User Perceptions of Current Wilderness Conditions at Nordhouse Dunes
Presentation Type
Oral and/or Visual Presentation
Presenter Major(s)
Biology, Natural Resource Management
Mentor Information
C. "Griff" Griffin, griffinc@gvsu.edu
Department
Biology
Location
Kirkhof Center 1104
Start Date
13-4-2011 9:30 AM
End Date
13-4-2011 10:00 AM
Keywords
Social Science
Abstract
The Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness, part of Manistee National Forest, is the Lower Penninsula's only primitive wilderness in NWPS. 'Wilderness' is any tract of land that has not been significantly altered by man and has been set aside by Congress to preserve ecosystem values and to provide recreation opportunities and solitude. Surveys were administered to users exiting the NDW to assess group size and type, activities within NDW, and whether current wilderness conditions match the expectations of users. Results show that most users felt that frequency of interactions with other groups were acceptable, although some were bothered by large groups. Most were neutral or disagreed that NDW should limit group size or total users within NDW. Results showed higher dissatisfaction related to campsites than overall encounters. This data suggests NDW meets expectations of most users, but issues like campsite layout and size limitation for certain age groups would enhance overall user satisfaction.
User Perceptions of Current Wilderness Conditions at Nordhouse Dunes
Kirkhof Center 1104
The Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness, part of Manistee National Forest, is the Lower Penninsula's only primitive wilderness in NWPS. 'Wilderness' is any tract of land that has not been significantly altered by man and has been set aside by Congress to preserve ecosystem values and to provide recreation opportunities and solitude. Surveys were administered to users exiting the NDW to assess group size and type, activities within NDW, and whether current wilderness conditions match the expectations of users. Results show that most users felt that frequency of interactions with other groups were acceptable, although some were bothered by large groups. Most were neutral or disagreed that NDW should limit group size or total users within NDW. Results showed higher dissatisfaction related to campsites than overall encounters. This data suggests NDW meets expectations of most users, but issues like campsite layout and size limitation for certain age groups would enhance overall user satisfaction.