlpb f~)f lbe ' ., (e.g.• cOntmncd ,'park repmt. A de.'\CriptIDn tlf lite reseanih nlcllK~ and fnclllth,isl'the Ct}l im-d ~mpll!;: CiJmpillfc F~'(16 tlatu linlnutiml> is on IIw "'leI. ptI!,'C, with tmJ;~1ille data
Bduw (lefl) is tl l>ummari:rJ~ ,·'stiur UPltU(ms Hlilcb ~ntpb lncludc..'1 tlw loUowlt~ Information: of the "m'cJ.tll ql ~. 1::ICi1ititm. SCO'K:CS, zmd ~~"ma( oJ.p.on.nniticlI," T~ts ~ruP~ mmp • rye,", ':YOO: Sa1istactloo: I'n&Ulilxe: 95% ' A'*agetlMiuat'$'!:score: 4.1 11 ..Acadia NP l)ark F"aciJities Visitor Center Exhibits FIIItI .. MPO'IICkIIk; F'1IItI. ~ilcitM _-$'I., .-~ .~. ~ ,., ,. ,.. -..~. A;.,liVii otf"'~" Pl:~w~_ Sa'~ m&~S': ~ $a1~mU$IA: e2:% A»er,agt;)t~~: 4.$ A\w,agt ~Jdcn$OOM: 4.3 Walkways, trailst Aestrooms and roads F'I!.l6lilO~dcne lFYIl!Ik12i·~ ".Jj)o", wt~ ii'I!;. ~io; ~1J~iio ~.. :to"":.. .;~"\< P.>~~.i»;,,*~;. $a1imetiat :rm.al;Ml): el$~ $a1ilifaeltOft mltahtft: $'6%> A\wage ',Mt)'Ja,'li:n score: 4.3 A1I\'er.~~:4,a campgrounds and/or picnic areas . Fm:O~k; .F'IP/$ BJ::W<:i4M ;~"Ya1H)$j ~'" -~ ~ ~~ .. l~ell "''';.0;''''/1 oj ',,*i*'~ A;.. ~;:"\I>lN"""'~ Sali$factJ~ meS$"!.ire: 9!'% FY 12 Acadia NP Visitor Services Park map or brochure .I'¥.,.. .. ~ $a!t~ .t'MH1at4'; 9$% a~~9t% ,>\\'$"ag.~~: .1.6 A\lSI'age~,soar4: ''.is Commercial services Ran~er programs in the park FIiIf:*P '"POIIftft/$ l'VOIi, N! ~1I'''w\$ .FWl $a~ ~!I':9'2'!,~ $a~m.~;e$% ,>\~GWWab~: 4.7 ."\,«.e~m~e:4.2 Value for entrance fee paid'" F'iCII! tf1.~~ .F~ II I:!~jl>l> 11"11*) ,""o/*li'OII'''' ~1rlIl ~i>~\III·f>ll~$ PYCS: S '~j:ltt~tollf~d'm~i:l!!lit>l:1 ~~ .iolt1f>'I.h~aiMfi<>l\al itlll'\fAI* 1\ltfL\lhWlOO rOO.Pni(t'q.w.1llL'I'I,,,trl> ry(t:;,~("'~ }~} i~At-i)f\ .f' ;.X:An~1*! 13 Acadia NP Recreational Opportunities Learning about naturet historytOt' culture Outdoor recreation" .!"YC$ .~ II £!;lWoi}"1I t,FYM,*!l) .....\\Ii>~ "'~iit·i(l/N$~ii sdsfaetien'l'tl&Utlt1S; a3'!!l. S~JM~; ii.7%. A\'eI'.4V"~a".m~; M A"Vi'.~a1),*UiQO~<4:4,9 . Combined fe(lrestiorU'11'" oppQrtuniti$~ :i't.J> ~lIi!_~tMttJi"'.loi>!$l#11lIilJtog'nin!\OOSUt.:lltl1!! in(J~tllf'S~~~·ir)Im·Oiildoor ~~qJ(!~lfl'l:2OO$. Research Methods ~t"~}' .,:it'll5 \hi'f" v-,, R",flfillild tMJ!< W"",k \!U:{M(tlllil:,U)< W1>1I111li.l' :Iltd Iht, dlll,t t"~ir ftllX.t tIlJk'll>Nli:. 'till:! sun'C)' dam Ilr~ lIXI.lCC!t;':! KI bI; lU:t!:ltllW iUlillY),iI';1, H4'lj:ii<:ti<':' IIMlInlmli£>flii weh: ,tiucnhutJ ftift1tlO:b within J,6~& wint 95"h «1ltnl:lelli.'\!. 'ffl.~ IIl¢1W$ Umt ,ii' ·4;iftI.'K'lIt iJt "'lIIiWf~ ,I"f 14 APPENDIX 2: SIGNIFICANCE COMMENTS These are reported verbatim, with out editing for spelling or grammar. Numbers refer to numbered response cards. 1. Loon seen in this lake 2. Preserve for the next generations! 3. We need to remember to appreciate the land and the beauty of nature unharmed by us. 4. for preservation of natural coastline for future generations- 5. A beautiful spot to be treasured; historic significance of rusticator era & carriage trails. 6. Protect natural resources and enjoying same. 7. Inspire the preservation of nature 8. Natural history and beauty. 9. Wonderful trail system and ocean vistas 10. Conserving such a diverse and wonderful landscape for all 11. This park contains rare natural wonders. Please preserve it for future generations. 12. Great recreation activities. 13. Outstanding vistas on the sea/forests/ponds = rejuvenating! But as a French citizen I could not find Samuel Champlain plaque that I had seen more than 20 years ago. 14. It invites you to do cool stuff like hiking on donated land. 15 . Nature-sightseeing 16. Excellent recreational park 17. Unique beautiful natural scenery 18. Amazing geology, flora and fauna as well as the history of how it was established (Rockefeller family, Dorr, Beatrix Farrand etc.) 19. It's beautiful. 20. Showcases the unique terrain and natural beauty of the Maine coast. 