The National Park Service 

Comprehensive Survey of the 

American Public

Northeast Region 

Technical Report 

August 2002

NPS Social 

Science Program

Social Research Laboratory 

Northern Arizona University

 
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region 

Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University 1

INTRODUCTION

This Northeast Region (NER) Technical Report is one of seven regional technical reports 

produced from findings of a national survey of the American public conducted by the United 

States National Park Service and the Social Research Laboratory of Northern Arizona 

University. The national study is the first effort in several decades by the National Park Service 

to comprehensively survey the American public and understand the relationship the public has 

with the national system of parks, historic and cultural sites, and monuments. Information in this 

report reflects the attitudes, opinions, interests, and visitation patterns of a representative sample 

of adults living in the United States. Each of the regional technical reports compares regional 

data with national data on each topic. 

This report includes a comparison of information drawn from the Northeast Region with national 

information. All items within the national technical report published in Spring 2001 are included 

in this report. A broad overview of the national data can be obtained from the National Park 

Service Comprehensive Survey of the American Public: Technical Report, now available from 

the NPS Web Site (Social Science Program) at 

http://www.nps.gov/socialscience/waso/products.htm#TA. A statistical analysis of differences 

between the NER regional data and national data are included in this report. 

The data summary tables contained in this report illustrate patterns in visitation and nonvisitation of National Park Service units in the United States. Demographic differences between 

Park System unit visitor and non-visitor populations are outlined in this report, as well as 

differences in motivation, interest, and attitudes within these populations. Research presented in 

this report provides visitor perspectives on barriers that limit more frequent visitation of Park 

System units, future usage patterns of National Park Service units, fee management issues, the 

public image of the National Park Service and National Park System, and opinions about specific 

natural resource management policies. In all cases, data related to the Northeast Region reflects 

information from residents of the regional population, rather than from visitors to the parks 

within specific regions. 
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region

2 Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University

METHODOLOGY

The National Park Service commissioned the Social Research Laboratory at Northern Arizona 

University to conduct the agencyís first comprehensive survey of the American public. 

Information was collected from a random sample of adult respondents living in the United States 

to provide a national perspective of peopleís relationships with the National Park Service and 

National Park System units. Two datasets were constructed from the collected information: a 

national dataset reflecting attitudes, opinions, and behaviors of the adult population of the United 

States and a regional dataset that allows for comparisons of information between the national 

data and data from the seven National Park Service regions. For purposes of this research, a 

National Park System visitor is defined as an individual who has entered a National Park System 

unit within the previous twenty-four months of being contacted for this survey and is able to 

accurately identify the unit they entered. Unit names were verified against a list of units provided 

by the National Park Service. National Park Service employees and members of their immediate 

families were not included in this survey. 

Survey data were obtained by interviewing adult members of 3,515 households in the United 

States. Respondents were randomly selected in the household using a procedure whereby the 

interviewer speaks to the adult living within the household who has had the most recent birthday. 

This procedure is well accepted within the social sciences as a reliable method for randomly 

selecting survey respondents. The original sample frame was purchased from Genesys Marketing 

Systems of Fort Washington, Pennsylvania. The sample frame was constructed using standard 

Random Digit Dialing (RDD) procedures and purged for nonworking telephones and business 

lines. Data collection was completed between February 21, 2000, and May 21, 2000. 

Survey Limitations

All survey research statistics are subject to sampling errors as well as non-sampling errors such 

as survey design flaws, reporting errors, data processing mistakes, and undercoverage. The 

Social Research Laboratory has taken steps to minimize errors by implementing quality control 

procedures to reduce errors made by respondents, interviewers, and coders. Ratio-estimation to 

independent age-gender-race-ethnicity population controls partially corrects for bias attributable 
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region 

Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University 3

Table I-2: Number of Surveys 

 Northeast Region National Data

Unweighted 501 3515 

Weighted 485 3515 

to survey undercoverage. However, biases in the estimates are unavoidable when missed people 

have characteristics different from those of interviewed people in the same age-gender-raceethnicity group. 

Table I-1 reports the completion rate for the survey in the Northeast Region. The completion rate 

for the Northeast Region was 85 percent, and the completion rate for the national study was 88 

percent. For a study of this scope and magnitude, completion rates of 85 percent and 88 percent 

suggest high validity of survey results. Table I-2 reports the number of unweighted and weighted 

surveys included in the respective datasets. Weighted survey totals are derived after the ratioestimation model is applied to the data. Because different ratio-estimation models have been 

applied to the national and regional data sets, the total number of weighted cases varies between 

the two datasets. 

Table I-1: Completion Rates 

 Northeast Region National Average 

Completion Rates 85% 88% 
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region

4 Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University

The margin of error associated with national data in this study is +/- 1.7 percent at a 95 percent 

confidence level. The margin of error associated with data from each of the National Park 

Service regions in this study is +/- 4.5 percent at a 95 percent confidence level. ìMargin of errorî 

is a statistical term that describes the probable difference in results between interviewing 

everyone in a given population and interviewing a sample drawn from that population. The 

percentages obtained in telephone surveys are estimates of what the percentage would be if the 

entire population had been surveyed. Thus, if 50 percent of those in the sample are found to 

agree with a particular statement and the associated margin of error is +/- 4.5 percent, the actual 

percentage of agreement within the population from which the sample is drawn would be 

between 45.5 percent and 54.5 percent (50% +/- 4.5%). The 95 percent confidence level means 

that this +/- 4.5 percent ìmargin of errorî would occur in 95 out of 100 samples of this size 

drawn. Sampling error increases as sample size is reduced. This should be considered when 

comparing the responses of subgroups within the sample (e.g., men vs. women). Smaller 

numbers of respondents on any question translate into higher margins of error. 

For this survey, a comprehensive list of National Park System units was provided by the National 

Park Service and used to verify that respondents actually visited a National Park System unit 

within the past two years. Fourteen System units were inadvertently omitted from this list. After 

thorough review, these missing units were determined to be low-visitation units. The impact of 

their omission is insignificant to the larger goal of determining the proportion of the American 

public that had visited a National Park System unit within the previous two years. In addition, a 

small number of units listed by respondents were later determined to be park headquarters or 

offices. Thirteen respondents out of 3,515 named these units as the location of their last visit. 

The impact of their classification as visitors is also insignificant to the larger scope of the 

research project. 
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region 

Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University 5

Table Reading

Information is reported in frequency crosstabulation tables associated with each survey question. 

Tables are introduced with a reference label (e.g., Table IV-2) and a descriptor indicating the 

pertinent population (e.g., general public, recent visitor, national data, regional data). Each table 

also contains a vertical and horizontal axis. Axes are labeled to indicate the specific populations 

being referenced (e.g., visitors or non-visitors). 

Data in the crosstabulation tables are presented in column percent format and demographic 

information is presented in frequency table format. Independent variables are presented at the top 

of the crosstabulation tables. Each condition of the independent variable is treated as a discrete 

whole unit within each column. For example, with visitors and non-visitors, the total population 

of visitors is compared against the total population of non-visitors. If looking at the question 

ìWhat comes to mind when you hear the words ìNational Park System?î the reader would 

compare the proportion of all visitors who said ìbeautyî against the proportion of all non-visitors 

who said ìbeauty.î Thus, while columns total 100 percent vertically, analytical comparisons are 

made horizontally across columns. 

Table data may not total 100 percent due to data being merged and rounded for reporting 

purposes. Additionally, some questions allowed the respondent to select more than one answer. 

For these multiple response questions, the total number of responses is greater than the number 

of respondents and the total percentage is greater than 100 percent. 

As a way of statistically understanding whether perceived differences between national and 

regional data are actual, a chi-square test of significance was applied to each comparison of 

regional and national data (when applicable). This statistical test compares the regional 

(observed) and national (expected) frequencies in each category to determine if responses are 

distributed across the range of options in similar or dissimilar ways. 

