Social Science Program National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Visitor Services Project

Big Cypress National Preserve Visitor Study

Spring 2007

Park Studies Unit Visitor Services Project Report 184.1

Social Science Program National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Visitor Services Project

Big Cypress National Preserve Visitor Study

Spring 2007

Park Studies Unit Visitor Services Project Report 184.1

December 2007

Eleonora Papadogiannaki Yen Le Steven J. Hollenhorst

Eleonora Papadogiannaki is a Research Assistant, Dr. Le is the VSP Assistant Director, Dr. Hollenhorst is the Director of the Park Studies Unit, Department of Conservation Social Sciences, University of Idaho. We thank Lourana Swayne, Publina Meldrum, Pixie Siebe, Sabrina Moyer, and the staff of Big Cypress National Preserve for assisting with the survey fieldwork, and David Vollmer for his technical assistance.

Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Visitor Services Project Big Cypress National Preserve Report Summary

! This report describes the results of a visitor study at Big Cypress National Preserve during March 3-11, 2007. A total of 1002 questionnaires were distributed to visitor groups. Of those, 634 questionnaires were returned resulting in a 63.3% response rate.

! This report profiles a systematic random sample of Big Cypress National Preserve. Most results are presented in graphs and frequency tables. Summaries of visitor comments are included in the report and complete comments are included in the Visitor Comments Appendix.

! Forty-eight percent of visitor groups were in groups of two and 44% were groups of four or more. Fifty-two percent of visitor groups were family groups and 22% were with friends.

! Forty-seven percent of visitors were ages 56-70 years, 23% were 41-55 years, 10% were 71 years or older, and 5% were 15 years or younger. Three percent of visitors were of Hispanic/Latino ethnicity and 96% reported their race as White.

! United States visitors were from Florida (34%), Ohio (6%), Michigan (6%), and 42 other states. International visitors, comprising 14% of the total visitation, were from Canada (48%), Germany (18%), and 13 other countries.

! Sixty-four percent of visitors visited the preserve once in the 12 months prior to the survey and 63% visited the preserve for the first time in their life. Visiting Big Cypress National Preserve was the primary reason that brought 22% of visitor groups to the South Florida area (areas south of Lake Okeechobee), while 36% were visiting other attractions in the area. Twenty-one percent of visitors were local residents.

! Prior to this visit, visitor groups most often obtained information about the preserve through friends/ relatives/word of mouth (48%), and previous visits (43%). Sources to use on a future visit were preserve website (64%) and travel guides/tour books/publications (52%).

! Of visitor groups who spent less than 24 hours in the preserve (N=408), 44% spent up to two hours. Of those spending 24 hours or more (N=131), 30% spent seven or more days. The average length of stay was 1.6 days. Fifty percent of visitor groups camped in an RV/trailer park inside the preserve while 28% were tent camping in a campground.

! The most commonly visited sites in the preserve were Oasis Visitor Center/wildlife viewing area (55%) and H.P. Williams Roadside Park/wildlife viewing area (40%). Forty percent of visitor groups desired to visit the backcountry on this or past visits, of those 60% were able to visit the backcountry. Most common method used to access the backcountry was hiking (52%) and airboat (32%).

! The most common activities visitor groups participated in were viewing wildlife (69%), taking a scenic drive (66%), and driving through to another destination (52%).

! Regarding the importance of protecting preserve attributes/resources, it is important to note the number of visitor groups that responded to each question. The attribute/resource that received the highest combined proportions of “extremely important” and “very important” ratings included native wildlife (98%, N=500, clean air (97%,N=596), clean water 97%, N=593), and natural setting (97%, N=593).

! Regarding use, importance, and quality of facilities, it is important to note the number of visitor groups that responded to each question. The most used facilities included restrooms (77%), wildlife viewing areas (65%), and scenic drive (64%). The facilities that received the highest combined proportions of “extremely important” and “very important” ratings included campgrounds (92%, N=105) and wildlife viewing areas (86%, N=353). The facilities that received the highest combined proportions of “very good” and “good” quality ratings were Kirby Storter Boardwalk (91%, N=161) and wildlife viewing areas (91% N=345). The facility that received the highest combined proportions of “extremely crowded” and “very crowded” ratings was campgrounds (11%, N=98).

Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

! Regarding the use, importance, and quality of visitor information services, the most used services were information brochure/map (74%) and outdoor exhibits/bulletin boards (57%). The information services that received the highest combined proportions of “extremely important” and “very important” ratings were NPS Preserve website (84%, N=69) and assistance from park staff (82%, N=227). The information services that received the highest combined proportions of “very good” and “good” quality ratings were the ranger-led programs (93%, N=53) and assistance from park staff (93%, N=219).

! Average group expenditure inside and outside the preserve (areas south of Lake Okeechobee) was $1,073, with a median expenditure (50% paid more and 50% paid less) of $370. Average total expenditure per person was $484.

! Fifty-two percent of visitor groups reported they would be likely to visit the Big Cypress Addition Lands area on a future visit. Thirty-seven percent of visitor groups were “not sure” if the availability of outfitters/ guides would increase the likelihood of visiting the Big Cypress Addition Lands area on a future visit.

! Most visitor groups (89%) rated the overall quality of services, facilities, and recreational opportunities at Big Cypress National Preserve as “very good” or “good.” Less than 2% of visitor groups rated the overall quality as “very poor” or “poor.”

For more information about the Visitor Services Project, please contact the Park Studies Unit at the University of Idaho at (208) 885-7863 or the following website http://www.psu.uidaho.edu.

Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ...... 1 Organization of the report ...... 1 Presentation of the results ...... 2 METHODS...... 3 Survey Design...... 3 Sample size and sampling plan ...... 3 Questionnaire design ...... 4 Survey procedure...... 4 Data Analysis ...... 4 Limitations ...... 5 Special Conditions ...... 5 Checking Non-response Bias ...... 6 RESULTS ...... 7 Demographics...... 7 Visitor group size...... 7 Visitor group type ...... 7 Visitors with organized groups ...... 8 United States visitors by state of residence ...... 9 International visitors by country of residence...... 10 Number of visits to the preserve in past 12 months...... 11 Number of visits to the preserve in lifetime ...... 11 Visitor age ...... 12 Visitor ethnicity ...... 13 Visitor race ...... 13 Preferred languages for speaking and writing...... 14 Preferred services provided in other languages ...... 15 Trip/Visit Characteristics and Preferences...... 17 Visitor awareness of preserve being a unit of the National Park System ...... 17 Visitor awareness of national preserves are managed differently than national parks...... 17 Information sources used prior to visit ...... 18 Information sources to plan a future visit ...... 20 Places stayed on night before arrival at Big Cypress National Preserve...... 21 Places stayed on night after departure at Big Cypress National Preserve ...... 24 Primary reason for visit to Big Cypress National Preserve area...... 27 Places visited in the South Florida region...... 28 Length of visit ...... 30 Number of vehicles...... 31 Number of park entries...... 31 Visitors who arrived by airplane ...... 32 Florida airport used ...... 32 Overnight stay ...... 33 Overnight accommodations...... 35 Sites visited ...... 37 Backcountry access ...... 38 Vehicles/equipment used to access Big Cypress backcountry...... 40 Activities ...... 43 Ratings of Visitor Services, Facilities, Elements, Attributes and Resources ...... 45 Visitor facilities used...... 45 Importance ratings of visitor facilities ...... 46 Quality ratings of visitor facilities ...... 50 Mean scores of importance and quality ratings of visitor facilities ...... 54 Visitor information services used ...... 56 Importance ratings of visitor information services...... 57 Quality ratings of visitor information services...... 61

Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)

Mean scores of importance and quality ratings for visitor information services...... 65 Importance of protection of preserve attributes/resources...... 66 Expenditures...... 67 Total expenditures inside and outside of the preserve ...... 67 Number of adults covered by expenditures...... 68 Number of children covered by expenditures...... 68 Expenditures inside the preserve...... 69 Expenditures on the East coast (Atlantic coast) ...... 71 Expenditures in West coast (Gulf coast)...... 76 Preferences for future visit...... 81 Future visit to Big Cypress Additional Lands Area...... 81 Interpretive programs/information services...... 84 Overall Quality ...... 85 Visitor Comments...... 86 What visitors liked most...... 86 What visitors liked least...... 88 Planning for the future...... 90 Additional comments...... 92 APPENDICES ...... 95 Appendix 1: The Questionnaire ...... 95 Appendix 2: Additional Analysis ...... 97 Appendix 3: Decision Rules for Checking Non-response Bias...... 99 Appendix 4: Visitor Services Project Publications...... 101 Visitor Comments Appendix ...... 105

Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

INTRODUCTION This report describes the results of a visitor study at Big Cypress National Preserve during March 3-11, 2007 by the National Park Service (NPS) Visitor Services Project (VSP), part of the Park Studies Unit (PSU) at the University of Idaho.

Organization of the report

The report is organized into three sections. Section 1: Methods. This section discusses the procedures, limitations, and special conditions that may affect the results of the study. Section 2: Results. This section provides summary information for each question in the questionnaire and includes a summary of visitor comments. The presentation of the results of this study does not follow the same order of questions in the questionnaire. Section 3: Appendices Appendix 1: The Questionnaire. A copy of the questionnaire distributed to groups. Appendix 2: Additional Analysis. A list of options for cross-references and cross comparisons. These comparisons can be analyzed within park or between parks. Results of additional analyses are not included in this report as they may only be requested after the results of this study have been published. Appendix 3: Decision rules for checking non-response bias. An explanation of how the non-response bias was determined. Appendix 4: Visitor Services Project Publications. A complete list of publications by the PSU. Copies of these reports can be obtained by visiting the website: http://www.psu.uidaho.edu/vsp/reports.htm or contacting the PSU office at (208) 885-7863. Visitor Comments Appendix: A separate appendix provides visitor responses to open-ended questions. It is bound separately from this report due to its size.

1 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Presentation of the results

Results are represented in the form of graphs (see example below), scatter plots, pie charts, tables, or text.

SAMPLE ONLY

1: The figure title describes the graph's

information. 2 2: Listed above the graph, the “N” shows N=537 visitor groups

the number of individuals or visitor 5 or more 8% groups responding to the question. If “N”

is less than 30, “CAUTION!” is shown on 4 3% 3 the graph to indicate the results may be unreliable. Number 3 7% of visits * appears when total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding. 2 12% 5 ** appears when total percentages do not 1 70% equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer choice. 0 100 200 300 400 3: Vertical information describes the Number of respondents 4 response categories. 1 Figure 14: Number of visits to park 4: Horizontal information shows the number in past 12 months or proportions of responses in each category. 5: In most graphs, percentages provide additional information.

2 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

METHODS

Survey Design

Sample size and sampling plan

All VSP questionnaires follow design principles outlined in Don A. Dillman's book Mail and Internet Surveys: The Tailored Design Method (2000). Using this methodology, the sample size was calculated based on park visitation statistics of previous years. Brief interviews were conducted with a systematic, random sample of visitor groups that arrived at Big Cypress National Preserve during March 3-11, 2007. Interviewers contacted 1,098 visitor groups of which 1,002 of these groups (91.3%) accepted questionnaires. Table 1 presents the locations and numbers of questionnaires distributed at each location. Questionnaires were completed and returned by 634 visitor groups resulting in a 63.3% response rate for this study.

Table 1: Questionnaire distribution locations N=number of questionnaires distributed

Sampling site N Percent of total Oasis Visitor Center 210 21 HP Williams 143 14 Loop Road 142 14 U.S. 41 80 8 I-75 73 7 Kirby Storter 61 6 Monroe Station 59 6 Turner River canoe launch 57 6 Wagonwheel/Birdon/Turner River roads 44 4 Seagrape Drive 37 4 Chamber of Commerce 33 3 Midway Campground 26 3 Bear Island 21 2 Monument Lake 16 2 Total 1,002 100

3 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Questionnaire design

The Big Cypress National Preserve questionnaire was developed at a workshop held with preserve staff to design and prioritize the questions. Some of the questions were comparable with VSP studies conducted at other parks while others were customized for Big Cypress National Preserve. Many questions asked visitors to choose answers from a list of responses, often with an open-ended option, while others were completely open-ended. No pilot study was conducted to test the Big Cypress National Preserve questionnaire. However, all questions followed Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidelines and/or were used in previous surveys. Thus, the clarity and consistency of the survey instrument have been tested and supported.

Survey procedure

Visitor groups were greeted, briefly introduced to the purpose of the study, and asked to participate. If visitors agreed, they were asked which member (at least 16 years of age) had the next birthday. The individual with the next birthday was selected to complete the questionnaire for the group. An interview, lasting approximately two minutes, was conducted with that person to determine group size, group type, and the age of the member completing the questionnaire. These individuals were asked for their names, addresses, and telephone numbers in order to mail them a reminder/thank you postcard and follow-ups. Visitors were asked to complete the survey after their visit, and return the questionnaire by mail. The questionnaires were pre-addressed and affixed with a U.S. first class postage stamp. Two weeks following the survey, a reminder/thank you postcard was mailed to all participants. Replacement questionnaires were mailed to participants who had not returned their questionnaires four weeks after the survey. Seven weeks after the survey, a second round of replacement questionnaires was mailed to visitors who had not returned their questionnaires.

Data Analysis

Returned questionnaires were coded and the information was entered into a computer using custom and standard statistical software applications—Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), and a custom designed FileMaker Pro application. Descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations were calculated for the coded data and responses to open-ended questions were categorized and summarized. The data were entered twice—by two independent data entry staff—and validated by a third staff member.

4 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Limitations

Like all surveys, this study has limitations that should be considered when interpreting the results. 1. This was a self-administered survey. Respondents completed the questionnaire after the visit, which may have resulted in poor recall. Thus, it is not possible to know whether visitor responses reflected actual behavior. 2. The data reflect visitor use patterns to the selected sites during the study period of March 3-11, 2007. The results present a ‘snapshot-in-time’ and do not necessarily apply to visitors during other times of the year. 3. Caution is advised when interpreting any data with a sample size of less than 30, as the results may be unreliable. Whenever the sample size is less than 30, the word "CAUTION!" is included in the graph, figure, table, or text. 4. Occasionally, there may be inconsistencies in the results. Inconsistencies arise from missing data or incorrect answers (due to misunderstood directions, carelessness, or poor recall of information). Therefore, refer to both the percentage and N (number of individuals or visitor groups) when interpreting the results.

Special Conditions

The weather was mostly hot and sunny. The temperatures during the survey period were in the upper 70s. This was typical weather for the area during March.

5 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Checking Non-response Bias

The three variables used to check non-response bias were group type, age of the group member who actually completed the questionnaire, and group size. Table 2 shows insignificant differences between group types. There are significant differences between respondent and non-respondent ages and insignificant differences between respondent and non- respondent group sizes (see Table 3). See Appendix 3 for more details of the non-response bias checking procedure.

