The purpose of this study was to answer the following question: What was the
perceived value to planners of incorporating information from ecotourists about their
perceived needs in the standard system presently being used to plan interpretation?
The Ecotourist Needs Assessment (ETNA) process was proposed as an external needs
assessment. To exemplify this process, an instrument called Ecotourist Needs Assessment
Instrument (ETNAI) was developed to collect input from ecotourists who visited
the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. A case resulted from the process. The
ETNAI case was used to obtain planners' opinions about whether ETNA had value in
the context of data collection and inventory in interpretive planning.
The ETNAI case included developing and validating the ETNAI and
providing a procedure for implementing ETNAI. Upon completion of the ETNAI
case, an interview guide was developed and administered to interpretive planners.
Interpretive planners were asked how they currently plan interpretation and collect
information to decide interpretive topics. Other questions dealt with their feelings
regarding the usefulness of the ETNA and the data collected using the ETNA.
The interpretive planners described the current system and provided
information about the proposed system (ETNA). Currently, decisions involving
interpretation are based on three factors: 1) money, 2) mandates/missions, and/or 3)
management. The interpretive planner chose outside (external) groups except during
a master planning process when the general public provided input. The outside
groups included: professionals, the public, and recreation providers. The current
methods used to collect information were informal or considered casual. When
contrasted with the proposed method, the interpretive planners felt the ETNA had
value. This was reflected in their suggestions for use:
As an evaluation tool after an interpretive program is given to a specific
audience.
As a method to assess the interpretive needs of visitors and specific
audiences for interpretation.
As a technique to access visitors and the public, both general and
specific.
As a mechanism to collect data at public meetings.
As a systematic routine to develop interpretation, to provide feedback
for further development, and to evaluate interpretation embedded in the
site system.
As a method to effectively determine the distribution of funds. / Graduation date: 1993
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ORGSU/oai:ir.library.oregonstate.edu:1957/36817 |
| Date | 15 October 1992 |
| Creators | Masberg, Barbara Ann |
| Contributors | Savige, Margaret |
| Source Sets | Oregon State University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
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