Depreciative behavior is a major problem for managers of recreation areas and for visitors of these areas. Providing information has been suggested as a potential solution to this management problem. The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of interpretation/information and determine the influence of various communication channels and site, situational, and user group characteristics on the effectiveness of information in reducing depreciative behavior (tree damage, litter, and excessive noise) in North Bend Park - a large, modern U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campground. A Posttest-Only Control Group experimental design was used to collect data on weekends during the 1981 summer season. Preliminary data analysis appears to indicate that information was effective in reducing tree damage and litter in a modern campground. The Brochure Alone and Brochure + Personal Contact treatments appear to have been effective in reducing tree damage and litter, but the Brochure + Personal Contact + Involvement treatment appeared ineffective. The three communication channels did not appear to have been very effective, however, in reducing the amount of litter left in the fireplace, the number of tree burns due to lanterns, and the number of incidents of inappropriate noise. There was some evidence also, that type of camping equipment, party type, and previous camping experience at the park were characteristics which influenced the users’ response to the interpretive messages. / Master of Science

The purpose of the creative project was to complete a Design Standards Manual consisting of guidelines and standards to aid Park Planners in completing the site design process (the site design plan and construction drawings). The project consists of chapters pertaining to playground, outdoor athletic facility, parking lot and park road, plant material, trails-paths, and signage design.The project was tested through a case study involving Ball State University landscape architect students redeveloping twelve school sites for the City of Anderson School Corporation. The test was to determine if an organized, technical manual would ease decision making in the site design process, make plans consistantly workable, and not limit the Planners originality and creativity. The case study was summarized, evaluated, and the project's usefulness and limitations were concluded. / Department of Landscape Architecture