Table 2: Comparison of respondents and non-respondents group type Actual Total Expected Group type responded distributed value Alone 57 96 59 Family 311 512 315 Friends 130 228 140 Family and friends 89 121 74 Other 9 13 8 Total 596 970 Chi-square = 0.988 df = 4 p-value = 0.427

Table 3: Comparison of respondents and non-respondents age and group size Respondent Non-respondent p-value Variable N Average N Average (t-test) Group size 614 3.59 370 2.81 0.108 Age 616 56.81 371 49.42 <0.001

Two out of three tests show insignificant differences between respondents and non-respondents. In addition, a five-year difference in average age in most mail surveys is an expected trend (see Appendix 3). Therefore, the response bias is judged to be insignificant. The data is a good representation of a larger Big Cypress National Preserve visitor population for the duration of the survey period.

6 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

RESULTS

Demographics

Visitor group size

Question 19 N=614 visitor groups For this visit to Big Cypress National Preserve, how many people were in your 5 or more 13% personal group, including yourself?

Results 4 18% ! 48% of visitor groups were in groups of two (see Figure 1). Number 3 13% of people ! 31% were in groups of three or four.

2 48% ! 13% were in groups of five or more.

1 8%

0 100 200 300 Number of respondents

Figure 1: Visitor group size

Visitor group type

Question 18 N=596 visitor groups* On this visit, what kind of personal group (not guided tour/educational/organized Family 52% group) were you with?

Results Friends 22% ! 52% of visitor groups were made up of family members (see Figure 2). Family and Group 15% type friends ! 22% were with friends.

Alone 10% ! 10% were alone.

! “Other” groups (2%) included: Other 2%

Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife Boy Scouts 0 100 200 300 400 Sailing club Number of respondents Fishing group Golf Wing Road Riders Association NGO groups Figure 2: Visitor group type

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

7 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Visitors with organized groups

Question 17a N=568 visitor groups On this visit, were you and your personal group with a commercial Yes 4% guided tour group? With a commercial Results guided tour No 96% ! 4% of visitor groups were traveling group? with a commercial guided tour group (see Figure 3). 0 150 300 450 600 Number of respondents

Figure 3: Visitors traveling with a commercial guided tour group

Question 17b On this visit, were you and your N=557 visitor groups personal group with an educational Yes 1% group (school, etc.)? With

educational Results group? No 99% ! 1% of visitor groups were traveling with an educational group, such as a school group (see Figure 4). 0 150 300 450 600 Number of respondents

Figure 4: Visitors traveling with an educational group (school, etc.)

Question 17c N=561 visitor groups On this visit, were you and your personal group with an other organized group Yes 2% (church, business, etc.)? With other organized Results group? No 98% ! 2% of visitor groups were traveling with an other organized group (see Figure 5). 0 150 300 450 600 Number of respondents

Figure 5: Visitors traveling with an other organized group (church, business, etc.)

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

8 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

United States visitors by state of residence

Question 20b Table 4: United States visitors by state of residence* For you and your personal group what is your state of residence? Percent of Percent of Number U.S. visitors total visitors Note: Response was limited to seven of N=1,334 N=1,550 members from each visitor group. State visitors individuals individuals Florida 452 34 29 Results Ohio 84 6 5 ! U.S. visitors comprised 86% of Michigan 81 6 5 total visitation to the preserve New York 69 5 4 during the survey period. Pennsylvania 64 5 4 Massachusetts 61 5 4 Illinois 55 4 4 ! 34% of U.S. visitors came from Wisconsin 49 4 3 Florida (see Table 4 and Indiana 47 4 3 Map 1). New Jersey 36 3 2 Minnesota 31 2 2 ! 6% came from Ohio and 6% North Carolina 27 2 2 came from Michigan. Connecticut 26 2 2 Maryland 26 2 2 ! Smaller proportions came Oregon 23 2 1 from 42 other states. Virginia 21 2 1 29 other states 182 14 12 Note: Visitors from Florida may include seasonal residents.

10% or more 4% to 9%

2% to 3% Alaska less than 2% N = 1,334 individuals

American Samoa Guam Hawaii

Puerto Rico

Big Cypress National Preserve

Map 1: Proportions of United States visitors by state of residence

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

9 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

International visitors by country of residence

Question 20b Table 5: International visitors by country of residence * What is your country of residence? Percent of Note: Response was limited to seven international Percent of members from each visitor group. Number visitors total visitors of N=216 N=1,550 Results Country visitors individuals individuals ! International visitors comprised Canada 104 48 7 14% of total visitation to the Germany 39 18 3 preserve during the survey United Kingdom 27 13 2 period. Netherlands 11 5 <1 ! 48% of international visitors France 8 4 <1 came from Canada (see Norway 6 3 <1 Table 5). Czech Republic 5 2 <1 Belgium 4 2 <1 ! 18% came from Germany. Austria 2 5 <1

Ireland 2 1 <1 ! 13% came from the United Kingdom. Mexico 2 1 <1 Sweden 2 1 <1 ! Smaller portions came from 12 Switzerland 1 <1 <1 other countries. Honduras 1 <1 <1 Japan 1 <1 <1

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

10 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Number of visits to the preserve in past 12 months

Question 20c N=1447 individuals* How many times have you visited Big Cypress National Preserve in the past 12 5 or more 10% months (including this visit)?

Note: Response was limited to seven members 4 3% from each visitor group.

Number 3 6% Results of visits ! 64% of visitors visited the park once in the past 12 months (see Figure 6). 2 18%

! 19% visited three or more times. 1 64% ! 18% visited two times.

0 250 500 750 1000 Number of respondents

Figure 6: Number of visits to preserve in the past 12 months

Number of visits to the preserve in lifetime

Question 20c N=1735 individuals* How many times have you visited Big Cypress National Preserve in your lifetime 5 or more 19% (including this visit)?

Note: Response was limited to seven members 4 4% from each visitor group.

Results Number 3 5% of visits ! 63% of visitors visited the park once in their lifetime (see Figure 7). 2 10%

! 28% visited three or more times. 1 63% ! 10% visited two times.

0 300 600 900 1200 Number of respondents

Figure 7: Number of visits to preserve in lifetime

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

11 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Visitor age

Question 20a N=1731 individuals* For you and your personal group, what 76 or older 4% is your current age? 71-75 6% Note: Response was limited to seven members from each visitor group. 66-70 14%

18% Results 61-65 ! Visitor ages ranged from 1 to 91 56-60 15% years old. 51-55 9% ! 47% of visitors were in the 56-70 years age group (see Figure 8). 46-50 8%

! 10% were 71 years or older. Age group 41-45 6% (years) 5% ! 5% were 15 years or younger. 36-40

31-35 2%

26-30 3%

21-25 2%

16-20 2%

11-15 2%

10 or younger 3%

0 100 200 300 400 Number of respondents

Figure 8: Visitor age

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

12 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Visitor ethnicity

Question 20d N=1666 individuals Are you or members of your group Yes 3% Hispanic or Latino? Hispanic or Results Latino? No 97% ! 3% of visitors were Hispanic or Latino (see Figure 9). 0 850 1700 Number of respondents

Figure 9: Respondent ethnicity

Visitor race

Question 21 N=1717 individuals** What is your race? What is the race of each member of your personal group? White 96%

American Indian or 4% Results Alaska Native ! 96% of visitors were White (see Figure 10). Black or Race 1% African American ! 4% were American Indian or Alaska Native. Asian 1%

Native Hawaiian or <1% other Pacific Islander

0 850 1700 Number of respondents

Figure 10: Respondent race

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

13 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Preferred languages for speaking and writing

Table 6: Preferred language for speaking Question 22a N=597 visitor groups; When visiting an area such as some visitor groups listed more than one language. Big Cypress, what one Number of times language do you and most Language mentioned members of your group prefer to use for speaking? (open- One language ended) English 566 German 9 Results French 6 ! Most visitor groups Spanish 4 preferred to speak English Japanese 1 (see Table 6). Korean 1

Multiple languages English/German 5 Spanish/English 3 English/German/Spanish 1 Polish/English 1

Question 22a Table 7: Preferred language for reading When visiting an area such as N=581 visitor groups; Big Cypress, what one some visitor groups listed more than one language. language do you and most Number of times members of your group prefer Language mentioned to use for reading? (open- One language ended) English 550 Results German 9 ! Most visitor groups French 6 preferred to read English Spanish 4 (see Table 7). Japanese 1 Korean 1

Multiple languages English/German 3 Spanish/English 3 English/Dutch 1 English/German/Latin 1 French/English 1 Polish/English 1

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

14 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Preferred services provided in other languages

Table 8: Preferred services Question 22b N=251 comments What services in the preserve some visitor groups listed more than one service. would you like to have Number of times provided in languages other Service mentioned than English? (open-ended) None 188 Results Signs 16 ! 39% of visitor groups All services 11 (N=244) responded to this Brochures 11 question. Maps 7

Exhibits/bulletin boards 5 ! Most visitor groups Guide books preferred to have services 4 provided in English (see General information 3 Table 8). Information at visitor center 2 Restrooms 2 Other services 2

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

15 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Question 22c Table 9: Preferred language Which language, other than N=67 visitor groups; English, would you like some visitor groups listed more than one language. services to be provided in? Number of times Language mentioned Results One language ! Most visitor groups Spanish preferred to services to be 24 provided in Spanish (see German 11 Table 9). French 5 Braille 2 Dutch 1 Israeli 1 Japanese 1 Norwegian 1

Multiple languages All 5 Spanish/French 3 German/French 2 German/Spanish 2 Spanish/French/German 2 Dutch/German 1 English/Spanish/French 1 French/German/Japanese/Chinese 1 French/Japanese/German/Spanish 1 Spanish/German/Japanese 1 Spanish/German/Scandinavian/Japanese 1 Spanish/Italian 1

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

16 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Trip/Visit Characteristics and Preferences

Visitor awareness of preserve being a unit of the National Park System

Question 1a N=628 visitor groups Prior to your visit to Big Cypress Yes 61% National Preserve, were you and your Aware preserve group aware that this is a unit of the is unit of National National Park System? Park System? No 39%

Results ! 61% of visitor groups were aware, 0 100 200 300 400 prior to their visit, that Big Cypress Number of respondents National Preserve is a unit of the National Park System (see Figure 11: Visitor groups who were aware that Big Figure 11). Cypress National Preserve is a unit of the National Park System

Visitor awareness of national preserves are managed differently than national parks

Question 1b N=626 visitor groups Prior to your visit to Big Cypress Yes 27% National Preserve, were you and your Aware national group aware that national preserves preserves are are managed differently than national managed differently No 73% parks? than national parks?

Results 0 100 200 300 400 500 ! 73% of visitor groups were Number of respondents unaware prior to their visit to Big Cypress National Preserve, that Figure 12: Visitor groups who were aware that national preserves are managed national preserves are managed differently than national parks (see differently than national parks Figure 12).

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

17 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Information sources used prior to visit

Question 2a N=623 visitor groups Prior to this visit, did you and your group obtain information about Big Obtained information No 76% Cypress National Preserve? about the preserve prior to visit? Yes 24% Results ! 76% of visitor groups obtained information about the preserve 0 100 200 300 400 500 prior to their visit (see Figure 13). Number of respondents

Figure 13: Visitor groups who obtained information about Big Cypress National Preserve prior to this visit

Question 2a N=399 visitor groups** Prior to this visit, how did you and your Friends/relatives/ 48% group obtain information about Big word of mouth Cypress National Preserve? Previous visits 43%

Travel guides/tour books/ 40% Results publications ! As shown in Figure 14, the most common source of information was NPS preserve website 20% friends/relatives/word of mouth Other NPS sites 16% (48%). Other websites 11% ! 43% of visitor groups obtained Newspaper/magazine 10% information from previous visits. Source of articles information Everglades City 7% ! 40% used travel guides/tour Chamber of Commerce Telephone/email/ 7% books/publications. written inquiry

Videos/television/ 5% ! “Other” sources of information radio programs South Florida Parks (12%) included: 5% newspaper Interpretive programs Local businesses 3% Signs Map School class/program 2% Previous knowledge Other 12% Nature group Park rangers/employees 0 50 100 150 200 Other employees Number of respondents Tourist Office (AAA) Figure 14: Sources of information used by visitor groups prior to this visit

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

18 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Question 2c N=364 visitor groups From the sources you used prior to this visit, did you and your group receive the Yes 88% type of information about the preserve Received that you needed? needed information? No 12%

Results ! 88% of visitor groups received the 0 100 200 300 400 information they needed for this trip Number of respondents to Big Cypress National Preserve (see Figure 15). Figure 15: Visitor groups who received needed information prior to this visit

Question 2d If NO, what type of information did you and your group need that was not available?