21. Variety of land types in one region. Geology and hiking 22. Preservation of natural heritage 23. As a park given to the people, by the people, for all to enjoy its extensive beauty. 24. No match . 25. Its natural beauty, hiking trails and carriage paths. 26. Highlighting what is special in Maine - the landscape, the animals, recreation opportunities. It was gorgeous. We will return. 27. Its natural beauty and location 28. Mostly left in natural state. Not "touristy" or overly patrolled or policed. 29. This park (Acadia) inspires, enriches, and uplifts the spirit. We can become better people by spending time in the beautiful gift we call Acadia National Park. 30. The outstanding scenic beauty ofthe rugged coastline, saving it from the overwhelming residential development. 31. beautiful area that should be preserved 32. Beauty. Preserved land so close to well-developed areas. 33. The most beautiful spot East of the Rocky Mountain chain. 34. great recreation 35. It has mountains and the sea, amazing variety of vegetation and donated by private citizens. 15 36. It is an example of the beautiful rocky mountainous sea shore areas of northem New England, with the carriage roads illustrating philanthropy at its best. A beautiful place that can be used by all. " 37. Extraordinary natural beauty. 38. Highlights the beauty of the NE coast and its settlement. 39. The last opportunity to experience this type of land, water, wildlife, culture, on such a grand, yet safe and accessible, scale. 40. Acadia is a true gem. It shows the true beauty of Maine and our country. 41. Glacier formations, mt's + ocean, 55 miles of carriage trails, plants and animals. History of fishing (lobsters). 42. The simple beauty of sea, mountains, and trees give one a true sense of peace and enjoyment. " 43. preserving wildlife, showing the way life was - the carriage roads. The national significance is how utterly beautiful our natural resources are - especially when protected. 44. The unique natural wonders are gems of course. But I was almost as fascinated by the 20th and 19th c. human history - American leisure, exercise, philanthropy wealth ... 45. Natural scenic beauty. 46. The privalege to view and respect nature as it was 100 years ago. 47. Any form of wildlife and nature preservation is most significant. 48. It is geologically and historically unique. It has a very special beauty. 49. It preserves the natural beauty of the area & makes it accessible to everyone without degrading it. 50. Acadia is a good place for knowing the geological history of U.S.A. 51. A tiny chunk of land in a populated area that needs to be preserved and expanded. 52. Wonderful history and reminds "everyone of what nature is and its importance. 53. It is a gift for us to enjoy. Thank you! What a place of beauty. 54. Land that is the way it was years ago without development and destruction. Allows a connection with nature. 55. To experience & appreciate the beauty of the Maine coast. 56. To keep green space & show nature & history (shipping, fishing, exploration) in undeveloped condition. 57. How the public can share in the beauty of this great country and that our government spends money to do just that. 58. unique geography that I can share and appreciate even though I live in the midwest 59. Its beauty and co-relationship with man and work ic: fishing, logging. And how life should be. 60 Preservation of nature and recreation through enjoyment of nature. 61. Too numerous to mention them all! All the glacier history, the beautiful mountains, the Somes Sound, sunrise. 62. To maintain a part of the country the way it was before being inhabited by humans 63. No match. 64. Very important to our National Heritage. Acadia should sway to the politics of "The Friends of Acadia". No private group should exert influence as they do! 65. Purity and beauty of nature. Combination of mountains, lakes and ocean, ruggedness, beautiful night sky, friendly people protecting wildlife. 