A statistically significant difference between datasets occurs when the chi-square test determines 

that it is reasonable to assume that perceived differences between the regional and national 
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region

6 Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University

information are actual, rather than a random anomaly of the data collection process. Social 

scientists are comfortable saying that differences are real when a statistical test yields results that 

would be similar 95 out of every 100 times data are collected. This level of certainty is noted by 

a single asterisk within table labels (*). If an asterisk appears within a label, table readers should 

know that observed differences in the regional and national level information are significant, and 

therefore can be used reliably and accurately in future policy decisions. 

When cell counts fall below five (N<5), application of the chi-square test of significance is not as 

reliable as preferred. This situation is noted by an ìaî in the table label. In these circumstances, 

table readers should assume that despite an asterisk, results from the chi square test of 

significance cannot be used with the same degree of certainty. This is not the same as saying that 

perceived differences between the regional and national data should be assumed to not exist. 

Differences exist, but the significance of these differences cannot be reliably described. In cases 

where the chi-square test is not applicable, a ìbî is placed next to the table label. The reader is 

solely reliant on their own interpretations of the data in these situations. Tables with no asterisks 

and no italicized letters reflect situations where a chi-square test was run and no significant 

difference between the regional and national data was found despite an adequate number of 

observations in each cell. Thus, although differences in regional and national data may be 

perceived, these differences should not become the basis for future policy decisions. 

To review: 

* Statistically significant information. a

 Chi-square test may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi-square test not applied. 

Where there is no notation in a table heading, the chi-square test was applied and differences 

within the data are not statistically significant. 
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region 

Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University 7

The following table is an example of the tables found in the technical report. 

Table 2.1 (Non-visitor) * , a

NER National 

Yes 84% 68% 

No 13% 27% 

Donít know 3% 6% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 106 N = 1671 

In this example, observed differences between the distribution of data in the NER region and 

national data are found to be significant. However, due to the small number of cases in at least 

one cell of the table (N<5), the chi-square test of significance is not as reliable as one would like. 

In this situation, the table reader is dependent upon their own interpretations of differences 

within the data with no external check on the quality of the data itself. Interpretations of this data 

are not as reliable and generalizable to the larger population as those that have a statistically 

significant difference. 
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region

8 Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University

Principal Investigators 

Dr. Frederic I. Solop, Director of the Social Research Laboratory at Northern Arizona 

University, served as principal investigator for this project. Dr. Solop was assisted in the research 

by co-principal investigator, Ms. Kristi K. Hagen, M.A., M.A., Research Operations Manager of 

the Social Research Laboratory. The Social Research Laboratory (SRL) is a full-service research 

and teaching facility located within the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Northern 

Arizona University. The SRL offers quality research services to public and nonprofit clients 

while providing graduate and undergraduate students at Northern Arizona University with 

applied research instruction and experience. The Social Research Laboratory specializes in 

public opinion studies, needs assessments, program evaluations, and demographic and social 

issues analyses; the SRL also regularly employs telephone survey, mail survey, and focus group 

methodologies in research projects. Dr. Solop and Ms. Hagen would like to thank the many 

people who assisted with this project, including Arian Sunshine Coffman, Karin Ross, Anne 

Mottek-Lucas, Randolph A. Ottem, Kerry Nodal, Katharyn Lyon, Christopher Stringer, Lynn 

Spence, Joel Davis, and Kelly McCarrier. 
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region 

Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University 9

NORTHEAST REGION 

TECHNICAL REPORT TABLES 

[Note: The following tables have been placed in the order of the survey questions as they were 

presented to respondents and following the same order as the original survey] 

1) The National Park System consists of all the units managed by the National Park Service, 

including national parks, historic and cultural sites, and national monuments. How many 

times in the past two years have you visited a unit of the National Park System? 

[All respondents] 

Table 1.1 (General public) a

NER National 

Have not visited within past two years 49% 46% 

Visited 1 time within past two years 7% 12% 

2 times within past two years 10% 12% 

3 times within past two years 9% 7% 

4 times within past two years 5% 5% 

5 times within past two years 3% 4% 

6 times within past two years 2% 3% 

7 times within past two years -- -- 

8 times within past two years 2% 1% 

9 times within past two years -- -- 

10 times within past two years 2% 3% 

11 times within past two years -- -- 

12 times within past two years 1% 1% 

13 times within past two years -- -- 

14 times within past two years -- -- 

15 times within past two years 2% 1% 

Other ñ more than 15 times within past two years 4% 3% 

Donít know 3% 2% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 481 N = 3506 

 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.

 
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region

10 Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University

2) Have you ever in your lifetime visited a national park, historic or cultural site, 

monument, or other unit managed by the National Park Service? 

[Question asked only of respondents who had not visited within the past 2 years] 

Table 2.1 (Non-visitor) 

NER National 

Yes 72% 68% 

No 22% 27% 

Donít know 6% 6% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 251 N = 1671 

2a) The following table provides a comparison of all three respondent levels: 

 (1) Has visited within last two years and can name an NPS unit accurately 

(2) Has visited within lifetime but not in last two years or is unable to 

 accurately name NPS unit visited 

(3) Has not visited an NPS unit in lifetime 

Table 2a.1 (General public) 

NER National 

Has visited within last 2 years and can name an NPS unit accurately 

(Visitor survey) 32% 32% 

Has visited within lifetime but not in last 2 years or is unable to accurately 

name NPS unit visited (Non-visitor survey) 54% 53% 

Has not visited an NPS unit in lifetime (Non-visitor survey) 14% 15% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 481 N = 3506 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. * Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region 

Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University 11

3) Please tell me what first comes to mind when you hear the words ìNational Park 

System.î [Open-ended question; recoded into discrete categories] [All respondents]

Table 3.1 (General public) a

NER National 

Beauty, nature, flora, fauna 28% 29% 

Named a specific park 24% 21% 

National heritage, landmarks, tradition, parks, units 15% 14% 

Recreation 6% 7% 

Government, bureaucracy, management by federal government 7% 7% 

Care, protection, preservation 6% 7% 

Vacation, friends, family, time away, fun 4% 4% 

No images, nothing, no ideas 6% 4% 

Smokey the Bear, Yogi Bear, park hats 3% 3% 

Serenity, peace, quiet 2% 1% 

Traffic, congestion, crowds 1% 1% 

Logging, deforestation, wood-cutting -- -- 

Buildings, structures, architecture -- -- 

Costs, fees, tourist traps -- -- 

Donít know, canít answer -- 1% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 474 N = 3439 

Table 3.2 (Recent visitor) a

NER National 

Beauty, nature, flora, fauna 35% 34% 

Named a specific park 18% 18% 

National heritage, landmarks, tradition, parks, units 15% 12% 

Recreation 7% 8% 

Government, bureaucracy, management by federal government 6% 7% 

Care, protection, preservation 8% 9% 

Vacation, friends, family, time away, fun 3% 4% 

No images, nothing, no ideas 2% 2% 

Smokey the Bear, Yogi Bear, park hats 5% 4% 

Serenity, peace, quiet 1% 1% 

Traffic, congestion, crowds 1% 1% 

Logging, deforestation, wood-cutting -- -- 

Buildings, structures, architecture -- -- 

Costs, fees, tourist traps -- -- 

Donít know, canít answer -- 1% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 154 N = 1108 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. * Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region

12 Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University

Table 3.3 (Non-visitor) a

NER National 

Beauty, nature, flora, fauna 24% 27% 

Named a specific park 27% 23% 

National heritage, landmarks, tradition, parks, units 14% 15% 

Recreation 5% 7% 

Government, bureaucracy, management by federal government 7% 7% 

Care, protection, preservation 5% 6% 

Vacation, friends, family, time away, fun 4% 4% 

No images, nothing, no ideas 8% 5% 

Smokey the Bear, Yogi Bear, park hats 3% 3% 

Serenity, peace, quiet 2% 1% 

Traffic, congestion, crowds 1% 1% 

Logging, deforestation, wood-cutting -- -- 

Buildings, structures, architecture -- -- 

Costs, fees, tourist traps -- -- 

Donít know, canít answer -- 1% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 321 N = 2331 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05 a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region 

Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University 13

4) There are several reasons why people do not visit units of the National Park System. 