Results ! Additional information that visitor groups (N=20) needed included:

Activity schedules Information on the website All kinds of information Location of the preserve Birding information Map with special sites Boat ramps Maps Camping Nature trails Canoeing cost Places to visit Detailed map of the area Plants Directions Preserve features Eco tours Rest areas Electricity Restaurants Fishing information Road information Fishing sites Road signs quality Habitat Runnable trails Historic names Trail length Information about the Loop Road Water Information about the preserve Water levels Information about the trails Wildlife Information accuracy Information for awareness

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

19 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Information sources to plan a future visit

Question 2b N=384 visitor groups** For future trips to Big Cypress National Preserve, what sources would you and NPS preserve website 64% Travel guides/tour books/ your group prefer to use to obtain 52% information in planning your visit? publications Previous visits 33% Results Friends/relatives/ 23% ! As shown in Figure 16, the most word of mouth common source of information to Other NPS sites 22% plan a future visit was the NPS preserve website (64%). Other websites 20% Newspaper/magazine 19% Source of articles ! 52% of visitor groups preferred to information Telephone/email/ 14% use travel guides/tour written inquiry books/publications. Videos/television/ 10% radio programs Everglades City 10% ! 33% preferred to use information Chamber of Commerce from previous visits. South Florida Parks 9% newspaper ! “Other” sources of information (3%) Local businesses 3% included: School class/program 2%

Hunting Other 3% Maps Personal research 0 50 100 150 200 250 Number of respondents

Figure 16: Sources of information to plan a future visit

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

20 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Places stayed on night before arrival at Big Cypress National Preserve

Question 9a Table 10: Places stayed on night before arrival In what town/city did you and your at Big Cypress National Preserve group stay on the night before your N=598 visitor groups arrival at Big Cypress National Number of times Preserve? If you stayed at home, City/Town and State mentioned please write the name of the town Naples, FL 123 where you live. Fort Myers, FL 59

Miami, FL 47 Results ! As shown in Table 10, the Everglades City, FL 33 most common cities/towns that Marco Island, FL 30 visitor groups spent the night Fort Lauderdale, FL 23 prior to their visit were: Key Largo, FL 20 Homestead, FL 18 21% Naples, FL Florida City, FL 15 10% Fort Myers, FL 8% Miami, FL Bonita Springs, FL 14 La Belle, FL 10 Key West, FL 9 Okeechobee, FL 9 Cape Coral, FL 8 Chokoloskee, FL 8 St. Petersburg, FL 8 Sarasota, FL 6 Clearwater, FL 5 Collier Seminole State Park, FL 5 Marathon Key, FL 5 Islamorada, FL 4 Punta Gorda, FL 4 Sebring, FL 4 Tampa, FL 4 Venice, FL 4 Boca Raton, FL 3 Bonita Beach, FL 3 Englewood, FL 3 Flamingo, FL 3 Lake Placid, FL 3 Pembroke Pines, FL 3 Ruskin, FL 3 Tavernier, FL 3 Bradenton, FL 2 Clewiston, FL 2 Coral Gables, FL 2 Cutler Ridge, FL 2 Davie, FL 2

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

21 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Table 10: Places stayed on night before arrival at Big Cypress National Preserve (continued) Number of times City/Town and State mentioned Ellenton, FL 2 Estero, FL 2 Immokalee, FL 2 Kissimmee, FL 2 Little Torch Key, FL 2 Moore Haven, FL 2 Orlando, FL 2 West Palm Beach, FL 2 Pine Island, FL 2 Port Charlotte, FL 2 Sanibel, FL 2 Tulsa, OK 2 West Palm, FL 2 Alexandria, VA 1 Apopka, FL 1 Biscayne Park, FL 1 Bonita Bay, FL 1 Boston, MA 1 Captiva, FL 1 Carson City, NV 1 Chicago, IL 1 Cooper City, FL 1 Cordele, GA 1 Crystal River, FL 1 Dade City, FL 1 Dallas, TX 1 Detroit, MI 1 Doral, FL 1 Duck Island, FL 1 Dunedin, FL 1 Eugene, OR 1 Flint, MI 1 Flom, MN 1 Frostproof, FL 1 Gainesville, FL 1 Golden Gate, FL 1 Hallandale, FL 1 Hialeah, FL 1 Hillsdale, MI 1

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

22 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Table 10: Places stayed on night before arrival at Big Cypress National Preserve (continued) Number of times City/Town and State mentioned Hollywood, FL 1 Hudson, MA 1 Indian Rocks Beach, FL 1 Jupiter, FL 1 Lake City, FL 1 Lake Suzy, FL 1 Lake Worth, FL 1 Lakeland, FL 1 Laporte, IN 1 Lauderdale Lakes, FL 1 Lehigh Acres, FL 1 Longboat Key, FL 1 Longview, WA 1 Long Key State Park, FL 1 Madeira Beach, FL 1 Madison Heights, VA 1 Miami Springs, FL 1 Minneapolis, MN 1 Myakka City, FL 1 New Philadelphia, OH 1 Newaygo, MI 1 Ochopee, FL 1 O Fallon, IL 1 Osprey, FL 1 Palmetto, FL 1 Plantation, FL 1 Pompano Beach, FL 1 Raleigh, NC 1 Riverview, FL 1 Rotonda West, FL 1 Stuart, FL 1 Tamarack, FL 1 Tequesta, FL 1 United Kingdom 1 Weeki Wachee, FL 1 West Perrine, FL 1 Weston, FL 1

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

23 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Places stayed on night after departure at Big Cypress National Preserve

Question 9b Table 11: Places stayed on night after departure In what town/city did you and your from Big Cypress National Preserve group stay on the night after your N=574 visitor groups departure from Big Cypress National Number of times Preserve? If you stayed at home, City/Town and State mentioned please write the name of the town Naples, FL 122 where you live. Fort Myers, FL 43

Miami, FL 39 Results ! As shown in Table 11, the most Marco Island, FL 34 common cities/towns that visitor Everglades City, FL 23 groups spent the night after their Fort Lauderdale, FL 22 visit were: Florida City, FL 21 Bonita Springs, FL 18 21% Naples, FL Homestead, FL 13 7% Fort Myers, FL 7% Miami, FL Key Largo, FL 11 Key West, FL 11 Marathon Key, FL 10 Punta Gorda, FL 9 La Belle, FL 8 Okeechobee, FL 8 Cape Coral, FL 7 Chokoloskee, FL 7 Sanibel Island, FL 7 Sarasota, FL 7 Tampa, FL 7 Islamorada, FL 5 Orlando, FL 5 Port Charlotte, FL 5 Venice, FL 5 Arcadia, FL 4 Flamingo, FL 4 Unspecified, FL 4 Boca Raton, FL 3 Bonita Beach, FL 3 Collier Seminole State Park, FL 3 Estero, FL 3 Kissimmee, FL 3 Lake Placid, FL 3 Moore Haven, FL 3 Ocala, FL 3 Sebring, FL 3 St. Petersburg, FL 3 Tavernier, FL 3

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

24 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Table 11: Places stayed on night after departure from Big Cypress National Preserve (continued) Number of times City/Town and State mentioned Atlanta, GA 2 Bradenton, FL 2 Bushnell, FL 2 Clearwater, FL 2 Coral Gables, FL 2 Cutler Ridge, FL 2 Englewood, FL 2 Everglades National Park, FL 2 Florida Keys, FL 2 Golden Gate, FL 2 Jupiter, FL 2 Nokomis, FL 2 Pembroke Pines, FL 2 Wauchula, FL 2 West Palm Beach, FL 2 Bayonet Point, FL 1 Big Pine Key, FL 1 Biscayne Park, FL 1 Captiva Island, FL 1 Chicago, IL 1 Clewiston, FL 1 Coral Springs, FL 1 Davie, FL 1 Dunedin, FL 1 Ellenton, FL 1 Flint, MI 1 Flom, MN 1 Hallandale, FL 1 Hialeah, FL 1 Hollywood, FL 1 Hypoluxo, FL 1 Indian Rocks Beach, FL 1 Indianapolis, IN 1 Key Biscayne, FL 1 Key Colony Beach, FL 1

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

25 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Table 11: Places stayed on night after departure from Big Cypress National Preserve (continued) Number of times City/Town and State mentioned Lake Worth, FL 1 Lakeland, FL 1 Laporte, IN 1 Lauderdale Lakes, FL 1 Laverne, AL 1 Little Torch Key, FL 1 Madeira Beach, FL 1 Madison Heights, VA 1 Milwaukee, WI 1 Mims, FL 1 Miramar, FL 1 Myakka City, FL 1 New Philadelphia, OH 1 Palm Beach, FL 1 Palmetto, FL 1 Plantation, FL 1 Pompano Beach, FL 1 Port of the Islands, FL 1 Redland, FL 1 Riverview, FL 1 Rotonda West, FL 1 Ruskin, FL 1 Sanford, FL 1 Santa Fe, NM 1 Spring Hill, FL 1 Sugar Loaf Key, FL 1 Tamarack, FL 1 Tifton, GA 1 West Perrine, FL 1 Weston, FL 1 Zephyrhills, FL 1

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

26 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Primary reason for visit to Big Cypress National Preserve area

Question 3 What was your primary reason for visiting N=619 visitor groups the South Florida region (areas south of Lake Okeechobee)? Yes 21% Resident Results of area? ! 21% of visitor groups were residents of No 79% the local area (see Figure 17).

0 100 200 300 400 500 ! As shown in Figure 18, the most common reasons for visiting the Big Number of respondents Cypress National Preserve for non- residents were: Figure 17: Resident of the South Florida region (areas south of Lake 36% Visit other attractions in the Okeechobee) area 22% Visit Big Cypress National Preserve 19% Visit friends/relatives in the area N=488 visitor groups Visit other attractions 36% ! “Other” primary reasons (21%) for in the area visiting included: Visit Big Cypress 22% National Preserve Camping Primary Visit friends/relatives 19% Day trip reason in the area Drag racing for visit Fishing Business 2% Get away trip Golf Other 21% Group tour Guest visiting Health reasons 0 60 120 180 Number of respondents Hiking Hunting Figure 18: Primary reason for visiting Big Kayaking Cypress National Preserve area Looked for slower pace highway

Meal

Motorcycle ride

Mystery ride

Photography “Other” reason for visiting (continued): Property owner Retirement Visit the Keys area Sailing activities Warm weather Staying in Chokoloskee Watch/hunt alligators Staying in RV park Wedding in Miami Traveling through the preserve Wildlife viewing/birdwatching Vacation Windsurf racing Visit Everglades Winter resident Visit Key West

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

27 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Places visited in the South Florida region

Question 4 On this visit to Big Cypress National N=599 visitor groups** Preserve, what other places in the South Everglades National Park 61% Florida region (areas south of Lake Okeechobee) did you and your group Everglades City 55% visit? Naples 51%

Results Florida Keys 44% ! 61% of visitor groups visited Everglades Fort Myers 40% National Park (see Figure 19). Marco Island 29%

! 55% visited Everglades City. Miami 24%

Corkscrew Swamp 19% ! 51% visited Naples. Place Sanctuary visited Fort Lauderdale 19% ! “Other” places (13%) are shown in Fakahatchee Strand 17% Table 12. State Preserve Collier Seminole 13% State Park Miccosukee Village 12% and Cultural Center Biscayne National Park 10% Panther National 6% Wildlife Refuge Other 13%

0 100 200 300 400 Number of respondents

Figure 19: Places visited in the South Florida region

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

28 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Table 12: Other places visited in the South Florida region (areas south of Lake Okeechobee) N=66 comments; some visitors listed more than one location.

Anna Maria Island Jupiter Lighthouse Barefoot Beach Kennedy Space Center Blues Festival Kirby Bonita Springs Koreshan Bradenton Lake Manatee Caloosahatchee River Lovers Key Caloosahatchee Regional Park Lovers Key State Park Cape Florida Lighthouse Manatee Park Captiva Islands Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Center of Island Mound Key State Park Chocolate Island Myaka River State Park Chokoloskee Naples Botanical Garden Clam Pass Beach Park Oscar Scherer State Park Clearwater Beach Palm Springs Clyde Butcher Gallery Picayune Strand State Forest Coral Springs Pine Islands Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge Pompano Beach Deerfield Beach Port Charlotte Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park Punta Gorda Dog Beach Randell Research Center Doral Rookery Bay Dry Tortugas Sanibel Eagle Lakes Community Park Shark Valley Flamingo Shy Wolf Sanctuary Fort Jefferson Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve Goodland Stormwater Treatment Area 5 Hallandale Sugden Regional Park Historic Bok Sanctuary Ten Thousand Islands Homestead Tigertail Beach Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park Valuejet Memorial J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Venice Rookery Refuge Wakodahatchee Wetlands John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Wildlife areas Jungle Erv's airboat ride

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

29 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Length of visit

Question 6a On this visit how long did you and your N=408 visitor groups group spend at Big Cypress National 7 or more 15% Preserve?

Number of hours if less than 24 6 10%

Results 5 6% ! 22% of visitor groups spent up to one hour at Big Cypress National Preserve 4 14% (see Figure 20). Number of hours ! 20% spent two hours. 3 13%

! 15% spent seven or more hours. 2 20%

Up to 1 22%

0 25 50 75 100 Number of respondents

Figure 20: Number of hours spent visiting the preserve

Question 6b On this visit how long did you and your N=131 visitor groups* group spend at Big Cypress National 7 or more 30% Preserve?

Number of days if more than 24 hours 6 4%

Results 5 8% ! 32% of visitor groups spent up to two days at Big Cypress National Preserve Number 4 3% (see Figure 21). of days

! 30% spent seven or more days. 3 22%

! 22% spent three days. 2 24%

1 8%

0 10 20 30 40 Number of respondents

Figure 21: Number of days spent visiting the preserve

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

30 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Number of vehicles

Question 8a N=634 visitor groups On this visit to Big Cypress National Preserve, how many 3 or more 4% vehicles did you and your group use to arrive at the preserve? 2 8% Results Number of ! 85% of visitor groups used vehicles one vehicle to arrive at the 1 85% preserve (see Figure 22).

! 12% used two or more vehicles. 0 3%

0 200 400 600 Number of respondents

Figure 22: Number of vehicles used to arrive at the preserve

Number of park entries

Question 7 N=582 visitor groups* On this visit, how many times did you and your group enter Big 4 or more 11% Cypress National Preserve?

Results 3 7% ! 57% of visitor groups Number entered the preserve once of entries (see Figure 23). 2 26%

! 26% entered the preserve 1 57% twice.

! 18% entered the preserve 0 100 200 300 400 three times or more. Number of respondents

Figure 23: Number of times entered the preserve

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

31 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Visitors who arrived by airplane

Question 8b N=617 visitor groups On this trip, did your group have any members who arrived in Florida on Yes 39% an airplane? Arrived Results by airplane? No 61% ! 39% of visitor groups had at least one member who arrived by airplane (see Figure 24). 0 100 200 300 400 Number of respondents

Figure 24: Visitor groups with members who arrived in Florida by airplane

Florida airport used

Question 8c Table 13: Name of Florida airport at which visitors If YES, at which Florida airport did arrived that person(s) arrive? N=242 visitor groups; some visitor groups listed more than one airport. Results ! As shown in Table 13, the most Number of times common airports that visitor Name of airport mentioned groups used to arrive in Florida Fort Myers SW Florida International Airport 103 were: Miami International 44 Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International 30 42% Fort Myers Airport 18% Miami Tampa International Airport 26 12% Fort Lauderdale Orlando International Airport 25 Palm Beach International Airport 5 St. Petersburg – Clearwater Airport 4 Sarasota – Bradenton Airport 3 Jacksonville International Airport 1 Naples Florida Airport 1

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

32 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Overnight stay

Question 5a N=608 visitor groups On this trip, did you and your group stay overnight away from home in the South Yes 70% Florida region (areas south of Lake Stayed Okeechobee)? overnight? No 30% Results ! 70% of visitor groups stayed overnight 0 150 300 450 away from home in the South Florida region (see Figure 25). Number of respondents

Figure 25: Overnight stay away from home in the South Florida region

Question 5b N=114 visitor groups If YES, please list the number of nights you and your group stayed in the South Florida 7 or more 32% region (areas south of Lake Okeechobee). 6 4% Number of nights inside the preserve

5 5% Results ! 32% of visitor groups stayed seven or Number 4 8% more nights inside Big Cypress of nights National Preserve (see Figure 26). 3 15% ! 21% spent two nights.

2 21% ! 15% spent up to one night.

