This project will prepare a Visitor Experience and Resource Protection (VERP) Plan for Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
The plan will address visitor use impacts on visitor experience and park resources at all three units of the park, including trails, roads, campgrounds, picnic areas, scenic
overlooks, visitor centers, cultural landscapes, and wilderness areas.
This analysis will assist park management determine the desired visitor experience of the park; and better focus maintenance dollars, interpretive programing, and resource management activities at areas of high visitor impact
RECEIPIENT The Recipient is a member of the Great Plains CESU who was awarded a Master Cooperative Agreement P16AC00011 allowing Kansas State University to participate in specific tasks, and can provide the necessary activities involved in this particular task while providing an effective outcome for NPS and the objectives of this research/educational project.
Kansas State University was selected over the other proposals for several reasons.
The proposal was the most comprehensive submitted and provided the most detail about developing data collection methods that would result in better park management decisions.
Kansas State University had worked with several Midwest Region parks in the past, and continues a working relationship once the project is completed for any further guidance and assistance that may be needed.
Kansas State also had a group of specialists that would focus on the project, including specialists in visitor use, recreation management, environmental conservation, and community relations.
Finally, Kansas State was prepared to immediately start work on this project.
For these reasons, it was felt Kansas State University was the best option for this project.
NPS SUBSTANTIAL INVOLVEMENT Theodore Roosevelt NP Staff will provide outline of project expectations and expected results from project.
Staff will provide technical assistance in determining if certain aspects of data collection need regional and Washington level approvals.
General oversight will be provided by park staff, including dedicated liaison staff that will assist recipient on logistics while at the park.
Park Staff will monitor and request adjustments of data collection to ensure that the data we are looking for is collected.