[If never visited an NPS unitÖ] Please tell me why you have NEVER visited a unit of the 

National Park System. [Select all that apply] [Non-visitor in lifetime] 

Table 4.1 (Non-visitor) a

NER National 

Distance: Itís too far to travel 38% 39% 

Time: Iím too busy 35% 34% 

Lack of information 20% 17% 

Overall costs of visiting are too expensive 10% 12% 

Lack of interest: Iím not interested in visiting NPS 14% 10% 

Entrance fees are too expensive 6% 7% 

Safety: Units are unsafe or dangerous 5% 5% 

Inaccessible: Units arenít handicapped accessible 7% 4% 

I donít feel welcome there 1% 1% 

Other 19% 17% 

Donít know 7% 11% 

Total 161% 156% 

Total multiple response N N = 351 N = 2591 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. * Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region

14 Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University

4a) [If not visited NPS unit within past two yearsÖ] There are several reasons why 

people do not visit units of the National Park System more often. Please tell me 

why you have not visited a unit of the National Park System within the last two 

years. [Select all that apply] [Non-visitor within last two years] 

Table 4a.1 (Recent non-visitor) a

NER National 

Time: Iím too busy 38% 36% 

Distance: Itís too far to travel 28% 25% 

Lack of interest: Iím not interested in visiting NPS 14% 10% 

Overall costs of visiting are too expensive 5% 8% 

Lack of information 10% 7% 

Overcrowded, too many people 5% 6% 

Too old, too tired, health problems 3% 5% 

Entrance fees are too expensive 5% 4% 

Safety: Units are unsafe or dangerous 3% 3% 

Inaccessible: Units arenít handicapped accessible 8% 3% 

I donít feel welcome there -- 1% 

Lack of transportation, no means to get to unit 3% 1% 

Too loud, noisy 2% 1% 

Insects, wild animals 3% 1% 

Not in my language -- -- 

Weather -- -- 

Loose, unleashed dogs -- -- 

Other 4% 19% 

Donít know 4% 3% 

Total 134% 132% 

Total Multiple Response N N =157 N = 1148 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region 

Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University 15

5) Please consider all your experiences to date with National Park System units, including 

national parks, historic or cultural sites, or monuments. Using a 10-point scale on which 

ì1î means ìvery dissatisfiedî and "10" means ìvery satisfied,î how satisfied are you with 

the National Park System? [Visitors only]

Table 5.1 (Recent visitor) a

NER National 

1. Very dissatisfied 2% 2% 

2. -- -- 

3. 1% -- 

4. -- 1% 

5. 2% 3% 

6. 7% 6% 

7. 10% 12% 

8. 34% 34% 

9. 19% 20% 

10. Very satisfied 24% 20% 

Donít know 2% 2% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 154 N = 1124 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05.. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region

16 Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University

6) How likely are you to visit any National Park System unit within the next 12 months ñ 

very likely, somewhat likely, not very likely, or not at all likely? [All respondents] 

Table 6.1 (General public) 

NER National 

Very likely 34% 33% 

Somewhat likely 25% 26% 

Not very likely 18% 19% 

Not at all likely 20% 20% 

Donít know 3% 2% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 481 N = 3505 

Table 6.2 (Recent visitor) a

NER National 

Very likely 67% 61% 

Somewhat likely 18% 25% 

Not very likely 10% 9% 

Not at all likely 5% 4% 

Donít know 1% 1% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 154 N = 1123 

Table 6.3 (Recent non-visitor) 

NER National 

Very likely 19% 20% 

Somewhat likely 28% 27% 

Not very likely 21% 24% 

Not at all likely 28% 28% 

Donít know 4% 2% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 327 N = 2380 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05.. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region 

Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University 17

7) Now I would like to ask you a series of questions about your last visit to a National Park 

System unit. For you, this was a visit to (insert unit name from previous question). 

Thinking about your last visit there, what was your MAIN reason for visiting? 

[Interviewer: Do not read list; select/probe for only main one.] [ëOtherí responses have 

been recoded into discrete categories] [Visitors only] 

Table 7.1 (Recent visitor) a

NER National 

Go sightseeing 41% 40% 

Vacation with guests, family, company, relatives 13% 16% 

View exhibits, park information, educational sites 13% 6% 

Go day hiking 5% 6% 

Go just because itís there, proximity 4% 6% 

Camping 3% 5% 

Visit to a cultural or historical site 5% 5% 

Play sports, recreation, exercise, walk dog 4% 4% 

Go fishing 1% 2% 

Viewing wildlife 2% 2% 

Go picnicking -- 1% 

Attend a demonstration or performance 1% 1% 

Go swimming -- 1% 

Spiritual/restorative visit -- 1% 

Go rock climbing 2% 1% 

Related work, concession work 1% 1% 

Go overnight backpacking -- 1% 

Nature photographing -- 1% 

Nature study and bird watching 1% 1% 

Take a ranger-led interpretive historical tour -- -- 

Take a ranger-led interpretive nature tour 1% -- 

Guided tour 1% -- 

Go mountain bike riding -- -- 

Go horseback riding 4% -- 

New Yearís 2000 celebration -- -- 

Volunteering -- -- 

Other/none of the above -- -- 

Donít know 1% 1% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 154 N = 1122 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region

18 Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University

8) On your last visit to (insert unit name from previous question) did you participate in any 

of the following? [Interviewer: Read each response from the list. Respondent can answer 

more than one.] [ëOtherí responses have been recoded into discrete categories] 

[Visitors only]

Table 8.1 (Recent visitor) a

NER National 

Go sightseeing 81% 84% 

Go day hiking 34% 47% 

Go picnicking 29% 41% 

Camp at a National Park Service campground 10% 22% 

Attend a demonstration or performance 18% 20% 

Take a ranger-led interpretive historical tour 19% 17% 

Take a ranger-led interpretive nature tour 6% 12% 

Go overnight backpacking 6% 8% 

Other/none of the above 6% 6% 

Donít know 1% -- 

Total 210% 256% 

Total multiple response N N = 324 N = 2874 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region 

Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University 19

9) Please estimate the amount of money you and your group spent on your last visit to 

(insert unit name). If your visit was part of a larger trip, only include expenses for getting 

to and from (insert unit name) and expenses paid while inside the unit itself. Include all 

cash and credit expenditures. [Interviewer: Ask respondent to estimate the dollar amount 

for each category.] [Visitors only]

Table 9.1 (Recent visitor, national data) b

National 

Frequency Median $$ 

Amounts Spent Range 

Gas and transportation N = 959 $50.00 $0 - $15,000 

Lodging N = 553 $150.00 $0 - $5,000 

Food and drinks N = 854 $60.00 $0 - $3,000 

Clothes, gifts, and souvenirs N = 621 $50.00 $0 - $3,000 

Table 9.2 (Recent visitor) b

Median $$ Amounts Spent NER 

Gas and transportation $30.00 

Lodging $200.00 

Food and drinks $50.00 

Clothes, gifts, and souvenirs $50.00 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region

20 Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University

10) During your last visit to (insert unit name), did you stay overnight? [If ëYesíÖ] Did you 

stay within the unit itself or within a neighboring community? [If within a neighboring 

communityÖ] Where in the neighboring community did you stay? [Visitors only] 

Table 10.1 (Recent visitor) * , a

NER National 

No - did not stay overnight 45% 32% 

Yes - stayed within unit 11% 20% 

Yes - stayed within neighboring community/with friends or family 13% 13% 

Yes - stayed within community/hotel, motel, or inn 26% 25% 

Yes - stayed within community/campground 3% 8% 

Yes - stayed within community/other -- -- 

Yes - stayed at own property, home, cabin, condo 2% 3% 

Donít know -- 1% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 156 N = 1126 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. * Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region 

Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University 21

11) Still thinking about your last visit to (insert unit name), please tell me if you used any of 

the following information sources to plan your visit before you arrived, if you used the 

information sources during your visit, or both before and during your visit. What aboutÖ 

[Visitors only]

11a) Chamber of Commerce or tourism bureaus? 