! 15% spent up to three nights. 1 15%

0 10 20 30 40 Number of respondents

Figure 26: Number of nights stayed in Big Cypress National Preserve

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

33 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Question 5b N=202 visitor groups* If YES, please list the number of nights you and your group stayed in the South Florida 7 or more 30% region (areas south of Lake Okeechobee). 6 7% Number of nights in East coast (Atlantic coast) communities 5 9%

Results Number 4 11% ! 34% of visitor groups stayed one or of nights two nights in East coast (Atlantic coast) communities (see Figure 27). 3 8%

! 30% spent seven or more nights. 2 21%

! 19% spent three or four nights. 1 13%

0 20 40 60 Number of respondents

Figure 27: Number of nights stayed in East coast communities

Question 5b N=277 visitor groups* If YES, please list the number of nights you and your group stayed in the South Florida 7 or more 36% region (areas south of Lake Okeechobee). 6 6% Number of nights in West coast (Gulf coast) communities 5 8%

Results Number 4 12% ! 36% of visitor groups stayed seven or of nights more nights in West coast (Gulf coast) communities (see Figure 28). 3 10%

! 22% spent three or four nights. 2 21%

! 21% spent two nights. 1 6%

0 20 40 60 80 100

Number of respondents

Figure 28: Number of nights stayed in West coast communities

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

34 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Overnight accommodations

Question 5c N=108 visitor groups** Camping in In what type of lodging did you and your 50% group spend the night(s)? RV/trailer park Tent camping 28% Type of lodging inside the preserve in campground

Results Private camp 14% Type of ! 50% of visitor groups camped in lodging RV/trailer parks (see Figure 29). Backcountry camping 14%

Residence of friends ! 28% were tent camping in a 5% or relatives campground. Personal seasonal 3% residence

0 20 40 60

Number of respondents

Figure 29: Type of lodging inside the preserve

Question 5d N=200 visitor groups** In what type of lodging did you and your Lodge/motel/ 60% group spend the night(s)? hotel/B&B, etc. Residence of 21% Type of lodging in East coast (Atlantic friends or relatives coast communities) Camping in 21% RV/trailer park Results Tent camping Type of 8% ! 60% of visitor groups stayed in a lodging in campground lodge/motel/hotel/B&B, etc. (see Personal seasonal 2% Figure 30). residence Backcountry 0% ! 21% stayed with friends or relatives. camping

! 21% camped in RV/trailer park. Other 6%

! “Other” types of lodging (6%) included: 0 40 80 120 Number of respondents Condo Cruise ship Figure 30: Type of lodging in East coast Boat (Atlantic coast) communities Cabin Homestead Wal-Mart parking lot Hostel

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

35 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Question 5d N=274 visitor groups** In what type of lodging did you and your Lodge/motel/ 53% group spend the night(s)? hotel/B&B, etc. Residence of 23% Type of lodging in West coast (Gulf coast) friends or relatives communities Camping in 20% RV/trailer park Results Personal seasonal Type of 6% ! 53% of visitor groups stayed in a lodging residence lodge/motel/hotel/B&B, etc. (see Tent camping 5% Figure 31). in campground

Backcountry camping 2% ! 23% stayed with friends or relatives.

Other 5% ! 20% camped in RV/trailer park.

0 50 100 150 ! “Other” types of lodging (5%) included: Number of respondents Condo Car Figure 31: Type of lodging in West coast (Gulf Naval Air Station Key West coast) communities State campgrounds State parks

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

36 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Sites visited

Question 11 N=556 visitor groups** During this visit to Big Cypress National Oasis Visitor Center/ 55% Preserve, which of the following sites did you wildlife viewing area H.P. Williams Roadside and your group visit? 40% Park/wildlife viewing area Results Loop Road 39% ! As shown in Figure 32, the most Unmarked Stops commonly visited sites were: 38% along Hwy 41

55% Oasis Visitor Center/wildlife Turner River/Birdon/ 32% viewing area Wagonwheeel Road Loop Area Kirby Storter Roadside 40% H.P. Williams Roadside 29% Park/boardwalk Park/wildlife viewing area Site 39% Loop Road Florida National 17% Scenic Trail

State Road 29, Bear 14% ! “Other” sites visited (12%) included: Island Access

Bear Island Backcountry 12% Big Cypress Bend Access point at 8% Boat ramps Mile 63 on I-75 Burns Lake Access point at 7% Clyde Butcher Gallery Mile 71 on I-75 Dona Dr. Dump Station East River Pond Other 12% Everglades City Fakahatchee Strand 0 100 200 300 400 Gator Hook Strand Number of respondents Halfway Creek Highway 29 Figure 32: Sites visited Holiday Park I-75 Midpoint Campground Mitchell Landing Monument Lake Pace's Dike Pinecrest campground Preserve Headquarters Ranger Station Rest area Rt. 41 Seagrape Drive Shark Valley Sweetwater Strand Tamiami Trail Tree Snail Hammock Trail Other places

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

37 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Question 11 N=24 visitor groups* During this visit to Big Cypress National Monroe Station 33% North Preserve, which of the following were your 25% primary access points to the backcountry? Bear island Boundary Line 8% Results – Interpret with CAUTION! Pace's Dike 8% ! Not enough visitor groups responded to Oasis Visitor 8% this question to provide reliable data Center (see Figure 33). Concho Billie 8%

Access Red Bird Lane 4% point Turner River 4% Road Monroe Station 0% CAUTION! South Jetport 0%

Skillet Strand 0% North Burns Lake 0%

Windmill Tram 0%

0 2 4 6 8 Number of respondents

Figure 33: Backcountry access points

Backcountry access

Question 27a N=596 visitor groups On this or past visits, did you and your Yes 46% group desire to explore the backcountry Desire to of Big Cypress National Preserve? explore

backcountry? No 54% Results ! 46% of visitor groups desired to explore the backcountry on this or 0 100 200 300 400 past visits (see Figure 34). Number of respondents

Figure 34: Desire to explore backcountry

Question 27b N=268 visitor groups If YES, were you able to access the backcountry? Yes 60% Able to Results access ! 60% of visitor groups were able to backcountry? No 40% access the backcountry on this or past visits (see Figure 35). 0 60 120 180

Number of respondents

Figure 35: Ability to access backcountry *total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

38 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Question 27d N=165 visitor groups** If YES, how did you and your group Hiking 52% access the backcountry? Airboat 32% Results Kayak 18% ! 52% of visitor groups accessed the backcountry via hiking (see Swamp buggy 17% Figure 36). Type of Canoe 16% transportation ! 32% accessed the backcountry with Mountain bike 16% airboats. ATV 12% ! “Other” types of transportation (10%) included: Street legal 4x4s 8%

Boat (fishing, pole, skiff, tour) Other 10% Car 0 30 60 90 Motorcycle Number of respondents Tram Van Figure 36: Types of transportation used to

access the backcountry

Question 27c Results If NO, what prevented you from accessing ! 95% of visitor groups (N=102) responded to the backcountry? this question.

! Table 14 lists visitor groups’ reasons for not accessing the backcountry.

Table 14: Reasons why visitors did not access the backcountry N=109 comments; some visitor groups made more than one comment. Number of times Comment mentioned Lack of time 55 Did not have appropriate equipment 12 Lack of information/knowledge 11 Physical condition 7 Age 6 Fear (alligators, snakes, mosquitoes, etc.) 5 Barriers 3 Being alone 2 Costs 2 Other reasons 6

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

39 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Vehicles/equipment used to access Big Cypress backcountry

Question 28a N=161 visitor groups** If you or members of your personal group Canoe 27% own any of the vehicles/equipment mentioned in Question 27d please Mountain bike 25% indicate the type of vehicle/equipment that you and/or members of your group own? Kayak 20%

Street legal 4X4s 16% Results Equipment/ ! 27% of visitor groups owned canoes vehicle type (see Figure 37). Swamp buggy 14%

ATV 14% ! 25% owned mountain bikes. Airboat 1% ! 20% owned kayaks. Other 34% ! “Other” vehicle or equipment type (34%) included: 0 20 40 60 Number of respondents Bicycle Boat (fishing, pole, skiff) Figure 37: Type of vehicle/equipment that Motor vehicle (car, RV, SUV, truck, van) visitor groups owned Motorcycle

Question 28b N=270 vehicles/equipment Do you primarily use the vehicle/ equipment (more than 50% of the time) to Yes 32% Used primarily access Big Cypress National Preserve to access backcountry? backcountry? No 68%

Results 0 50 100 150 200 ! 32% of the above vehicles/equipment were primarily used to access Big Number of vehicles/equipment Cypress National Preserve backcountry (see Figure 38). Figure 38: Vehicle/equipment used primarily in backcountry

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

40 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Question 28c N=250 vehicles/equipment* In what year did you purchase the vehicle/equipment? After 2001 57%

Results ! 57% of vehicles/equipment were Year of 1991-2000 30% purchased after 2001 (see Figure 39). purchase

1965-1990 14% ! 30% were purchased between 1991 and 2000. 0 40 80 120 160 Number of vehicles/equipment

Figure 39: Year of purchase of the vehicle/ equipment

Question 28d N=272 vehicles/equipment Did you purchase the vehicle/equipment in South Florida (areas south of Lake Yes 39% Okeechobee)? Purchased in South Florida? No 61% Results ! 39% of vehicles/equipment were purchased in South Florida 0 60 120 180 (see Figure 40). Number of vehicles/equipment

Figure 40: Vehicles/equipment purchased in South Florida

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

41 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Question 28e N=232 vehicles/equipment How much did the vehicles/equipment cost? $10,001 or more 19%

Results Cost of ! 68% of vehicles or equipment cost vehicles/ $5,001-10,000 13% less than $5,000 (see Figure 41). equipment

! 19% of vehicles/equipment cost $1-5,000 68% more than $10,000.

0 40 80 120 160 Number of vehicles/equipment

Figure 41: Cost of vehicles/equipment

Question 28f N=279 vehicles/equipment* What was the condition of the vehicle/ equipment when you purchased it? New 65%

Used from a Results Condition 24% ! 65% of the vehicles/equipment private owner owned by visitor groups were Used from 10% purchased as “new” (see Figure 42). a dealer

! 34% of the vehicles/equipment were 0 50 100 150 200 purchased as “used” either from a Number of vehicles/equipment private owner or a dealer.

Figure 42: Condition of vehicle/ equipment

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

42 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Activities

Question 10a N=570 visitor groups** On this visit to Big Cypress National Wildlife viewing 69% Preserve, what activities did you and your (other than birds) Taking a 66% group participate in? scenic drive

Driving through to 52% Results another destination ! As shown in Figure 43, the most Birdwatching 48% common activities visitor groups Photography/ participated in were: 39% painting/drawing

69% Viewing wildlife (other than Hiking/walking 39% birds) 66% Taking a scenic drive Picnicking 20% Activity 52% Driving through to another Camping 18% destination 48% Birdwatching Airboating 16%

Fishing 15% ! “Other” activities (6%) included: Canoeing/kayaking 9%

Off road Biking 7% Boat tour vehicle driving Visit Clyde Butcher Gallery or other Hunting 4% art galleries Viewing alligators Other 6% Viewing vegetation Bird song recording 0 100 200 300 400 Bringing other visitors Number of respondents Cruise Sports Figure 43: Activities participated in Visit visitor center Trolley ride Visit the beach Picking up trash Removing Florida holly Scouting for hunting Eating at a restaurant Use restrooms

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

43 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Frequency of activities

Question 10b Results For visits to Big Cypress National Preserve ! Visitor responses are shown in Table 15. during the last 12 months (including this visit), list the number of times you and your group participated in these activities.

Table 15: Frequency of activities during past 12 months* N=number of visitor groups who participated in each activity.

Frequency (%) Several Several Several times a times a times a Only Activity N Daily week month year once Driving through to another destination 267 9 8 5 22 57 Taking a scenic drive 335 13 9 6 21 50 Hiking/walking 215 25 11 8 23 33 Birdwatching 242 21 9 7 20 44 Wildlife viewing (other than birds) 347 17 6 7 20 49 Airboating 79 9 0 0 15 76 Off road vehicle driving 38 16 8 16 37 14 Canoeing/kayaking 58 12 10 3 29 45 Fishing 89 17 18 16 38 11 Picnicking 95 18 11 11 23 38 Photography/painting/drawing 194 17 11 8 20 44 Hunting CAUTION! 28 7 4 32 43 14 Camping 97 47 5 11 22 14 Other CAUTION! 18 17 17 0 17 50

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

44 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Ratings of Visitor Services, Facilities, Elements, Attributes and Resources

Visitor facilities used

Question 13a N=597 visitor groups** Please indicate all of the visitor Restrooms 77% facilities that you and your group used during this visit to Big Cypress Wildlife viewing areas 65% National Preserve. Scenic drive 64% Results ! As shown in Figure 44, the most Trails 41% commonly used visitor facilities Facility included: Kirby Storter boardwalk 29%

26% 77% Restrooms Picnic areas 65% Wildlife viewing areas Campgrounds 19% 64% Scenic drive 41% Trails Canoe/boat launches 13%

! The least used facility was: Access for disabled persons 5%

5% Access for disabled persons 0 100 200 300 400 500 Number of respondents

Figure 44: Visitor facilities used

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

45 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Importance ratings of visitor facilities

Question 13b N=total number of visitor groups who For the facilities that you and your rated each facility group used, please rate their 92%, N=105 importance from 1 to 5. Campgrounds Wildlife viewing 86%, N=353 1=Not important areas 2=Somewhat important Access for disabled 85%, N=33 3=Moderately important persons 4=Very important Trails 83%, N=219 5=Extremely important Facility Restrooms 81%, N=409 Results ! Figure 45 shows the combined Scenic drive 81%, N=340 proportions of “extremely Canoe/boat 76%, N=76 important” and “very important” launches ratings for visitor facilities that Kirby Storter 73%, N=163 were rated by 30 or more visitor broadwalk groups. Picnic areas 59%, N=140 ! The facilities receiving the highest combined proportions of 0 20 40 60 80 100 “extremely important” and “very Proportion of respondents important” ratings were: Figure 45: Combined proportions of “extremely 92% Campgrounds important” and “very important” ratings 86% Wildlife viewing areas for visitor facilities 85% Access for disabled persons 83% Trails

! Figures 46 to 54 show the importance ratings for each facility.

