Visitors’ Climate Change Beliefs & Perceptions of Climate-Sensitive Resources at Great Sand Dunes National Park

摘要: Ecological consequences associated with climate change are becoming increasingly noticeable in nature-based recreation areas. Research is therefore needed to better understand recreationists’ perceptions of, attitudes towards, and behavioral responses resource impacts parks. This study explored strategies for assessing responding visitor of at Great Sand Dunes National Park (GRSA), Colorado. In the summer 2011, researchers intercepted visitors GRSD invited them complete an online questionnaire. Visitors reported strong beliefs that global was currently happening, but less certainty regarding belief human activities influencing climate. Studies such as this may provide information interpreters park staff change, increase visitors’ understanding change. Future research could expand upon exploratory effort inform management decisions develop targeted education programs. 1.0 Introduction (e.g., speed glacial recession, unprecedented storms flooding, habitat range shifts) areas (Brownlee, 2012; NPCA, 2009). Collectively, these beginning affect quality enjoyment visitation experiences (Hall & Higham, 2005; Richardson Loomis, 2005). For example, studies have revealed weather often ranks high or highest among variables most important outdoor recreationists Hallo Manning, 2009; Hallo, Stokowski, Many resources used enjoyed by also dependent. instance, glaciers a central feature several frequently visited national parks Kenai Fjords Park, Glacier Bay Park). Similarly, rare species Joshua tree Tree endemic certain zones within protected (Somerville, 1999). Climate can influence fire regimes, pest infestations, facilities attractions, ultimately levels satisfaction (NPCA, With climate-related expected future years (IPCC, CCRP, 2010), concerns climate-mediated effects on will continue rise (Stedman, Davidson, Wellstead, Toth Hizsnyik, 2008). (Manning, 2011). Despite potentially valuable contributions social science data natural managers’ attempts appropriate effective eliciting public support, informing policy planning decisions, mitigating climatesensitive (Semenza et al., 2008; 2008), noted few investigations explicitly accounted its perceived (Buzinde, Manuel-Navarrette, Yoo, Morais, 2010; Gossling, Scott, Hall, Ceron, Dubois, Hall Lew, Jones, Konopek, Without adequate park-based outreach perceptions, managers missing fundamental step provision environmental Powell, 2012). U.S. areas, integrating biophysical changes especially relevant. Although Service (NPS) aims educate about impacts, lack awareness (CCRS, 2010). Because relies knowledge pre-existing specific topic (Knudson, Beck, Cable, 2003), need complex factors opinions (Brownlee Leong, Documented variations across geographic regions suggest decision-makers should recognize value site-specific (Hulme, attempted synthesize all needs explore Colorado site protects climate-sensitive educates features.