Table 11a.1 (Recent visitor) a 

NER National 

Before arriving 17% 12% 

During visit 2% 3% 

Both 2% 3% 

Didnít use 77% 80% 

Donít know 3% 2% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 153 N = 1121 

 11b) What about NPS employees or volunteers? 

Table 11b.1 (Recent visitor) a

NER National 

Before arriving 2% 3% 

During visit 32% 25% 

Both 5% 6% 

Didnít use 58% 64% 

Donít know 4% 3% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 154 N = 1125 

 11c) What about NPS website? 

Table 11c.1 (Recent visitor) a

NER National 

Before arriving 10% 17% 

During visit 1% 1% 

Both -- 1% 

Didnít use 87% 79% 

Donít know 3% 3% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 154 N = 1121 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. * Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region

22 Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University

11d) What about other websites? 

Table 11d.1 (Recent visitor) a

NER National 

Before arriving 19% 16% 

During visit 1% 1% 

Both -- 1% 

Didnít use 77% 81% 

Donít know 3% 2% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 154 N = 1121 

 11e) What about road signs? 

Table 11e.1 (Recent visitor) a

NER National 

Before arriving 15% 15% 

During visit 25% 25% 

Both 19% 26% 

Didnít use 38% 33% 

Donít know 3% 2% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 154 N = 1125 

 11f) What about radio, cable, or TV? 

Table 11f.1 (Recent visitor) a

NER National 

Before arriving 6% 6% 

During visit 3% 3% 

Both 3% 3% 

Didnít use 86% 85% 

Donít know 2% 2% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 154 N = 1123 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region 

Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University 23

 11g) What about friends or relatives? 

Table 11g.1 (Recent visitor) a

NER National 

Before arriving 22% 21% 

During visit 5% 6% 

Both 18% 20% 

Didnít use 54% 52% 

Donít know 1% 1% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 154 N = 1119 

 11h) What about guidebooks? 

Table 11h.1 (Recent visitor) a 

NER National 

Before arriving 12% 8% 

During visit 15% 17% 

Both 26% 24% 

Didnít use 45% 50% 

Donít know 2% 2% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 154 N = 1125 

 11i) What about magazines or newspapers? 

Table 11i.1 (Recent visitor) a

NER National 

Before arriving 14% 11% 

During visit 6% 5% 

Both 3% 6% 

Didnít use 74% 77% 

Donít know 2% 2% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 154 N = 1121 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region

24 Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University

 11j) What about travel agents? 

Table 11j.1 (Recent visitor) a

NER National 

Before arriving 7% 6% 

During visit -- -- 

Both 3% 1% 

Didnít use 89% 92% 

Donít know 1% 1% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 154 N = 1121 

11k) What about local tour operators? 

Table 11k.1 (Recent visitor) a

NER National 

Before arriving 4% 3% 

During visit 12% 7% 

Both 2% 1% 

Didnít use 82% 88% 

Donít know 1% 1% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 154 N = 1121 

 11l) What about anything else? 

Table 11l.1 (Recent visitor) a

NER National 

Before arriving 7% 6% 

During visit 4% 3% 

Both 2% 3% 

Didnít use 85% 86% 

Donít know 3% 2% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 154 N = 1123 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region 

Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University 25

12) Thinking still of your last visit to (insert unit name), did you pay a daily or 

weekly entrance fee or purchase an annual or lifetime pass? [If ëNoíÖ] Did you 

purchase a pass at an earlier time? [Visitors only] 

Table 12.1 (Recent visitor) * , a

NER National 

Yes, I paid a daily or weekly entrance fee 41% 51% 

Yes, I paid for an annual or lifetime pass 7% 9% 

No 44% 31% 

No, I paid for a pass at an earlier time 1% 2% 

Donít know 6% 7% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 154 N = 1122 

 12a) Can you remember the amount that you paid? 

Table 12a.1 (Recent visitor) 

NER National 

Yes 64% 59% 

Donít know/donít remember 36% 41% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 63 N = 569 

12b) Approximately how much money did you pay for a daily/weekly entrance fee? 

[Only respondents who said ëyesí to daily/weekly fee] 

Table 12b.1 (Recent visitor, national data) b

Median Amount Paid for Entrance Fee National Frequency 

Daily/Weekly Fee $10.00 N = 312 

Annual/Lifetime Pass $21.00 N = 64 

Table 12b.2 (Recent visitor) b

Median Amount Paid for Entrance Fee NER Frequency 

Daily/Weekly Fee $10.00 N = 37 

Annual/Lifetime Pass $25.00 N = 9 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region

26 Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University

12c) Do you think the cost of this daily/weekly entrance fee was too much, too little, or 

just about the right amount? 

Table 12c.1 (Recent visitor) a

NER National 

Too much 13% 11% 

Too little 9% 6% 

Just about right 79% 80% 

Donít know -- 2% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 40 N = 336 

12d) Did you pay for an annual or lifetime pass? 

Table 12d.1 (Recent visitor) a

NER National 

Yes 80% 60% 

Donít know/donít remember 20% 40% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 12 N = 125 

12e) Did you think that the annual or lifetime pass fee was too much, too little, or just 

the right amount? [Only respondents who stated ëyesí to annual/lifetime pass] 

Table 12e.1 (Recent visitor) a

NER National 

Too much 10% 4% 

Too little -- 17% 

Just about right 90% 79% 

Donít know -- 1% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 10 N = 73 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region 

Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University 27

13) Different National Park System units use different methods for collecting entrance fee 

money. Thinking again of your last visit, do you think the entrance fees were very easy to 

pay, somewhat easy to pay, somewhat difficult to pay, or very difficult to pay? 

Table 13.1 (Recent visitor) a

NER National 

Very easy 74% 71% 

Somewhat easy 17% 19% 

Somewhat difficult 1% 3% 

Very difficult 1% 1% 

Donít know/donít remember 7% 6% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 82 N = 724 

14) On your last visit to (insert unit name), did you pay additional fees to the National Park 

Service after you were inside the unit? 

Table 14.1 (Recent visitor) 

NER National 

Yes 11% 11% 

No 86% 85% 

Maybe/donít know 3% 5% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 153 N = 1123 

14a) Which services did you pay additional fees for? 

[Open-ended question; select all that apply] 

[Only respondents who said ëyesí to additional fees] 

Table 14a.1 (Recent visitor) * , a

NER National 

Camping site fees 6% 34% 

Interpretive tour fees 6% 11% 

Boating fees 16% 9% 

Parking fees 9% 7% 

Backcountry permit fees 9% 4% 

Other 56% 38% 

Donít know 14% 13% 

Total 116% 116% 

Total multiple response N N = 18 N = 106 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. * Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region

28 Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University

15) Now we are interested in understanding why people do not visit National Park System 

units more often. I am going to read a list of statements. I would like you to think of your 

own experiences and tell me if you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, 

or strongly disagree with each statement. [All respondents]

15a) Entrance fees are too high. 