! The facility receiving the highest “not important” rating that was rated by 30 or more visitor groups was:

7% Canoe/boat launches

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

46 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

N=219 visitor groups* N=340 visitor groups* Extremely Extremely 45% 43% important important

Very Very 38% 38% important important Rating Moderately Moderately 12% 14% important Rating important

Somewhat Somewhat 3% 4% important important

Not Not 3% 2% important important

0 20 40 60 80 100 0 40 80 120 160 Number of respondents Number of respondents

Figure 46: Importance of trails Figure 47: Importance of scenic drive

N=76 visitor groups* N=105 visitor groups* Extremely Extremely 46% 68% important important

Very Very 30% 24% important important

Moderately Moderately 11% 8% Rating important Rating important

Somewhat Somewhat 7% 1% important important

Not Not 7% 0% important important

0 10 20 30 40 0 20 40 60 80 Number of respondents Number of respondents

Figure 48: Importance of canoe/boat Figure 49: Importance of campgrounds launches

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

47 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

N=353 visitor groups N=409 visitor groups Extremely Extremely 54% 56% important important

Very Very 32% 25% important important

Moderately Moderately 10% 11% Rating important Rating important

Somewhat Somewhat 2% 5% important important

Not Not 2% 3% important important

0 50 100 150 200 0 50 100 150 200 250 Number of respondents Number of respondents

Figure 50: Importance of wildlife viewing Figure 51: Importance of restrooms areas

N=140 visitor groups* N=163 visitor groups Extremely Extremely 28% 36% important important

Very Very 31% 37% important important

Moderately Moderately 25% 17% Rating important Rating important

Somewhat Somewhat 11% 6% important important

Not Not 4% 4% important important

0 10 20 30 40 50 0 20 40 60 Number of respondents Number of respondents

Figure 52: Importance of picnic areas Figure 53: Importance of Kirby Storter boardwalk

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

48 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

N=33 visitor groups Extremely 58% important

Very 27% important

Moderately 9% Rating important

Somewhat 3% important

Not 3% important

0 5 10 15 20 Number of respondents

Figure 54: Importance of access for disabled persons

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

49 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Quality ratings of visitor facilities

Question 13c N=total number of visitor groups who Next, for only those facilities that you and rated each facility your group used, please rate their quality Kirby Storter 91%, N=161 from 1-5. boardwalk

Wildlife viewing 1=Very poor 91%, N=345 2=Poor areas 3=Average 4=Good Picnic areas 79%, N=139 5=Very good Campgrounds 77%, N=99 Results Facility ! Figure 55 shows the combined proportions of “very good” and Trails 75%, N=215 “good” quality ratings for visitor facilities that were rated by 30 or Scenic drive 74%, N=327 more visitor groups.

! The facilities that received the Restrooms 73%, N=404 highest combined proportions of “very good” and “good” quality Canoe/boat 72%, N=65 ratings were: launches

91% Kirby Storter boardwalk 0 20 40 60 80 100 91% Wildlife viewing areas Proportion of respondents 79% Picnic areas

Figure 55: Combined proportions of “very good” ! Figures 56 to 64 show the quality and “good” quality ratings for visitor ratings for each facility. facilities

! The facility receiving the highest “very poor” quality rating that was rated by 30 or more visitor groups was:

2% Campgrounds

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

50 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

N=215 visitor groups* N=327 visitor groups

Very good 33% Very good 34%

Good 42% Good 40%

Average 20% Average 23% Rating Rating

Poor 5% Poor 2%

Very poor <1% Very poor 1%

0 30 60 90 0 30 60 90 120 150 Number of respondents Number of respondents

Figure 56: Quality of trails Figure 57: Quality of scenic drive

N=65 visitor groups N=99 visitor groups*

Very good 29% Very good 42%

Good 43% Good 35%

Average 20% Average 18% Rating Rating

Poor 8% Poor 2%

Very poor 0% Very poor 2%

0 10 20 30 0 10 20 30 40 50 Number of respondents Number of respondents

Figure 58: Quality of canoe/boat launches Figure 59: Quality of campgrounds

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

51 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

N=345 visitor groups* N=404 visitor groups*

Very good 53% Very good 37%

Good 38% Good 36%

Average 8% Average 22% Rating Rating

Poor <1% Poor 5%

Very poor 1% Very poor 1%

0 50 100 150 200 0 40 80 120 160 Number of respondents Number of respondents

Figure 60: Quality of wildlife viewing areas Figure 61: Quality of restrooms

N=139 visitor groups* N=161 visitor groups

Very good 32% Very good 57%

Good 47% Good 34%

Average 17% Average 7% Rating Rating

Poor 3% Poor 1%

Very poor 0% Very poor 1%

0 20 40 60 80 0 20 40 60 80 100 Number of respondents Number of respondents

Figure 62: Quality of picnic areas Figure 63: Quality of Kirby Storter boardwalk

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

52 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

N=26 visitor groups

Very good 50%

Good 31%

Average 19% Rating

Poor 0% CAUTION!

Very poor 0%

0 5 10 15 Number of respondents

Figure 64: Quality of access for disabled persons

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

53 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Mean scores of importance and quality ratings of visitor facilities

! Figures 65 and 66 Extremely show the mean scores important of importance and 5 quality ratings for all visitor facilities that were rated by 30 or 4 more visitor groups.

! All visitor facilities were Very Very rated above average in poor 3 good quality quality importance and quality. 1 2 3 4 5

2

1 Not important

Figure 65: Mean scores of importance and quality ratings for visitor facilities

Extremely important 5 Campgrounds Restrooms Wildlife viewing areas Scenic drive

Kirby Storter 4 Trails boardwalk

Canoe/boat launches Picnic areas Very 3 good Average3 4 5 quality

Figure 66: Detail of Figure 65

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

54 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Visitor perceptions of crowding at visitor facilities

Question 13d Results Finally, for only those facilities that you and ! Visitor responses are shown in Table 16. your group used, please rate from 1 to 5 how crowded you felt during your use of these facilities.

1=Not at all crowded 2=Somewhat crowded 3=Moderately crowded 4=Very crowded 5=Extremely crowded

Table 16: Perception of crowding at visitor facilities* N=number of visitor groups who rated each facility. Rating (%)

Not at all Somewhat Moderately Very Extremely Facility N crowded crowded crowded crowded crowded Restrooms 395 64 21 11 3 2 Wildlife viewing areas 346 45 31 19 5 <1 Scenic drive 327 59 20 16 3 2

Trails 214 75 16 7 1 <1 Kirby Storter boardwalk 160 54 29 14 3 <1 Picnic areas 136 64 23 10 3 0 Campgrounds 98 32 19 38 9 2 Canoe/boat launches 63 70 22 8 0 0 Access for disabled persons CAUTION! 24 63 21 8 4 4

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

55 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Visitor information services used

Question 14a N=501 visitor groups** Please indicate all of the information Preserve brochure/map 74% services that you and your group Outdoor exhibits/ 57% used during this visit to Big Cypress bulletin boards National Preserve. Assistance from 49% park staff Results Indoor exhibits 49% ! As shown in Figure 67, the most commonly used visitor Visitor center movie 23% information services included: Used NPS preserve website 13% service? Ranger-led 12% 74% Preserve brochure/map programs/talks 57% Outdoor exhibits/bulletin Canoe tour 6% boards 49% Assistance from park staff Campfire program 4% 49% Indoor exhibits Bicycle tour 2% ! The least used information Junior Ranger program 1% service was: 0 100 200 300 400 1% Junior Ranger program Number of respondents

Figure 67: Visitor information services used

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

56 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Importance ratings of visitor information services

Question 14b N=total number of visitors who For the information services that you rated these services or your group used, please rate NPS preserve 84%, N=69 their importance from 1 to 5. website

1=Not important Assistance from 82%, N=227 2=Somewhat important park staff 3=Moderately important 4=Very important Canoe tour 80%, N=31 5=Extremely important

Ranger-led 78%, N=60 Results programs/talks ! Figure 68 shows the combined Service used proportions of “extremely Preserve brochure/ 75%, N=346 important” and “very important” map ratings for visitor information Visitor center services that were rated by 30 or 69%, N=105 more visitor groups. movie

Outdoor exhibits/ 61%, N=260 ! The facilities receiving the bulletin boards highest combined proportions of “extremely important” and “very Indoor exhibits 55%, N=224 important” ratings were:

84% NPS preserve website 0 20 40 60 80 100 82% Assistance from park staff Proportion of respondents 80% Canoe tour

78% Ranger-led programs/ Figure 68: Combined proportions of “extremely talks (other than campfire important” and “very important” ratings programs) for visitor information services

! Figures 69 to 79 show the importance ratings for each service.

! The service receiving the highest “not important” rating that was rated by 30 or more visitor groups was:

6% Canoe tour

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

57 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

N=346 visitor groups* N=224 visitor groups* Extremely Extremely 43% 22% important important

Very Very 32% 33% important important

Moderately Moderately 17% 31% Rating important Rating important

Somewhat Somewhat 6% 11% important important

Not Not 3% 2% important important

0 40 80 120 160 0 20 40 60 80 Number of respondents Number of respondents

Figure 69: Importance of preserve Figure 70: Importance of indoor exhibits brochure/map

N=260 visitor groups* N=105 visitor groups* Extremely Extremely 25% 30% important important

Very Very 36% 39% important important

Moderately Moderately 27% 20% Rating important Rating important

Somewhat Somewhat 11% 7% important important

Not Not 2% 5% important important

0 20 40 60 80 100 0 10 20 30 40 50 Number of respondents Number of respondents

Figure 71: Importance of outdoor exhibits/ Figure 72: Importance of visitor center bulletin boards movie

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

58 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

N=8 visitor groups* N=227 visitor groups Extremely Extremely 38% 51% important important

Very Very 13% 31% important important

Moderately Moderately 25% 15% Rating important Rating important

Somewhat Somewhat 0% 1% important CAUTION! important

Not Not 25% 2% important important

0123 0 30 60 90 120 Number of respondents Number of respondents

Figure 73: Importance of Junior Ranger Figure 74: Importance of assistance from program park staff

N=21 visitor groups N=60 visitor groups* Extremely Extremely 52% 48% important important

Very Very 19% 30% important important

Moderately Moderately 14% 15% Rating important Rating important

Somewhat Somewhat 5% 3% important CAUTION! important

Not Not 10% 3% important important

0 5 10 15 0 10 20 30 Number of respondents Number of respondents

Figure 75: Importance of campfire program Figure 76: Importance of ranger-led programs/talks (other than campfire program)

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

59 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

N=31 visitor groups* N=15 visitor groups Extremely Extremely 48% 33% important important

Very Very 32% 47% important important

Moderately Moderately 6% 0% Rating important Rating important

Somewhat Somewhat 6% 7% important important CAUTION!

Not Not 6% 13% important important

0 5 10 15 0 2 4 6 8 Number of respondents Number of respondents

Figure 77: Importance of canoe tour Figure 78: Importance of bicycle tour

N=69 visitor groups Extremely 43% important

Very 41% important

Moderately 12% Rating important

Somewhat 0% important

Not 4% important

0 10 20 30 Number of respondents

Figure 79: Importance of NPS preserve website: www.nps.gov/bicy used before or during visit

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

60 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Quality ratings of visitor information services

Question 14c N=total number of visitor groups who Finally, for only those services that you rated each service and your group used, please rate their Ranger-led 93%, N=53 quality from 1-5. programs/talks

Assistance from 93%, N=219 1=Very poor park staff 2=Poor 3=Average NPS preserve 84%, N=61 4=Good website 5=Very good Information Preserve brochure/ 84%, N=332 service map Results ! Figure 80 shows the combined Visitor center 81%, N=97 proportions of “very good” and movie “good” quality ratings for visitor information services that were rated Indoor exhibits 79%, N=212 by 30 or more visitor groups.

Outdoor exhibits/ 69%, N=247 ! The services that received the bulletin boards highest combined proportions of “very good” and “good” quality 0 20 40 60 80 100 ratings were: Proportion of respondents

93% Ranger-led programs/talks Figure 80: Combined proportions of “very good” (other than campfire and “good” quality ratings for visitor programs) information services 93% Assistance from park staff 84% NPS preserve website 84% Preserve brochure/map

! Figures 81 to 91 show the quality ratings for each service.

! The service receiving the highest “very poor” quality rating was:

2% Ranger-led programs/talks (other than campfire program)

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

61 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

N=332 visitor groups* N=212 visitor groups

Very good 48% Very good 36%

Good 36% Good 43%

Average 14% Average 20% Rating Rating

Poor 2% Poor 1%

Very poor 1% Very poor 0%

0 60 120 180 0 20 40 60 80 100 Number of respondents Number of respondents

Figure 81: Quality of preserve brochure/map Figure 82: Quality of indoor exhibits

N=247 visitor groups N=97 visitor groups*

Very good 29% Very good 43%

Good 40% Good 38%

Average 28% Average 15% Rating Rating

Poor 2% Poor 3%

Very poor 1% Very poor 0%

0 20 40 60 80 100 0 10 20 30 40 50 Number of respondents Number of respondents

Figure 83: Quality of outdoor exhibits/ Figure 84: Quality of visitor center movie bulletin boards

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

62 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

N=3 visitor groups N=219 visitor groups*

Very good 33% Very good 74%

Good 0% Good 19%

Average 67% Average 5% Rating Rating

Poor 0% CAUTION! Poor 0%

Very poor 0% Very poor 1%

012 0 60 120 180 Number of respondents Number of respondents

Figure 85: Quality of Junior Ranger program Figure 86: Quality of assistance from park staff

N=15 visitor groups N=53 visitor groups*

Very good 53% Very good 68%

Good 40% Good 25%

Average 7% Average 4% Rating Rating

Poor 0% CAUTION! Poor 2%

Very poor 0% Very poor 2%

02468 0 10 20 30 40 Number of respondents Number of respondents

Figure 87: Quality of campfire program Figure 88: Quality of ranger-led programs/ talks (other than campfire program)

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

63 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

N=24 visitor groups N=9 visitor groups

Very good 42% Very good 22%

Good 29% Good 56%

Average 21% Average 22% Rating Rating

Poor 8% CAUTION! Poor 0% CAUTION!

Very poor 0% Very poor 0%

0 2 4 6 8 10 0 1 2 3 4 5 Number of respondents Number of respondents

Figure 89: Quality of canoe tour Figure 90: Quality of bicycle tour

N=61 visitor groups*

Very good 36%

Good 48%

Average 15% Rating

Poor 2%

Very poor 0%

0 10 20 30 Number of respondents

Figure 91: Quality of NPS preserve website: www.nps.gov/bicy used before or during visit

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

64 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Mean scores of importance and quality ratings for visitor information services

! Figures 92 and 93 Extremely show the mean scores important of importance and 5 quality ratings for all visitor information services that were rated 4 by 30 or more visitor groups. Very Very ! All visitor information poor 3 good quality 1 2 3 4 5 quality services were rated above average in importance and quality. 2

1 Not important

Figure 92: Mean scores of importance and quality ratings for visitor information services

Extremely important 5 Ranger-led programs/talks Assistance from park staff NPS preserve website

Outdoor exhibits/ 4 bulletin boards Preserve brochure/map

Visitor center Indoor exhibits movie Very 3 good Average3 4 5quality

Figure 93: Detail of Figure 92

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

65 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Importance of protection of preserve attributes/resources

Question 23 N=number of visitor groups who rated each attribute/resource It is the National Park Service’s responsibility to protect Big Cypress Native wildlife 98%, N=599 National Preserve natural, scenic, and cultural resources while at the same Clean air 97%, N=596 time providing for public enjoyment. How important is the protection of the Clean water 97%, N=593 following attributes/resources in the preserve to you? Natural setting 97%, N=593

Results Native plants 95%, N=595 ! As shown in Figure 94, the highest Attribute/ resource Natural quite/ 94%, N=591 combined proportions of “extremely sounds of nature important” and “very important” ratings included: Scenic views 90%, N=595

98% Native wildlife Solitude 80%, N=583 97% Clean air Educational 74%, N=588 97% Clean water opportunities 97% Natural setting Recreational 57%, N=586 opportunities ! The attribute/resource that received the highest “not important” rating 0 20 40 60 80 100 was: Proportion of respondents

7% Recreational opportunities Figure 94: Combined proportions of "extremely important" and "very important" ratings ! Table 17 shows the importance for preserve attributes/resources ratings for attributes/resources as rated by visitor groups.

