Document Type

Honors Thesis

Major

Ecology & Environmental Sciences

Advisor(s)

Jessica Leahy

Committee Members

John Daigle, Tobias Hrynick

Graduation Year

2025

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

The National Park Service implements visitor use management strategies in a variety of ways, including the online platform Recreation.gov. The use of this online platform has garnered mixed reactions from park visitors. This project investigated visitor perceptions of Recreation.gov platform implementation at Acadia National Park, focusing on the relationship between attitudes toward the online system and place attachment, trip intentions, and use limit preferences. To assess these perceptions, 250 QR code surveys were distributed to visitors at sites requiring Recreation.gov reservations (Blackwoods Campground and Cadillac Mountain) using the intercept survey methodology. The distributed survey had three primary objectives: 1) to examine how visitors’ trip intentions and expectations aligned with their perceptions of the Recreation.gov platform; 2) to analyze attitudes toward visitor use limits and management strategies, and 3) to evaluate how these perceptions impact overall visitor satisfaction and the quality of the recreation experience.

Results suggest that visitors with goals related to fostering a connection with nature, physical and/or mental relaxation, and escaping societal stress can be correlated with more favorable views of the platform, whereas those seeking adventure or for social media content report less favorable perceptions. Similarly, visitors with a stronger attachment to the park were generally more supportive of both the platform and use limits as compared to those who did not express strong place attachment. Despite these differences, many participants expressed concerns about physical and financial accessibility, convenience, and whether the platform met their recreational goals. This study highlights key challenges and opportunities for enhancing the Recreation.gov platform’s utility for the benefit of multiple stakeholders, including Acadia National Park management and visitors, to ensure that Recreation.gov aligns with both operational management goals and visitor satisfaction.

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