Table 15a.1 (General public) 

NER National 

Strongly agree 10% 9% 

Somewhat agree 18% 18% 

Somewhat disagree 31% 31% 

Strongly disagree 23% 24% 

Donít know 19% 19% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 481 N = 3504 

Table 15a.2 (Recent visitor) 

NER National 

Strongly agree 9% 7% 

Somewhat agree 16% 17% 

Somewhat disagree 38% 37% 

Strongly disagree 33% 33% 

Donít know 5% 7% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=154 N = 1124 

Table 15a.3 (Recent non-visitor) 

NER National 

Strongly agree 10% 10% 

Somewhat agree 19% 19% 

Somewhat disagree 28% 28% 

Strongly disagree 18% 19% 

Donít know 25% 24% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=327 N = 2381 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region 

Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University 29

15b) Service fees are too high. 

Table 15b.1 (General public) 

NER National 

Strongly agree 10% 7% 

Somewhat agree 17% 16% 

Somewhat disagree 27% 29% 

Strongly disagree 19% 20% 

Donít know 27% 27% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 481 N = 3503 

Table 15b.2 (Recent visitor) 

NER National 

Strongly agree 6% 5% 

Somewhat agree 18% 16% 

Somewhat disagree 36% 36% 

Strongly disagree 22% 26% 

Donít know 18% 18% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=153 N = 1122 

Table 15b.3 (Recent non-visitor) 

NER National 

Strongly agree 12% 8% 

Somewhat agree 16% 17% 

Somewhat disagree 23% 26% 

Strongly disagree 17% 18% 

Donít know 31% 32% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=327 N = 2381 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region

30 Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University

15c) Hotel/food costs are too high. 

Table 15c.1 (General public) 

NER National 

Strongly agree 22% 21% 

Somewhat agree 26% 28% 

Somewhat disagree 20% 21% 

Strongly disagree 10% 10% 

Donít know 22% 19% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 480 N = 3496 

Table 15c.2 (Recent visitor) 

NER National 

Strongly agree 18% 15% 

Somewhat agree 29% 33% 

Somewhat disagree 23% 26% 

Strongly disagree 9% 12% 

Donít know 21% 15% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=152 N = 1119 

Table 15c.3 (Recent non-visitor) 

NER National 

Strongly agree 24% 25% 

Somewhat agree 25% 27% 

Somewhat disagree 18% 18% 

Strongly disagree 10% 10% 

Donít know 23% 21% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=327 N = 2377 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region 

Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University 31

15d) NPS units are not safe places to visit. 

Table 15d.1 (General public) 

NER National 

Strongly agree 1% 2% 

Somewhat agree 11% 8% 

Somewhat disagree 25% 30% 

Strongly disagree 54% 51% 

Donít know 9% 9% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 481 N = 3500 

Table 15d.2 (Recent visitor) a

NER National 

Strongly agree 1% 1% 

Somewhat agree 8% 6% 

Somewhat disagree 23% 28% 

Strongly disagree 64% 63% 

Donít know 5% 2% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=154 N = 1121 

Table 15d.3 (Recent non-visitor) 

NER National 

Strongly agree 2% 3% 

Somewhat agree 12% 9% 

Somewhat disagree 27% 30% 

Strongly disagree 49% 46% 

Donít know 11% 12% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=328 N = 2378 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region

32 Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University

15e) Takes too long to get to NPS unit. 

Table 15e.1 (General public) 

NER National 

Strongly agree 28% 28% 

Somewhat agree 22% 23% 

Somewhat disagree 17% 18% 

Strongly disagree 27% 24% 

Donít know 6% 6% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 480 N = 3499 

Table 15e.2 (Recent visitor) * , a

NER National 

Strongly agree 16% 14% 

Somewhat agree 16% 22% 

Somewhat disagree 14% 21% 

Strongly disagree 53% 40% 

Donít know 1% 2% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=154 N = 1123 

Table 15e.3 (Recent non-visitor) 

NER National 

Strongly agree 34% 34% 

Somewhat agree 25% 24% 

Somewhat disagree 18% 17% 

Strongly disagree 15% 17% 

Donít know 8% 8% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=327 N = 2378 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region 

Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University 33

15f) NPS units are too crowded. 

Table 15f.1 (General public) 

NER National 

Strongly agree 13% 12% 

Somewhat agree 22% 27% 

Somewhat disagree 28% 29% 

Strongly disagree 16% 15% 

Donít know 20% 17% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N =481 N = 3501 

Table 15f.2 (Recent visitor) 

NER National 

Strongly agree 16% 12% 

Somewhat agree 25% 35% 

Somewhat disagree 33% 32% 

Strongly disagree 19% 17% 

Donít know 7% 5% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=154 N = 1122 

Table 15f.3 (Recent non-visitor) 

NER National 

Strongly agree 12% 13% 

Somewhat agree 21% 23% 

Somewhat disagree 26% 27% 

Strongly disagree 15% 14% 

Donít know 27% 23% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=327 N = 2378 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region

34 Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University

15g) It is difficult to find parking. 

Table 15g.1 (General public) 

NER National 

Strongly agree 14% 12% 

Somewhat agree 21% 21% 

Somewhat disagree 20% 25% 

Strongly disagree 21% 20% 

Donít know 24% 22% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 481 N = 3501 

Table 15g.2 (Recent visitor) 

NER National 

Strongly agree 20% 13% 

Somewhat agree 25% 29% 

Somewhat disagree 21% 28% 

Strongly disagree 27% 25% 

Donít know 6% 6% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=154 N = 1122 

Table 15g.3 (Recent non-visitor) 

NER National 

Strongly agree 11% 11% 

Somewhat agree 19% 18% 

Somewhat disagree 19% 24% 

Strongly disagree 18% 18% 

Donít know 33% 30% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=327 N = 2378 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region 

Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University 35

15h) NPS units not accessible to disabled. 

Table 15h.1 (General public) 

NER National 

Strongly agree 6% 5% 

Somewhat agree 11% 10% 

Somewhat disagree 22% 23% 

Strongly disagree 23% 22% 

Donít know 39% 40% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 481 N = 3495 

Table 15h.2 (Recent visitor) 

NER National 

Strongly agree 5% 5% 

Somewhat agree 10% 14% 

Somewhat disagree 27% 28% 

Strongly disagree 31% 27% 

Donít know 26% 28% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=154 N = 1120 

Table 15h.3 (Recent non-visitor) 

NER National 

Strongly agree 6% 5% 

Somewhat agree 11% 8% 

Somewhat disagree 19% 21% 

Strongly disagree 19% 20% 

Donít know 46% 46% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=327 N = 2373 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region

36 Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University

15i) Not enough known about NPS units. 

Table 15i.1 (General public)

NER National 

Strongly agree 35% 29% 

Somewhat agree 29% 30% 

Somewhat disagree 20% 21% 

Strongly disagree 14% 17% 

Donít know 2% 3% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 481 N = 3502 

Table 15i.2 (Recent visitor) a

NER National 

Strongly agree 18% 12% 

Somewhat agree 29% 29% 

Somewhat disagree 27% 30% 

Strongly disagree 23% 27% 

Donít know 3% 3% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=154 N = 1123 

Table 15i.3 (Recent non-visitor)

NER National 

Strongly agree 43% 37% 

Somewhat agree 29% 30% 

Somewhat disagree 17% 17% 

Strongly disagree 10% 12% 

Donít know 2% 3% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=326 N = 2379 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region 

Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University 37

15j) Reservations must be made too far in advance. 

Table 15j.1 (General public) 

NER National 

Strongly agree 11% 14% 

Somewhat agree 20% 19% 

Somewhat disagree 21% 21% 

Strongly disagree 18% 15% 

Donít know 30% 30% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 481 N = 3494 

Table 15j.2 (Recent visitor) 

NER National 

Strongly agree 11% 12% 

Somewhat agree 18% 22% 

Somewhat disagree 26% 28% 

Strongly disagree 29% 21% 

Donít know 17% 17% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=153 N = 1115 

Table 15j.3 (Recent non-visitor) 

NER National 

Strongly agree 11% 15% 

Somewhat agree 21% 18% 

Somewhat disagree 19% 18% 

Strongly disagree 13% 12% 

Donít know 37% 36% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=327 N = 2378 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region

38 Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University

15k) NPS employees give poor service to visitors. 