Table 17: Importance of protection of preserve attributes/resources* N=number of visitor groups who rated each attribute/resource.

Rating (%) Not Somewhat Moderately Very Extremely Attribute/resource N important important important important important Native wildlife 599 1 <1 1 16 82 Clean air 596 <1 1 2 19 78 Scenic views 595 1 2 7 29 61 Native plants 595 1 1 4 17 78 Natural setting 593 1 1 2 25 72 Clean water 593 <1 1 2 17 80 Natural quite/sounds of nature 591 1 <1 5 23 71 Educational opportunities 588 3 4 20 33 41 Recreational opportunities 586 7 9 27 25 32 Solitude 583 2 4 14 27 53

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

66 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Expenditures

Total expenditures inside and outside of the preserve

Question 24 N=535 visitor groups For you and your group, please report all expenditures for the items listed $601 or more 40% below for this visit to Big Cypress National Preserve and the surrounding area (areas south of Lake $401-600 8% Okeechobee). Please write “0” if no money was spent in a particular category. Amount $201-400 14% spent Note: Surrounding area residents should only include expenditures that were $1-200 30% directly related to this visit to Big Cypress National Preserve.

Spent no money 8% Results: ! 40% of visitor groups spent $601 or more (see Figure 95). 0 50 100 150 200 250

! 30% spent up to $200. Number of respondents

! The average visitor group Figure 95: Total expenditures inside and expenditure was $1,073. outside of the preserve

! The median expenditure (50% of groups spent more and 50% of groups spent N=535 visitor groups* less) was $370. All other Donations Admision, purchases ! Average total expenditure (1%) recreation, (8%) per person (per capita) was entertainment fees $484. (3%) Hotels/ Other motels/cabins transportation ! As shown in Figure 96, the / expenses largest proportions of total B&B, etc. (6%) expenditures inside and outside the preserve were: Gas and oil 36% Hotels/motels/ (9%) cabins/B&B, etc. Camping fees and charges 18% Restaurants and (5%) bars Groceries and 11% Groceries and takeout food (11%) Commercial guided takeout food tours to the backcountry Commercia Restaurants (2%) and bars l (18%) airboat tour

Figure 96: Proportions of total expenditures inside and outside of the preserve *total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

67 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Number of adults covered by expenditures

Question 24d N=505 visitor groups* How many adults (18 years or older) do these expenses cover? 4 or more 23%

Results ! 56% of visitor groups had two 3 11% adults covered by expenditures (see Figure 97). Number of adults ! 23% had four or more adults 2 56% covered by expenditures.

1 9%

0 100 200 300 Number of respondents

Figure 97: Number of adults covered by expenditures

Number of children covered by expenditures

Question 24d N=505 visitor groups How many children (under 18 years) do these expenses cover? 3 or more 3%

Results ! 90% of visitor groups had no 2 3% children covered by expenditures (see Figure 98). Number

of children 1 4% ! 6% had two or more children covered by expenditures.

! 4% had one child covered by 0 90% expenditures.

0 100 200 300 400 500 Number of respondents

Figure 98: Number of children covered by expenditures

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

68 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Expenditures inside the preserve

Question 24a Please list your group’s total N=304 visitor groups* expenditures inside Big Cypress National Preserve. $51 or more 15%

Note: Surrounding area residents should only include expenditures $26-50 9% that were directly related to this Amount visit to Big Cypress National spent Preserve. $1-25 23%

Results Spent no money 54% ! 54% of visitor groups spent no money inside the preserve (see Figure 99). 0 60 120 180

! 23% spent between $1 and $25. Number of respondents

! The average visitor group Figure 99: Total expenditures inside the preserve expenditure inside the preserve was $26.

! The median expenditure (50% of groups spent more and 50% N=304 visitor groups* of groups spent less) was $0.

! Average total expenditure per All other person (per capita) was $11. purchases (34%) ! As shown in Figure 100, the Camping fees largest proportion of total and charges expenditures inside the (56%) preserve was:

56% Camping fees and charges

Donations (11%)

Figure 100: Proportions of total expenditures inside the preserve

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

69 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Camping fees and charges N=259 visitor groups* ! 74% of visitor groups did not spent any money for camping fees and $21 or more 17% charges inside the preserve (see Figure 101). Amount $1-20 10% spent ! 17% spent $21 or more.

Spent no money 74%

0 50 100 150 200 Number of respondents

Figure 101: Expenditures for camping fees and charges inside the preserve

All other purchases N=207 visitor groups

! 68% of visitor groups did not spend $21 or more 17% any money (see Figure 102).

Amount ! 17% spent $21 or more. $1-20 15% spent

Spent no money 68%

0 50 100 150 Number of respondents

Figure 102: Expenditures for all other purchases inside the preserve

Donations N=211 visitor groups

! 76% of visitor groups did not donate $6 or more 13% any money (see Figure 103).

Amount ! 13% donated $6 or more. $1-5 11% spent

Spent no money 76%

0 40 80 120 160 Number of respondents

Figure 103: Expenditures for donations inside the preserve

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

70 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Expenditures on the East coast (Atlantic coast)

Question 24b Please list your group’s total N=361 visitor groups* expenditures in the surrounding area (areas south of Lake $601 or more 29% Okeechobee) on the East coast (Atlantic coast). $401-600 7% Note: Surrounding area residents should only include Amount $201-400 14% expenditures that were directly spent related to this visit to Big Cypress National Preserve. $1-200 26% Results ! 40% of visitor groups spent Spent no money 25% up to $400 on the East coast (see Figure 104). 0 30 60 90 120 ! 29% spent $601 or more. Number of respondents

! 25% did not spend any money. Figure 104: Total expenditures on the East coast (Atlantic coast) ! The average visitor group expenditure on the East coast was $609. N=361 visitor groups* Admission, All other ! The median expenditure recreation, purchases (7%) (50% of groups spent more entertainmen Donations t fees (<1%) and 50% of groups spent Other (3%) less) was $200. transportation Hotels/ expenses fees (5%) motels/cabins ! Average total expenditure per / person (per capita) was $257. B&B, etc.

Gas and oil (auto, ! As shown in Figure 105, the RV, boat, etc.) largest proportions of total (11%) expenditures on the East coast were: Camping fees and Groceries and charges 35% Hotels/motels/cabins/ takeout food (5%) B&B, etc. (12%) 17% Restaurants and bars Commercial guided tours to 12% Groceries and takeout Restaurants Commercia the backcountry food and bars l (17%) (2%) airboat tour

Figure 105: Proportions of total expenditures on the East coast (Atlantic coast)

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

71 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

N=251 visitor groups* Hotels, motels, cabins, B&B, etc. $201 or more 30% ! 55% of visitor groups did not spend any money (see Figure 106). Amount $1-200 14% spent ! 30% spent $201 or more. Spent no money 55%

0 50 100 150 Number of respondents

Figure 106: Expenditures for hotels, motels, cabins, B&B, etc. on the East coast

Camping fees and charges N=212 visitor groups*

! 80% of visitor groups did not $101 or more 11% spend any money (see Figure 107). Amount $1-100 8% ! 11% spent $101 or more. spent

Spent no money 80%

0 60 120 180 Number of respondents

Figure 107: Expenditures for camping fees and charges on the East coast

Commercial guided tours to the N=199 visitor groups backcountry $26 or more 11% ! 88% of visitor groups did not spend any money (see Figure 108). Amount $1-25 1% spent ! 11% spent $26 or more. Spent no money 88%

0 60 120 180 Number of respondents

Figure 108: Expenditures for guide fees and charges on the East coast

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

72 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Commercial airboat tour N=204 visitor groups

! 81% of visitor groups did not $51 or more 9% spend any money (see Figure 109). $26-50 6% ! 15% spent $26 or more. Amount spent $1-25 4%

Spent no money 81%

0 60 120 180 Number of respondents

Figure 109: Expenditures for guide fees and charges on the East coast

Restaurants and bars N=281 visitor groups

! 37% of visitor groups did not $101 or more 32% spend any money (see Figure 110). $51-100 15% ! 32% spent $101 or more. Amount spent ! 31% spent up to $100. $1-50 16%

Spent no money 37%

0 40 80 120 Number of respondents

Figure 110: Expenditures for restaurants and bars on the East coast

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

73 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Groceries and takeout food N=263 visitor groups

$51 or more 31% ! 45% of visitor groups did not spend any money (see Figure 111). $26-50 13% Amount ! 31% spent $51 or more. spent $1-25 11% ! 24% spent up to $50. Spent no money 45%

0 40 80 120 Number of respondents

Figure 111: Expenditures for groceries and takeout food on the East coast

Gas and oil N=292 visitor groups

$101 or more 19% ! 31% of visitor groups spent up to $50 (see Figure 112). $51-100 20% ! 30% did not spend any money. Amount spent $1-50 31%

Spent no money 30%

0 25 50 75 100 Number of respondents

Figure 112: Expenditures for gas and oil on the East coast

Other transportation expenses N=203 visitor groups*

$101 or more 13% ! 76% of visitor groups did not spend any money (see Figure 113). $51-100 5% Amount ! 13% spent $101 or more. spent $1-50 5%

Spent no money 76%

0 40 80 120 160 Number of respondents

Figure 113: Expenditures for other transportation expenses on the East coast *total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

74 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

N=229 visitor groups Admission, recreation, and entertainment fees $51 or more 19%

! 61% of visitor groups did not $21-50 9% spend any money Amount (see Figure 114). spent $1-25 11% ! 19% spent $51 or more.

Spent no money 61%

0 50 100 150 Number of respondents

Figure 114: Expenditures for admission, recreation, and entertainment fees on the East coast

All other purchases N=203 visitor groups

! 76% of visitor groups did not $101 or more 13% spend any money (see Figure 115). Amount $1-100 11% spent ! 13% spent $101 or more.

Spent no money 76% ! 11% spent $1 to $100.

0 40 80 120 160 Number of respondents

Figure 115: Expenditures for all other purchases on the East coast

Donations N=188 visitor groups

! 82% of visitor groups did not $26 or more 6% donate any money (see Figure 116). Amount $1-25 12% spent ! 12% donated up to $25.

Spent no money 82%

0 40 80 120 160 Number of respondents

Figure 116: Expenditures for all donations on the East coast

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

75 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Expenditures in West coast (Gulf coast)

Question 24c N=397 visitor groups* Please list your group’s total expenditures in the surrounding $601 or more 37% area (areas south of Lake Okeechobee) on the West coast (Gulf coast). $401-600 8%

Note: Surrounding area residents should only include Amount $201-400 15% expenditures that were directly spent related to this visit to Big Cypress National Preserve. $1-200 26%

Results Spent no money 15% ! 41% of visitor groups spent up $400 on the West coast (see Figure 117). 0 40 80 120 160 Number of respondents ! 37% spent $601 or more. Figure 117: Total expenditures on the West coast ! 15% did not spend any (Gulf coast) money.

! The average visitor group N=397 visitor groups* expenditure on the West coast was $872.

All other ! The median expenditure Admission, purchases Donations (50% of groups spent more recreation, (7%) (1%) entertainment fees and 50% of groups spent (3%) less) was $290. Hotels, motels, Other transportation cabins, B&B, expenses etc. ! Average total expenditure per (6%) person (per capita) was $396. Gas and oil ! As shown in Figure 118, the (8%) largest proportions of total

expenditures on the West Groceries and Camping fees coast were: takeout food and charges (10%) (4%) 39% Hotels/motels/cabins/ Commercial guided B&B, etc. tours to the Restaurants Commercia backcountry 20% Restaurants and bars and bars l (1%) (20%) 10% Groceries and airboat tour takeout food

Figure 118: Proportions of total expenditures on the West coast (Gulf coast)

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

76 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

N=276 visitor groups* Hotels, motels, cabins, B&B, etc. $401 or more 23% ! 51% of visitor groups did not spend any money $201-400 12% (see Figure 119). Amount spent ! 23% spent $401 or more. $1-200 13%

Spent no money 51%

0 40 80 120 160 Number of respondents

Figure 119: Expenditures for hotels, motels, cabins, B&B, etc. on the West coast

Camping fees and charges N=218 visitor groups

$101 or more 12% ! 82% of visitor groups did not spend any money (see Figure 120). Amount $1-100 6% spent ! 12% spent $101 or more. Spent no money 82%

0 60 120 180 Number of respondents

Figure 120: Expenditures for camping fees and charges on the West coast

Commercial guided tours to the N=216 visitor groups* backcountry $51 or more 11% ! 86% of visitor groups did not spend any money Amount $1-50 4% (see Figure 121). spent

! 11% spent $51 or more. Spent no money 86%

0 50 100 150 200 Number of respondents

Figure 121: Expenditures for commercial guided tours to the backcountry on the West coast

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

77 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Commercial airboat tour N=222 visitor groups

$51 or more 17% ! 78% of visitor groups did not spend any money (see Figure 122). Amount $1-50 5% spent ! 17% spent $51 or more. Spent no money 78%

0 60 120 180 Number of respondents

Figure 122: Expenditures for commercial airboat tour on the West coast

Restaurants and bars N=331 visitor groups

$101 or more 40% ! 40% of visitor groups spent $101 or more (see Figure 123). $51-100 16% ! 24% did not spend any money. Amount spent $1-50 20%

Spent no money 24%

0 50 100 150 Number of respondents

Figure 123: Expenditures for restaurants and bars on the West coast

Groceries and takeout food N=287 visitor groups

! 35% of visitor groups did not $101 or more 25% spend any money (see Figure 124). $51-100 16% Amount ! 25% spent $101 or more. spent $1-50 24% ! 24% spent up to $50.

Spent no money 35%

0 40 80 120 Number of respondents

Figure 124: Expenditures for groceries and takeout food on the West coast

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

78 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Gas and oil N=336 visitor groups*

! 40% of visitor groups spent up S101 or more 19% to $50 (see Figure 125).