16 66. To learn about the unique geology and history of this area and enable kids and families to enjoy a beautiful outdoor experience. 67. This is not clearly communicated yet it is beautiful & we're having a great time but the "significance"????? 68. to protect from development some of Maine's beautiful wildlife 69. The unspoiled beauty of the coastline and the opportunity it provides us to enjoy nature. 70. Beautiful view of ocean and mountain. 71. It preserves a small portion of an irreplaceable heritage 72. It is N. England's park - a park of uniqueness because the mountains and ocean meet. 73. Natural beauty historic sites 74. protecting natural areas of the country that would otherwise be destroyed and/or exploited; it's good for the collective brain and soul of the citizens to connect with nature and historical sites 75. It demonstrates some of the earliest exploration of the area. 76. natural beauty 77. unique combination of geography, wildlife, coastline and recreational opportunities 78. this park has many beautiful spots, hiking trails, bike trails, that people can come to enjoy 79. This park is an extremely unique and accessible location with a wide variety of ecosystems 80. Diversity; cooperation between philanthropists (wealthy, corporate), local towns & NPS 81. It is the only place on the east coast where you have mountain and oceans together in one park. It is uniquely beautiful & has historical significance as well. 82. First park east of Mississippi River. Preserves early conditions ofth~ nation. Shows what can be done with cifizen/govt. cooperation. 83. Non commercial 84. The only place in the eastern U.S. where you can experience the rugged outdoors 85. Unique geographic/ecologic setting 86. Its beauty and its upkeep. 87. To teach my children the importance of respecting nature - hopefully instilling the intelligence needed for our childrens future. 88. Preserves part of New England coast and forest for future generations . .89. To preserve the natural, social, and cultural heritage of the Acadia region. 90. exploring outdoor New England - appreciate nature and provide recreation without altering the environment . 91. Highlights a unique NE ecosystem both on land and in the ocean. A place where my tax $ are being used in a way I totally support. 92. It's a great natural resource and a great place for visitors to enjoy nature in a federally protected environment with no ATV use and pollution in wilderness areas. 93. As an example of private citizens coming together to preserve nature for the Nation. Also, its significance as a natural preserve of eastern Woodlands (coastal, northern). 94. unique coastal area 95. this park has activities for everyone no matter what age young or old. 96. It is beautiful! 97. This park not only preserves but also allows visitors to experience the wondrous, increasingly rare endangered natural resources ofthis country, in particular the spectacular area where the sea meets land. 17 98. The national significance would have to be due to the ocean vistas, mountain hikes, freshwater lakes, - all located back-to-back. It was also due to the park's existence through donations. 99. nature - coastline 100. pristine coastline, great recreational opportunity Responses made that do not match significance statements. 24. Critical. Park is accessible to huge population ofNE USA! Very good example of how valuable a national park is to citizens. 63. A loosing/decreasing respect & value of outdoors, open space, and nature Responses made that do not relate to significance statements. (numbers do not correspond to survey cards) 1. It's a gem! We love it! 2. Truly a gem worth saving. 3. it gave us, as a family from California, a terrific opportunity to see another park in another state 4. an honor to mother nature 5. Bathrooms 18