Table 15k.1 (General public) * 

NER National 

Strongly agree 1% 2% 

Somewhat agree 7% 5% 

Somewhat disagree 19% 26% 

Strongly disagree 55% 50% 

Donít know 19% 19% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 481 N = 3495 

Table 15k.2 (Recent visitor) a

NER National 

Strongly agree 1% 1% 

Somewhat agree 6% 4% 

Somewhat disagree 16% 25% 

Strongly disagree 71% 65% 

Donít know 7% 4% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=153 N = 1123 

Table 15k.3 (Recent non-visitor)

NER National 

Strongly agree 1% 2% 

Somewhat agree 7% 5% 

Somewhat disagree 21% 26% 

Strongly disagree 47% 42% 

Donít know 24% 26% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=327 N = 2373 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region 

Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University 39

15l) NPS units are uncomfortable for people of my race/ethnicity/gender. 

Table 15l.1 (General public)

NER National 

Strongly agree 3% 3% 

Somewhat agree 5% 4% 

Somewhat disagree 17% 19% 

Strongly disagree 64% 64% 

Donít know 10% 11% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 480 N = 3490 

Table 15l.2 (Recent visitor) a

NER National 

Strongly agree 3% 2% 

Somewhat agree 5% 3% 

Somewhat disagree 18% 21% 

Strongly disagree 68% 71% 

Donít know 5% 4% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=154 N = 1122 

Table 15l.3 (Recent non-visitor)

NER National 

Strongly agree 3% 3% 

Somewhat agree 6% 5% 

Somewhat disagree 17% 18% 

Strongly disagree 62% 60% 

Donít know 13% 14% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=326 N = 2368 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region

40 Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University

15m) There isnít much information on what to do once inside NPS unit. 

Table 15m.1 (General public)

NER National 

Strongly agree 10% 9% 

Somewhat agree 16% 15% 

Somewhat disagree 25% 26% 

Strongly disagree 34% 36% 

Donít know 15% 14% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 481 N = 3501 

Table 15m.2 (Recent visitor)

NER National 

Strongly agree 5% 4% 

Somewhat agree 12% 12% 

Somewhat disagree 27% 29% 

Strongly disagree 53% 52% 

Donít know 5% 3% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=154 N = 1122 

Table 15m.3 (Recent non-visitor)

NER National 

Strongly agree 13% 11% 

Somewhat agree 17% 16% 

Somewhat disagree 25% 25% 

Strongly disagree 25% 29% 

Donít know 20% 19% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=327 N = 2376 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region 

Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University 41

16) In your opinion, what is the most important thing the National Park Service can do to 

encourage you to visit units within the National Park System? 

[All respondents] 

Table 16.1 (General public) a

NER National 

Advertise, publicize, more information about field trips 46% 41% 

Free admission, free transportation, lower fees, more parking 13% 12% 

Nothing, no suggestions, no ideas 7% 8% 

Accessible, closer in proximity, easy reservations, more lodgings 7% 8% 

Keep it clean, more benches, more restrooms, maintenance 3% 5% 

Keep up with current approach, good job 3% 3% 

More variety in events, fairs, exhibits, better hours 2% 3% 

Reduce commercialization, vendors, vehicles, crowds 3% 3% 

Improve security, safety, protection 1% 2% 

More accessible to the handicapped 1% 2% 

Need more time off from work, need more free time 1% 1% 

Provide dog areas, require leashes and removal of waste -- -- 

Donít know 12% 12% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 470 N = 3310 

Table 16.2 (Recent visitor) a

NER National 

Advertise, publicize, more information about field trips 41% 36% 

Free admission, free transportation, lower fees, more parking 12% 12% 

Nothing, no suggestions, no ideas 6% 7% 

Accessible, closer in proximity, easy reservations, more lodgings 7% 7% 

Keep it clean, more benches, more restrooms, maintenance 4% 7% 

Keep up with current approach, good job 5% 4% 

More variety in events, fairs, exhibits, better hours 2% 4% 

Reduce commercialization, vendors, vehicles, crowds 5% 5% 

Improve security, safety, protection 2% 2% 

More accessible to the handicapped 3% 2% 

Need more time off from work, need more free time 2% 2% 

Provide dog areas, require leashes and removal of waste -- -- 

Donít know 14% 11% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=155 N = 1051 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region

42 Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University

Table 16.3 (Recent non-visitor) a

NER National 

Advertise, publicize, more information about field trips 48% 43% 

Free admission, free transportation, lower fees, more parking 13% 11% 

Nothing, no suggestions, no ideas 8% 9% 

Accessible, closer in proximity, easy reservations, more lodgings 7% 8% 

Keep it clean, more benches, more restrooms, maintenance 3% 4% 

Keep up with current approach, good job 3% 2% 

More variety in events, fairs, exhibits, better hours 2% 3% 

Reduce commercialization, vendors, vehicles, crowds 2% 2% 

Improve security, safety, protection 1% 2% 

More accessible to the handicapped 1% 2% 

Need more time off from work, need more free time 1% 1% 

Provide dog areas, require leashes and removal of waste -- -- 

Donít know 12% 13% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=318 N = 2260 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region 

Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University 43

And now I would like to ask you some specific questions about park management policies. 

[All respondents] 

17) Are you familiar with any attempts by the National Park Service to encourage public 

participation in park management decisions? 

Table 17.1 (General public) 

NER National 

Yes 9% 8% 

No 84% 87% 

Donít know/not sure 7% 5% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 479 N = 3497 

Table 17.2 (Recent visitor) 

NER National 

Yes 14% 14% 

No 81% 83% 

Donít know/not sure 5% 4% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=153 N = 1120 

Table 17.3 (Recent non-visitor) 

NER National 

Yes 6% 5% 

No 86% 89% 

Donít know/not sure 8% 6% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=326 N = 2378 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region

44 Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University

 17a) Have you ever attended a public meeting, workshop, or hearing sponsored by the 

National Park Service? 

Table 17a.1 (General public) a

NER National 

Yes 12% 17% 

No 84% 82% 

Donít know/donít remember 4% 1% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 43 N = 271 

Table 17a.2 (Recent visitor) a

NER National 

Yes 13% 20% 

No 78% 78% 

Donít know/donít remember 9% 2% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=23 N = 151 

Table 17a.3 (Recent non-visitor) a

NER National 

Yes 14% 13% 

No 86% 87% 

Donít know/donít remember -- -- 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=21 N = 121 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region 

Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University 45

17b) Do you think the National Park Service did an excellent, good, fair, or poor job 

responding to the interests of people as expressed in the public meeting, 

workshop, or hearing you attended? 

Table 17b.1 (General public) a

NER National 

Excellent -- 14% 

Good 87% 70% 

Fair 13% 13% 

Poor -- 3% 

Donít know/no opinion -- -- 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 5 N = 46 

Table 17b.2 (Recent visitor) a

NER National 

Excellent -- 10% 

Good 100% 73% 

Fair -- 13% 

Poor -- 3% 

Donít know/no opinion -- -- 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=3 N = 30 

Table 17b.3 (Recent non-visitor) a

NER National 

Excellent -- 20% 

Good 67% 67% 

Fair 30% 13% 

Poor -- -- 

Donít know/no opinion -- -- 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=3 N = 15 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region

46 Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University

17c) How interested are you in attending National Park Service meetings, 

workshops, or hearings in the future - very interested, somewhat 

interested, not very interested, or not at all interested? 