! 40% spent $51 or more. $51-100 21% Amount ! 19% did not spend any money. spent $1-50 40%

Spent no money 19%

0 70 140 Number of respondents

Figure 125: Expenditures for gas and oil on the West coast

Other transportation expenses N=236 visitor groups ! 72% of visitor groups did not spend any money $201 or more 16% (see Figure 126).

Amount ! 16% spent $201 or more. $1-200 12% spent

Spent no money 72%

0 60 120 180 Number of respondents

Figure 126: Expenditures for other transportation expenses on the West coast

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

79 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

N=246 visitor groups Admission, recreation, and entertainment fees $101 or more 11%

! 56% of visitor groups did not spend any money $51-100 13% (see Figure 127). Amount spent $1-50 20% ! 24% spent $51 or more.

Spent no money 56%

0 50 100 150 Number of respondents

Figure 127: Expenditures for admission, recreation, and entertainment fees on the West coast

All other purchases N=259 visitor groups*

! 46% of visitor groups did not $101 or more 20% spend any money (see Figure 128). $51-100 14%

Amount ! 21% spent up to $50. spent $1-50 21% ! 20% spent $101 or more.

Spent no money 46%

0 30 60 90 120 Number of respondents

Figure 128: Expenditures for all other purchases on the West coast

Donations N=203 visitor groups

$26 or more 6% ! 77% of visitor groups did not donate any money (see Figure 129). Amount $1-25 17% spent ! 17% donated up to $25. Spent no money 77%

0 40 80 120 160 Number of respondents

Figure 129: Expenditures for donations on the West coast

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

80 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Preferences for future visit

Future visit to Big Cypress Additional Lands Area

149,000 acres of land were N=620 visitor groups* authorized as “The Big Cypress Addition Lands” and added to Big Yes, likely 52% Cypress National Preserve in 1988. The general Management Plan for Likelihood No, unlikely 13% this area is currently in the panning of visiting? stages.

Question 12a Not sure 36% On a future visit, would you be likely to visit the Big Cypress Additional 0 100 200 300 400 Lands area of Big Cypress National Preserve? Number of respondents

Results Figure 130: Likelihood of visiting the Big Cypress ! 52% of visitor groups responded Additional Lands area in the future that they were likely to visit the Big Cypress Additional Lands on a future visit (see Figure 130).

! 36% of visitor groups were “not sure.”

Question 12b N=610 visitor groups* On a future visit, would you be more likely to visit the Big Cypress Yes, likely 30% Additional Lands area if outfitters/guides were available? Likelihood No, unlikely 34% of visiting? Results ! 37% of visitor groups were “not Not sure 37% sure” if the availability of outfitters/guides would increase the likelihood of a future visit 0 50 100 150 200 250 (see Figure 131). Number of respondents

! 34% of responded they were “unlikely” to visit. Figure 131: Likelihood of visiting the Big Cypress Additional Lands area in the future if outfitters/guides were available

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

81 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Question 12c Results What type of activities would you like to have ! 52% of visitor groups (N=329) available there? (open-ended) responded to this question.

! Table 18 shows a summary of visitor comments.

Table 18: Activities available in Big Cypress Additional Lands area N=579 comments; some visitor groups made more than one comment. Number of times Comment mentioned

CAMPING Camping 48 Primitive camping 4

GUIDED ACTIVITIES/TOURS Guided tours 11 Airboat tours 3 Eco tours 2 Self-guided tours 2 Sightseeing 2

HIKING/WALKING Hiking 83 Trails/roads/drives 23 Boardwalk 20 Walking 19 Guided hikes 6 Nature trails 6 Nature walk 4 Hiking/walking to view wildlife and/or vegetation 3

NATURE VIEWING Wildlife viewing 44 Birdwatching 27 Wilderness activities 3 Observation stations 2 Plant viewing 2 Other activities 2

INTERPRETIVE ACTIVITIES Information services 8 Ranger-led tours/walks 4 Information natural environment 3 Educational activities 2 Interpretive walks 2 Other activities 11

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

82 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Table 18: Activities available in Big Cypress Additional Lands area (continued) Number of times Comment mentioned

WATER ACTIVITIES Fishing 33 Canoeing 32 Kayaking 17 Airboating 7 Boat ride 2 Activities in the swamp 2 Equipment rental 2 Water tours 2

ACCESS TO FACILITIES/ACTIVITIES Access to facilities/activities 7 ORV access 5 Limited access 2 Road access 2 Other comments 2

FACILITIES Picnic areas 5 Restrooms 4 Visitor center 4 Parking 3 RV sites 2 Other comments 6

OTHER ACTIVITIES Biking 22 Hunting 21 Photography 12 Off road vehicle driving 10 No activities/preservation only 3 Picnicking 4 Driving 2 Family/children activities 2 Same as in the preserve 2 Tram ride 2 Other activities 12

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

83 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Interpretive programs/information services

Question 25 N=549 visitor groups On a future visit to Big Cypress National Preserve would you and Yes 71% your group be interested in Interested interpretive programs? in interpretive programs? No 29% Results

! 71% of visitor groups would be 0 100 200 300 400 interested in interpretive Number of respondents programs on a future visit (see Figure 132). Figure 132: Interest in interpretive programs on a future visit

Question 25 N=388 visitor groups** On a future visit to Big Cypress Outdoor exhibits/ National Preserve, what interpretive trailside information 71% programs/information services would panels you and your group like to have Nature walk 64% available at the preserve?

Roving rangers to 56% Results answer questions ! 71% of visitor groups would like outdoor exhibits and trailside Interpretive Indoor exhibits 41% information panels to be available programs/ on a future visit (see Figure 133). information Self-guided 37% services audio tour ! 64% would like nature walks to be Ranger-led available. 32% programs ! “Other” interpretive programs/ information services (5%) Campfire programs 15% included: Other 5% Better information Bike trails Birdwatching 0 100 200 300 Brochure Number of respondents Bulletin boards with sightings Canoe tours Figure 133: Interpretive programs/information Detailed maps services available for future visit History of logging, agriculture, geology, etc. Internet virtual tour Rangers to keep an eye on people Recreation for children Recycling Self-guided map tour Self-guided tour of plants with brochure *total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

84 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Overall Quality

Question 15 N=587 visitor groups* Overall, how would you and your group rate the quality of facilities, services, and Very good 40% recreational opportunities at Big Cypress National Preserve during this visit? Good 49% Results ! 89% of visitor groups rated the overall Average 10% quality as “very good” or "good" (see Rating Figure 134). Poor 1% ! Less than 2% rated the overall quality as “very poor” or “poor.” Very poor <1%

0 100 200 300 Number of respondents

Figure 134: Overall quality of visitor facilities, services, and recreational opportunities

*total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding **total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer

85 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Visitor Comments

What visitors liked most

Question 16a Results What did you and your group like most about ! 86% of visitor groups (N=545) your visit to Big Cypress National Preserve? responded to this question.

! Table 19 shows a summary of visitor comments. A complete copy of hand- written comments is included in the Visitor Comments Appendix.

Table 19: What visitors liked most N=819 comments; some visitor groups made more than one comment. Number of times Comment mentioned

PERSONNEL Staff was friendly and courteous 13 Staff was helpful 3 Well-informed staff 3 Other comments 3

INTERPRETIVE SERVICES Visitor center 8 Movie 6 Exhibits 5 Learning about the preserve 5 Ranger-led programs 9 Information 4 Preserve activities 4 Campfire program 2 Talk to rangers 2 Other comments 6

FACILITIES/MAINTENANCE Loop Road 22 Nice campgrounds 21 Boardwalk 20 Trails/drives 17 Cleanliness of the preserve 11 Clean restrooms 10 Viewing areas 10 Kirby Storter boardwalk 6 Turner River Road 6 Well-maintained 6 Swamp site 4 RV sites 3 H.P. Williams Wayside Park 2 Picnic areas 2 Sites 2 Other comments 3

86 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Table 19: What visitors liked most (continued) Number of times Comment mentioned

POLICIES/MANAGEMENT Easy access 29 Lack of crowds 13 No commercialization 4 No fees 4 Other comments 3

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Wildlife 101 Wildlife viewing 73 Seeing alligators 68 Birdwatching 47 Fishing 27 Water activities (airboat ride, canoeing, kayaking, etc.) 13 Wilderness 11 Hunting 7 Preserved and untouched environment 7 Plant viewing 4 Clean air 2 Other comments 6

GENERAL COMMENTS Enjoyed the beauty of the scenery 49 Enjoyed nature/outdoors 39 Enjoyed the peace of the site 20 Good weather 9 Remoteness/solitude 7 Everything 6 Hiking/walking 6 Biking 4 Liked the preserve 3 Relaxation 3 Photography 2 Other comments 29

87 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

What visitors liked least

Question 16b Results What did you and your group like least about ! 60% of visitor groups (N=380) your visit to Big Cypress National Preserve? responded to this question.

! Table 20 shows a summary of visitor comments. A complete copy of hand- written comments is included in the Visitor Comments Appendix.

Table 20: What visitors liked least N=403 comments; some visitor groups made more than one comment. Number of times Comment mentioned

PERSONNEL Attitudes of staff 6 Preserve staff 3 Guides were uninvolved 2 Other comments 3

INTERPRETIVE SERVICES Lack of information 16 More detailed maps 3 Signage 3 Lack of information on bulletin boards 2 Other comments 4

FACILITIES/MAINTENANCE Dust/dusty roads 17 Trash/lack of trashcans 17 Bad condition of the restrooms 16 Loop Road 10 Condition of Highway 41 8 Campgrounds 7 Road conditions 7 Limited parking 5 Generators in campgrounds 3 Lack of trails 3 Not enough boardwalks 3 Trails 3 Dry areas 2 Lack of pull-off areas 2 Lack of showers in campgrounds 2 Other comments 2

88 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Table 20: What visitors liked least (continued) Number of times Comment mentioned

POLICY/MANAGEMENT Limited access 7 Heavy traffic 6 Speeding vehicles on gravel roads 6 Restrictions 2 Other comments 9

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Vegetation blocking wildlife viewing 7 Airboats 6 Alligators 4 Low water level 4 Wildlife/wilderness 4 Fishing problems 3 Lack of birds 3 Need more viewing areas 3 Noise 3 Backcountry conditions 2 Other comments 11

CONCESSIONS Availability of food 5 No drinking water 5 No vending machines for water and refreshments 2 Limited merchandise in gift shop 2

GENERAL COMMENTS Nothing to dislike 73 Limited time 24 Bugs/mosquitoes 10 Crowded places (visitor center, Loop Road, etc.) 10 Other visitors’ behavior 9 High prices 5 Long drive 4 Weather conditions 3 Size of the area 2 Other comments 21

89 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Planning for the future

Question 26 Results If you were a manager planning for the future ! 44% of visitor groups (N=280) of Big Cypress National Preserve, what would responded to this question. you propose? ! Table 21 shows a summary of visitor comments. A complete copy of hand- written comments is included in the Visitor Comments Appendix.

Table 21: Planning for the future N=403 comments; some visitor groups made more than one comment. Number of times Comment mentioned

PERSONNEL More rangers available 5 Other comments 4

INTERPRETIVE SERVICES Provide more information 16 Interpretive programs 8 Develop more educational programs 7 Have more guided tours 7 Need better signage 4 Have more ranger-led activities/programs 4 Add more exhibits 3 Have more children activities 2 Interactive activities 2 Have more detailed map 2 Have more boat/canoe/kayak tours 2 Other comments 6

FACILITIES/MAINTENANCE Create more camping facilities 16 Need more trails/walkways 11 Create more boardwalks 9 Improve road conditions 6 Provide access to drinking water 5 Create more bike trails 4 More parking 4 Upgrade Loop Road 4 Improve restrooms 3 Road dust control 3 Boat ramps 2 Create more pull-off areas 2 Provide electricity 2 Other comments 17

90 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Table 21: Planning for the future (continued) Number of times Comment mentioned

POLICIES/MANAGEMENT More accessibility to preserve areas 12 Limit motorized access 10 Take anti-littering action 9 Limit future development 8 Restrict airboat use 7 Keep the preserve as it is 6 Keep the preserve clean 6 More accessibility to activities 6 Promotion of the preserve 6 Stricter law enforcement 6 Add more lands 5 Increase backcountry access 4 Increase motorized access 4 Regulate speed limit 4 Stop commercialization 4 Accommodate activities 2 Limit the time visitors spend 2 Restrict access 2 Stricter hunting regulations 2 Traffic regulation 2 Other comments 22

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Keep the preserve natural 13 Add more viewing areas 12 Protect the environment 9 Have more preservation 8 Balance human activities and nature 6 Remove vegetation from viewing areas 4 Control exotic species 3 Increase numbers of wildlife 3 Allow more fishing 3 Keep the preserve in a primitive state 2 Other comments 9

CONCESSIONS Eating facilities/food stores 5 Equipment rental 2

GENERAL COMMENTS No action is necessary 11 Other comments 24

91 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Additional comments

Question 29 Results Is there anything else you and your group ! 52% of visitor groups (N=330) would like to tell us about your visit to Big responded to this question. Cypress National Preserve? ! Table 22 shows a summary of visitor comments. A complete copy of hand- written comments is included in the Visitor Comments Appendix.

Table 22: Additional comments N=574 comments; some visitor groups made more than one comment.

Number of times Comment mentioned

PERSONNEL Well-informed staff 14 Preserve staff was friendly and courteous 8 Need more rangers available 4 Good personnel 2 Members of the staff with a bad attitude 2 Other comments 3

INTERPRETIVE SERVICES Need more information 9 Need better signage 5 Enjoyed tours 4 Educational opportunities 2 Learned a lot 2 Need a more detailed map 2 Other comments 5

FACILITIES/MAINTENANCE Liked the campgrounds 8 Loop Road was nice 8 Liked the boardwalk 6 More campsites are needed 4 Liked visitor center 3 Midway campground was nice 3 Need more and better restrooms 3 Nice restrooms 3 Too much trash 3 Burns Lake was a great place 2 Improve road conditions 2 Liked H.P. Williams Wayside Park 2 Need more trails 2 Remove overgrown vegetation 2

92 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Table 22: Additional comments (continued) Number of times Comment mentioned

FACILITIES/MAINTENANCE (continued) RV sites and parking 2 Turner River Road is nice 2 Well-maintained 2 Other comments 22

POLICIES/MANAGEMENT Keep the preserve as it is 6 Increase access points 4 Limit development around the preserve 4 Allow extended use of ORVs 3 Liked easy access 3 Place does not need commercialization 3 Protect the area 3 Ban motorized access 2 Expand the preserve 2 Increase stay time 2 Liked the changes done in the preserve 2 More advertisement of the place 2 Other comments 14

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Liked wildlife 9 Liked the alligators 7 Good preservation efforts 6 Like the birds 5 Enjoyed canoeing/kayaking 3 Enjoyed nature 3 Enjoyed the natural setting 3 The plants and flowers were beautiful 3 Alligators were frightening 2 Protect wildlife 2 Other comments 15

GENERAL COMMENTS Enjoyed visit 83 Beautiful place 43 Will return in the future 32 Thank you 29 Keep up the good work 18 Great experience 7 Like bringing more visitors 7 Needed more time 7 Driving through the preserve 5 Interesting visit 5

93 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Table 22: Additional comments (continued) Number of times Comment mentioned

GENERAL COMMENTS (continued) Took some great photographs 5 Enjoyed wildlife viewing 4 Resident of the area 4 Like national parks and preserves 3 On an organized tour 3 Survey was long and a waste of time 3 Will recommend it to others 3 Complicated questionnaire 2 Enjoyed nature viewing 2 Enjoyed the peace of the area 2 Good survey 2 Met nice people 2 Relaxing visit 2 Saw a lot of things 2 Other comments 50

94 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

APPENDICES

Appendix 1: The Questionnaire

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96 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Appendix 2: Additional Analysis

The Visitor Services Project (VSP) offers the opportunity to learn more from VSP visitor study data. Additional analysis can be done using the preserve’s VSP visitor study data that was collected and entered into the computer. Two-way and three-way cross tabulations can be made of any of the characteristics listed below. Be as specific as possible—you may select a single program/service/facility instead of all that were listed in the questionnaire. Include your name, address and phone number in the request.

