Introduction to the NVUM Program and Interviewer Training National Visitor Use Monitoring- Interviewer Training Forest Service

Agenda Introduction – Why NVUM? Interviewer's Role Site Types and Use Levels What’s Next?

Why did the National Use Monitoring Program Begin? No consistency in how visitors were counted. In 1995… the US population was 263 million. the Forest Service reported 850 million visits. 850 million visits divided by 263 million people = 3.2 visits per person Notes: In the past, there was literally no consistency in how visitor use was counted or reported across the forest system.

What is the purpose of NVUM? Management tool Included in many forest budget allocations Required element in law and agency direction Notes: Request that a volunteer read paragraph 1 of the National Visitor Use Monitoring Results Summary (aka Master Report). READ: The National Visitor Use Monitoring (NVUM) program provides science-based estimates of the volume and characteristics of recreation visitation to the National Forest System, as well as the benefits recreation brings to the American public. Information about the quantity and quality of recreation visits is required for the National Forest plans, Executive Order 12862 (Setting Customer Service Standards), and implementation of the National Recreation Agenda. The NVUM program ensures that all visitor statistics for National Forests and grasslands produced by the Forest Service use a standardized measure. These standards were established by the Forest Service in the 1970s (the application of these standards has been modified over time).

NVUM Program Goals Goal 1: Estimate the number of visitors. Goal 2: Produce descriptive information about visitation. Notes: The National Visitor Use Monitoring Program has two primary goals: Quantify and Qualify recreation visitation to national forests and grasslands.

How is visitation defined? A "National Forest Visit" is the entry of one person upon a national forest or grassland to participate in recreation activities for an unspecified period of time.

What descriptive information is collected? Type of recreation activity Length of stay Distance travelled Demographics Satisfaction Money spent locally

INTERVIEWERS play THE MOST IMPORTANT ROLE in reaching our goals!

Interviewer’s Role Gather survey supplies (forms, pencils, water, shade, cones, signs, etc.) Set-up survey site Set-up traffic counter Record hand-tally count Conduct survey interviews Protect interview forms Complete daily summary form Communicate field needs These tasks are covered in the Survey Handbook! Assist in gathering Survey Supplies (or at least ensure these are delivered to the survey site) Set up survey site Set up and calibrate traffic counter Collect hand tally count of exiting traffic Interview exiting traffic using the survey forms Protect survey forms and deliver to NVUM coordinator Complete Daily Summary Form Communicate field needs to NVUM Coordinator

Interviewer Skills Multi-tasker Coordinate talking, writing and tally counting at the same time. Follow directions Following survey protocol as to not introduce bias in the survey sample (no adlibbing)

Interviewer Characteristics Positive willing to engage with visitors Responsible Interviewing at the right place and at the right time. Self-motivated Conduct surveys alone with little to no oversight Approachable Put the interviewee at ease Safety Conscious