Table 17c.1 (General public) 

NER National 

Very interested 7% 7% 

Somewhat interested 26% 26% 

Not very interested 26% 25% 

Not at all interested 36% 38% 

Donít know/depends on the issue 5% 4% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 480 N = 3499 

Table 17c.2 (Recent visitor)

NER National 

Very interested 7% 8% 

Somewhat interested 35% 35% 

Not very interested 27% 27% 

Not at all interested 24% 26% 

Donít know/depends on the issue 7% 4% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=155 N = 1121 

Table 17c.3 (Recent non-visitor)

NER National 

Very interested 6% 6% 

Somewhat interested 22% 22% 

Not very interested 26% 25% 

Not at all interested 41% 44% 

Donít know/depends on the issue 5% 4% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=326 N = 2378 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region 

Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University 47

18) Do you have any experience with the reservation systems that help people plan 

their visits to National Park System units prior to arrival? [Visitors only] 

Table 18.1 (Recent visitor) a

NER National 

Yes 17% 21% 

No 83% 78% 

Donít know -- 1% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 153 N = 1119 

18a) Did you have an excellent, good, fair, or poor experience using the 

National Park System reservation system? [Asked only of those respondents who 

had experience with the reservation system] 

Table 18a.1 (Recent visitor) a

NER National 

Excellent 41% 23% 

Good 35% 47% 

Fair 20% 19% 

Poor 1% 6% 

Donít know 4% 5% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 26 N = 229 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region

48 Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University

Now I would like to ask you questions about fees that are charged by the National Park Service. 

[All respondents] 

19) If you did visit a National Park System unit in the future, would you prefer paying a 

single, all-inclusive entrance fee OR a lower entrance fee with additional fees for other 

services you choose to use such as camping, boating, or special tours? [Follow-up] Do 

you strongly prefer this option or somewhat prefer it? 

Table 19.1 (General public)

NER National 

Strongly prefer separate fees for other services chosen 43% 41% 

Strongly prefer all-inclusive entrance fee 22% 21% 

Somewhat prefer separate fees for other services chosen 21% 20% 

Somewhat prefer all-inclusive entrance fee 8% 10% 

Somewhere in-between 3% 3% 

Donít know 4% 5% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 474 N = 3466 

Table 19.2 (Recent visitor) a

NER National 

Strongly prefer separate fees for other services chosen 45% 44% 

Strongly prefer all-inclusive entrance fee 14% 18% 

Somewhat prefer separate fees for other services chosen 23% 21% 

Somewhat prefer all-inclusive entrance fee 11% 12% 

Somewhere in-between 2% 3% 

Donít know 5% 3% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=150 N = 1114 

Table 19.3 (Recent non-visitor)

NER National 

Strongly prefer separate fees for other services chosen 42% 40% 

Strongly prefer all-inclusive entrance fee 26% 23% 

Somewhat prefer separate fees for other services chosen 20% 20% 

Somewhat prefer all-inclusive entrance fee 6% 9% 

Somewhere in-between 3% 3% 

Donít know 3% 6% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=323 N = 2352 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region 

Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University 49

Now regarding discountsÖ 

20) In your opinion, should entrance fee discounts be available for senior citizens? 

Table 20.1 (General public) a

NER National 

Yes 94% 92% 

No 5% 6% 

Maybe 1% 1% 

Donít know -- 1% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 480 N = 3494 

Table 20.2 (Recent visitor) a

NER National 

Yes 94% 91% 

No 5% 8% 

Maybe 1% 1% 

Donít know 1% 1% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=155 N = 1123 

Table 20.3 (Recent non-visitor) a

NER National 

Yes 94% 93% 

No 6% 6% 

Maybe 1% 1% 

Donít know -- 1% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=327 N = 2370 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region

50 Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University

21) In your opinion, should entrance fee discounts be available for people under the age of 

18? 

Table 21.1 (General public)

NER National 

Yes 77% 73% 

No 18% 21% 

Maybe 5% 5% 

Donít know 1% 2% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N =477 N = 3489 

Table 21.2 (Recent visitor) * , a

NER National 

Yes 81% 73% 

No 12% 21% 

Maybe 7% 5% 

Donít know -- 1% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=154 N = 1120 

Table 21.3 (Recent non-visitor)

NER National 

Yes 74% 72% 

No 20% 20% 

Maybe 4% 6% 

Donít know 2% 2% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=324 N = 2368 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region 

Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University 51

22) In your opinion, should entrance fee discounts be available for visitors from other 

countries? 

Table 22.1 (General public)

NER National 

Yes 31% 28% 

No 62% 64% 

Maybe 3% 4% 

Donít know 4% 4% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 479 N = 3497 

Table 22.2 (Recent visitor)

NER National 

Yes 28% 25% 

No 64% 68% 

Maybe 4% 4% 

Donít know 4% 3% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=153 N = 1121 

Table 22.3 (Recent non-visitor)

NER National 

Yes 33% 30% 

No 61% 62% 

Maybe 3% 4% 

Donít know 4% 4% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=324 N = 2376 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region

52 Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University

23) In your opinion, should entrance fee discounts be available for park system volunteers? 

Table 23.1 (General public) a

NER National 

Yes 94% 93% 

No 6% 5% 

Maybe 1% 1% 

Donít know -- 1% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 477 N = 3489 

Table 23.2 (Recent visitor) a

NER National 

Yes 97% 95% 

No 3% 4% 

Maybe 1% 1% 

Donít know -- 1% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=153 N = 1122 

Table 23.3 (Recent non-visitor) a

NER National 

Yes 92% 92% 

No 7% 6% 

Maybe 1% 1% 

Donít know -- 1% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=324 N = 2368 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region 

Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University 53

24) Now, I am going to read three ways of managing money from entrance fees received by 

the National Park Service, and I would like to know which method you prefer. First, all 

entrance fee money could stay within the National Park System unit where it is collected; 

second, all entrance fee money could be sent to the National Park Service headquarters 

with a percentage going back to the unit where it was collected and the remainder sent to 

other units; or, third, all entrance fee money could be sent to the U.S Treasury with a 

small percentage sent back to the National Park Service to cover costs of collecting the 

money. Which method of managing entrance fee money do you prefer? [Response 

options were rotated in the question during the survey] [All respondents] 

Table 24.1 (General public) a

NER National 

Money goes to NPS with percentage coming back to unit and other units 46% 47% 

All money stays within unit 45% 45% 

All money goes to US Treasury except for collection costs 8% 6% 

Other 1% 1% 

Donít know 1% 2% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 479 N = 3487 

Table 24.2 (Recent visitor) a

NER National 

Money goes to NPS with percentage coming back to unit and other units 56% 52% 

All money stays within unit 37% 41% 

All money goes to US Treasury except for collection costs 5% 6% 

Other 1% 1% 

Donít know 1% 1% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=155 N = 1119 

Table 24.3 (Recent non-visitor) * , a

NER National 

Money goes to NPS with percentage coming back to unit and other units 41% 45% 

All money stays within unit 48% 47% 

All money goes to US Treasury except for collection costs 10% 6% 

Other -- 1% 

Donít know 1% 2% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=325 N = 2369 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region

54 Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University

25) How familiar are you with the National Park Service Recreational Fee Demonstration 

Program -- very familiar, somewhat familiar, not very familiar, or not at all familiar? 