! Awareness that site is unit of ! Florida airport used ! Country of residence NPS ! Town/city stayed in night ! Number of visits in past 12 ! Awareness of different before arrival to preserve months management of national ! Town/city stayed in night after ! Number of visits in lifetime preserves and national parks departure from preserve ! Hispanic/Latino ethnicity ! Sources of information used ! Activities participated in ! Visitor race prior to visit ! Frequency of activities ! Importance of attributes/ ! Sources of information ! Preserve sites visited resources preferred for future visits ! Visit Additional Lands in the ! Expenditures inside the ! Received needed information future preserve, in East coast, and ! Primary reason for visiting ! Visit Additional Lands if in West coast South Florida area (areas outfitters/guides are available ! Number of adults/children south of Lake Okeechobee) ! Visitor facilities used covered by expenditures ! Places visited in area ! Importance of visitor facilities ! Interpretative programs/ ! Stay overnight away from ! Quality of visitor facilities information services available home? ! Crowdedness of visitor on a future visit ! Number of nights inside the facilities ! Desire to explore the preserve ! Information services used backcountry ! Number of nights in East ! Importance of information ! Ability to access the coast (Atlantic coast) services backcountry ! Number of nights in West ! Quality of information services ! Travel method used to access coast (Gulf coast) ! Overall quality backcountry ! Type of lodging used ! Commercial guided tour ! Vehicles/equipment primarily ! Number of hours spent in the group used in Big Cypress preserve ! Educational group ! Year of purchase ! Number of days spent in the ! Other organized group ! Purchased in South Florida preserve ! Group type ! Cost of vehicle/equipment ! Number of preserve entries ! Group size ! Condition of vehicle/ ! Number of vehicles ! Visitor age equipment ! Members arriving by airplane ! State of residence

Moscow, ID 83844-1139

For more information please contact: Visitor Services Project, PSU College of Natural Resources P.O. Box 441139 University of Idaho

97 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Phone: 208-885-7863 Fax: 208-885-4261 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.psu.uidaho.edu

98 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Appendix 3: Decision Rules for Checking Non-response Bias

There are several methods for checking non-response bias. However, the most common way is to use some demographic indicators to compare between respondents and non-respondents (Dey 1997; Salant and Dillman 1994; Dillman 2000; Dillman, 2007; Stoop 2004). In this study, group type, group size and age of the group member (at least 16 years old) completing the survey were three variables that were used to check for non-response bias.

A Chi-square test was used to detect the difference in the response rates among different group types. The hypothesis was that group types are equally represented. If p-value is greater than 0.05, the difference in group type is judged to be insignificant.

Two independent-sample T-tests were used to test the differences between respondents and non- respondents. The p-values represent the significance levels of these tests. If p-value is greater than 0.05, the two groups are judged to be insignificantly different.

Therefore, the hypotheses for checking non-response bias are:

1. Respondents from different group types are equally represented 2. Average age of respondents – average age of non-respondents = 0 3. Average group size of respondents – average group size of non-respondents = 0

Table 2 shows no significant difference in group type.

As shown in Table 3, the p-value for respondent/non-respondent group size test is greater than 0.05, indicating insignificant differences between respondents and non-respondents. Thus, non-response bias for group size is judged to be insignificant. However, the p-value for respondent/non-respondent age test is less than 0.05 indicating significant age differences between respondents and non-respondents. In regard to age difference, various reviews of survey methodology (Dillman and Carley-Baxter 2000; Goudy 1976, Filion 1976, Mayer and Pratt Jr. 1967) have consistently found that in public opinion surveys, average respondent ages tend to be higher than average non-respondent ages. This difference is often caused by other reasons such as availability of free time rather than problems with survey methodology. In addition, because unit of analysis for this study is a visitor group, the group member who received the questionnaire may be different than the one who actually completed it after the visit. Sometimes the age of the actual respondent is higher than the age of the group member who accepted the questionnaire at the preserve. Thus, a 5-year difference in average age between respondents and non-respondents is an acceptable justification. Therefore, non- response bias is judged to be insignificant.

99 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

References Filion F. L. (Winter 1975-Winter 1976) Estimating Bias due to Non-response in Mail Surveys. Public Opinion Quarterly, Vol 39 (4): 482-492. Dey, E.L. (1997) Working with Low Survey Response Rates: The Efficacy of Weighting Adjustment. Research in Higher Education, 38(2): 215-227. Dillman D. A. (2000) Mail and Internet Surveys: The Tailored Design Method, 2nd Edition, New York: John Wiley and Sons, Inc. Dillman D. A. (2007) Mail and Internet Surveys: The Tailored Design Method, Updated version with New Internet, Visual, and Mixed-Mode Guide, 2nd Edition, New York: John Wiley and Sons, Inc. Dillman D. A. and Carley-Baxter L. R. (2000) Structural determinants of survey response rate over a 12-year period, 1988-1999, Proceedings of the section on survey research methods, 394-399, American Statistical Association, Washington, D.C. Goudy, W. J. (1976) Non-response Effect on Relationships Between Variables. Public Opinion Quarterly. Vol 40 (3): 360-369. Mayer C. S. and Pratt Jr. R. W. (Winter 1966-Winter 1967) A Note on Non-response in a Mail Survey. Public Opinion Quarterly. Vol 30 (4): 637-646. Salant, P. and Dillman, D. A. (1994) How to Conduct Your Own Survey. U.S.: John Wiley and Sons, Inc. Stoop, I. A. L. (2004) Surveying Non-respondents. Field Methods, 16 (1): 23.

100 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Appendix 4: Visitor Services Project Publications

Reports 1-6 (pilot studies) are available from the University of Idaho Park Studies Unit. All other VSP reports listed are available from the parks where the studies were conducted or from the UI PSU. All studies were conducted in summer unless otherwise noted.

1982 1. Mapping interpretive services: A pilot study at 1989 (continued) Grand Teton National Park. 24. Lincoln Home National Historic Site 25. Yellowstone National Park 1983 26. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area 2. Mapping interpretive services: Identifying 27. Muir Woods National Monument barriers to adoption and diffusion of the method. 1990 3. Mapping interpretive services: A follow-up 28. Canyonlands National Park (spring) study at Yellowstone National Park and Mt 29. White Sands National Monument Rushmore National Memorial. 30. National Monuments & Memorials, Washington, 4. Mapping visitor populations: A pilot study at D.C. Yellowstone National Park. 31. Kenai Fjords National Park 32. Gateway National Recreation Area 1985 33. Petersburg National Battlefield 5. North Cascades National Park Service 34. Death Valley National Monument Complex 35. Glacier National Park 6. Crater Lake National Park 36. Scott's Bluff National Monument 37. John Day Fossil Beds National Monument 1986 7. Gettysburg National Military Park 1991 8. Independence National Historical Park 38. Jean Lafitte National Historical Park (spring) 9. Valley Forge National Historical Park 39. Joshua Tree National Monument (spring) 40. The White House Tours, President's Park 1987 (spring) 10. Colonial National Historical Park (summer & 41. Natchez Trace Parkway (spring) fall) 42. Stehekin-North Cascades NP/ Lake Chelan NRA 11. Grand Teton National Park 43. City of Rocks National Reserve 12. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park 44. The White House Tours, President's Park (fall) 13. Mesa Verde National Park 14. Shenandoah National Park (summer & fall) 1992 15. Yellowstone National Park 45. Big Bend National Park (spring) 16. Independence National Historical Park: 46. Frederick Douglass National Historic Site Four Seasons Study (spring) 47. Glen Echo Park (spring) 1988 48. Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site 17. Glen Canyon National Recreational Area 49. Jefferson National Expansion Memorial 18. Denali National Park and Preserve 50. Zion National Park 19. Bryce Canyon National Park 51. New River Gorge National River 20. Craters of the Moon National Monument 52. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, AK 53. Arlington House-The Robert E. Lee Memorial 1989 21. Everglades National Park (winter) 22. Statue of Liberty National Monument 23. The White House Tours, President's Park

101 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Visitor Services Project Publications (continued)

1993 1996 54. Belle Haven Park/Dyke Marsh 84. Everglades National Park (spring) Wildlife Preserve (spring) 85. Chiricahua National Monument (spring) 55. Santa Monica Mountains National 86. Fort Bowie National Historic Site (spring) Recreation Area (spring) 87. Great Falls Park, Virginia (spring) 56. Whitman Mission National Historic 88. Great Smoky Mountains National Park Site 89. Chamizal National Memorial 57. Sitka National Historical Park 90. Death Valley National Park (fall) 58. Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore 91. Prince William Forest Park (fall) 59. Redwood National Park 92. Great Smoky Mountains National Park 60. Channel Islands National Park (summer & fall) 61. Pecos National Historical Park 62. Canyon de Chelly National 1997 Monument 93. Virgin Islands National Park (winter) 63. Bryce Canyon National Park (fall) 94. Mojave National Preserve (spring) 95. Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historic 1994 Site (spring) 64. Death Valley National Monument 96. Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial Backcountry (winter) 97. Grand Teton National Park 65. San Antonio Missions National 98. Bryce Canyon National Park Historical Park (spring) 99. Voyageurs National Park 66. Anchorage Alaska Public Lands 100. Lowell National Historical Park Information Center 67. Wolf Trap Farm Park for the 1998 Performing Arts 101. Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & 68. Nez Perce National Historical Park Preserve (spring) 69. Edison National Historic Site 102. Chattahoochee River National Recreation 70. San Juan Island National Historical Area (spring) Park 103. Cumberland Island National Seashore 71. Canaveral National Seashore (spring) 72. Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore 104. Iwo Jima/Netherlands Carillon Memorials (fall) 105. National Monuments & Memorials, 73. Gettysburg National Military Park Washington, D.C. (fall) 106. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, AK 1995 107. Whiskeytown National Recreation Area 74. Grand Teton National Park (winter) 108. Acadia National Park 75. Yellowstone National Park (winter) 76. Bandelier National Monument 1999 77. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & 109. Big Cypress National Preserve (winter) Preserve 110. San Juan National Historic Site, Puerto 78. Adams National Historic Site Rico (winter) 79. Devils Tower National Monument 111. St. Croix National Scenic Riverway 80. Manassas National Battlefield Park 112. Rock Creek Park 81. Booker T. Washington National 113. New Bedford Whaling National Historical Monument Park 82. San Francisco Maritime National 114. Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve Historical Park 115. Kenai Fjords National Park 83. Dry Tortugas National Park 116. Lassen Volcanic National Park 117. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park (fall)

102 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Visitor Services Project Publications (continued)

2000 2003 (continued) 118. Haleakala National Park (spring) 149. Fort Stanwix National Monument 119. White House Tour and White House Visitor 150. Arches National Park Center (spring) 151. Mojave National Preserve (fall) 120. USS Arizona Memorial 121. Olympic National Park 2004 122. Eisenhower National Historic Site 152. Joshua Tree National Park (spring) 123. Badlands National Park 153. New River Gorge National River 124. Mount Rainier National Park 154. George Washington Birthplace National Monument 2001 155. Craters of the Moon National Monument & 125. Biscayne National Park (spring) Preserve 126. Colonial National Historical Park 156. Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical (Jamestown) Park 127. Shenandoah National Park 157. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore 128. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore 158. Keweenaw National Historical Park 129. Crater Lake National Park 159. Effigy Mounds National Monument 130. Valley Forge National Historical Park 160. Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site 161. Manzanar National Historic Site 2002 162. John Day Fossil Beds National Monument 131. Everglades National Park 132. Dry Tortugas National Park 2005 133. Pinnacles National Monument 163. Congaree National Park 134. Great Sand Dunes National Monument & 164. San Francisco Maritime National Historical Preserve Park 135. Pipestone National Monument 165. Lincoln Home National Historic Site 136. Outer Banks Group (Cape Hatteras National 166. Chickasaw National Recreation Area Seashore, Ft. Raleigh National Historic Site, 167. Timpanogos Cave National Monument and Wright Brothers National Memorial) 168. Yosemite National Park 137. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and 169. Fort Sumter National Monument Sequoia National Forest 170. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park 138. Catoctin Mountain Park 171. Cuyahoga Valley National Park 139. Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site 172. Johnstown Flood National Memorial 140. Stones River National Battlefield 173. Nicodemus National Historic Site

2003 2006 141. Gateway National Recreation Area: Floyd 174. Kings Mountain National Military Park (spring) Bennett Field (spring) 175. John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site 142. Cowpens National Battlefield (spring) 176. Devils Postpile National Monument 143. Grand Canyon National Park – North Rim 177. Mammoth Cave National Park 144. Grand Canyon National Park – South Rim 178. Yellowstone National Park 145. C&O Canal National Historical Park 179. Monocacy National Battlefield 146. Capulin Volcano National Monument 180. Denali National Park & Preserve 147. Oregon Caves National Monument 181. Golden Spike National Historic Site 148. Knife River Indian Villages National Historic 182. Katmai National Park and Preserve Site 183. Zion National Park (spring and fall)

103 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Visitor Services Project Publications (continued)

2007 184.1. Big Cypress National Preserve (spring) 184.2. Big Cypress National Preserve (ORV Permit Holder/Camp Owner) (spring)

For more information about the Visitor Services Project, please contact the University of Idaho Park Studies Unit, website: www.psu.uidaho.edu or phone (208) 885-7863.

104 Big Cypress National Preserve – VSP Visitor Study March 3-11, 2007

Visitor Comments Appendix

This section contains complete visitor comments of all open-ended questions and is bound separately from this report due to its size.

NPS D-175 December 2007 Printed on recycled paper

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