[All respondents]

Table 25.1 (General public) a

NER National 

Very familiar -- 1% 

Somewhat familiar 3% 3% 

Not very familiar 14% 12% 

Not at all familiar 82% 83% 

Donít know 1% 1% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 480 N = 3501 

Table 25.2 (Recent visitor) a

NER National 

Very familiar 1% 1% 

Somewhat familiar 4% 4% 

Not very familiar 17% 16% 

Not at all familiar 79% 78% 

Donít know -- 1% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=154 N = 1122 

Table 25.3 (Recent non-visitor) a

NER National 

Very familiar -- -- 

Somewhat familiar 3% 3% 

Not very familiar 12% 11% 

Not at all familiar 84% 85% 

Donít know 1% 1% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=325 N = 2379 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region 

Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University 55

25a) The Recreational Fee Demonstration Program allows for increased fees. It also 

allows for fees collected at a National Park System unit to be spent directly on 

behalf of that unit. Are you very supportive, somewhat supportive, somewhat 

unsupportive, or very unsupportive of the National Park Service Recreational Fee 

Demonstration Program? [Question asked only of respondents who answered 

ëvery familiarí or ësomewhat familiarí to question 24] 

Table 25a.1 (General public) a

NER National 

Very supportive 30% 43% 

Somewhat supportive 66% 51% 

Somewhat unsupportive -- 1% 

Very unsupportive 4% 4% 

Donít know -- 2% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 17 N = 130 

Table 25a.2 (Recent visitor) a

NER National 

Very supportive 43% 41% 

Somewhat supportive 43% 52% 

Somewhat unsupportive -- -- 

Very unsupportive 14% 7% 

Donít know -- -- 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 7 N = 58 

Table 25a.3 (Recent non-visitor) a

NER National 

Very supportive 20% 44% 

Somewhat supportive 80% 50% 

Somewhat unsupportive -- 1% 

Very unsupportive -- 1% 

Donít know -- 3% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=10 N = 72 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region

56 Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University

Now I would like to hear your opinions on two resource management issues faced by park 

managers. [All respondents] 

26) There are plants growing in parks that are not naturally found within the boundaries of 

those parks. Removing the plants can be expensive, but leaving the plants alone could 

result in other native plants being harmed. Which of the following options comes closest 

to your own point of view--park managers should remove these plants or park managers 

should leave these plants alone? 

Table 26.1 (General public)

NER National 

Remove plants 48% 50% 

Leave plants alone 43% 42% 

Donít know 9% 9% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 469 N = 3437 

Table 26.2 (Recent visitor)

NER National 

Remove plants 49% 55% 

Leave plants alone 43% 38% 

Donít know 8% 8% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=152 N = 1105 

Table 26.3 (Recent non-visitor)

NER National 

Remove plants 47% 47% 

Leave plants alone 44% 43% 

Donít know 9% 10% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=318 N = 2333 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region 

Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University 57

27) There are animals living in parks that are not naturally found within the boundaries of 

those parks. Removing the animals can be expensive, but leaving the animals alone could 

result in other animals and native plants being harmed. Which of the following options 

comes closest to your own point of view--park managers should remove these animals or 

park managers should leave these animals alone? 

Table 27.1 (General public)

 NER National 

Remove animals 51% 48% 

Leave animals alone 40% 42% 

Donít know 9% 10% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 465 N = 3402 

Table 27.2 (Recent visitor)

NER National 

Remove animals 50% 50% 

Leave animals alone 42% 39% 

Donít know 8% 11% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=149 N = 1090 

Table 27.3 (Recent non-visitor)

NER National 

Remove animals 51% 47% 

Leave animals alone 39% 43% 

Donít know 10% 10% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=316 N = 2312 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region

58 Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University

28) In your opinion, what is the main problem now facing this nationís SYSTEM of 

national parks, historic and cultural sites, and monuments? 

[Open-ended question; recoded into discrete categories] [All respondents] 

Table 28.1 (General public) a

NER National 

No idea, no interest 38% 32% 

Overcrowding, commercialization 17% 17% 

Funding, financial problems -- 11% 

Preservation, conservation, upkeep -- 8% 

Lack of public support, interest 9% 7% 

Mismanagement, government 7% 7% 

Safety, vandalism 10% 6% 

Not enough advertising 9% 6% 

Not enough park employees 4% 2% 

Nothing, no problem 1% 1% 

Other 2% 2% 

Donít know 2% 2% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 368 N = 3138 

Table 28.2 (Recent visitor) a

NER National 

No idea, no interest 24% 19% 

Overcrowding, commercialization 24% 25% 

Funding, financial problems 1% 16% 

Preservation, conservation, upkeep 2% 7% 

Lack of public support, interest 9% 6% 

Mismanagement, government 7% 8% 

Safety, vandalism 13% 7% 

Not enough advertising 10% 5% 

Not enough park employees 4% 3% 

Nothing, no problem 4% 1% 

Other 2% 2% 

Donít know 1% -- 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=123 N = 1034 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region 

Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University 59

Table 28.3 (Recent non-visitor) a

NER National 

No idea, no interest 44% 38% 

Overcrowding, commercialization 14% 13% 

Funding, financial problems -- 8% 

Preservation, conservation, upkeep -- 8% 

Lack of public support, interest 9% 7% 

Mismanagement, government 7% 7% 

Safety, vandalism 9% 5% 

Not enough advertising 9% 6% 

Not enough park employees 3% 2% 

Nothing, no problem -- 1% 

Other 2% 2% 

Donít know 3% 3% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=245 N = 2104 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region

60 Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University

29) A moment ago I asked you about problems facing this nationís system of national parks, 

historic and cultural sites, and monuments. Now I would like to know, in your opinion, 

what is the main problem now facing the National Park SERVICE, the governmental 

agency that manages the National Park System? [Open-ended; recoded into discrete 

categories] 

Table 29.1 (General public) * , a 

NER National 

No idea, no interest 41% 43% 

Mismanagement, government 25% 22% 

Funding, financial problems 22% 21% 

Overcrowding, commercialization 2% 3% 

Not enough park employees 2% 3% 

Preservation, conservation, upkeep -- 2% 

Lack of public support, interest 2% 2% 

Safety, vandalism 3% 1% 

Not enough advertising 2% 1% 

Nothing, no problem -- -- 

Trying to please too many people -- -- 

Other -- 1% 

Donít know -- 1% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 449 N = 3377 

Table 29.2 (Recent visitor) a

NER National 

No idea, no interest 33% 32% 

Mismanagement, government 34% 27% 

Funding, financial problems 24% 26% 

Overcrowding, commercialization 1% 4% 

Not enough park employees 2% 2% 

Preservation, conservation, upkeep -- 3% 

Lack of public support, interest 2% 2% 

Safety, vandalism 1% 1% 

Not enough advertising 1% 1% 

Nothing, no problem 1% -- 

Trying to please too many people -- -- 

Other -- 1% 

Donít know -- 1% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=140 N = 1080 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region 

Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University 61

Table 29.3 (Recent non-visitor) a

NER National 

No idea, no interest 45% 48% 

Mismanagement, government 22% 21% 

Funding, financial problems 21% 19% 

Overcrowding, commercialization 2% 2% 

Not enough park employees 2% 3% 

Preservation, conservation, upkeep -- 1% 

Lack of public support, interest 2% 2% 

Safety, vandalism 3% 1% 

Not enough advertising 3% 2% 

Nothing, no problem -- -- 

Trying to please too many people -- -- 

Other -- 1% 

Donít know -- 1% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=308 N = 2297 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region

62 Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University

30) Now forget the National Park Service for a moment. I want you to imagine an ideal 

agency that provides for public enjoyment while ensuring that the parks are left 

unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations. (PAUSE) How well do you think the 

National Park Service compares with that ideal agency? Please use a 10-point scale on 

which ì1î means ìnot very close to the idealî and ì10î means ìvery close to the ideal.î 

Table 30.1 (General public) a

NER National 

1. Not at all ideal 1% 1% 

2. 1% 1% 

3. 2% 1% 

4. 3% 3% 

5. 15% 14% 

6. 14% 13% 

7. 23% 23% 

8. 16% 17% 

9. 5% 4% 

10. Very close to the ideal 7% 8% 

Donít know 14% 15% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 475 N = 3480 

Table 30.2 (Recent visitor) a

NER National 

1. Not at all ideal 1% 1% 

2. 1% 1% 

3. 2% 1% 

4. 2% 2% 

5. 14% 14% 

6. 12% 14% 

7. 27% 27% 

8. 21% 21% 

9. 8% 6% 

10. Very close to the ideal 8% 7% 

Donít know 5% 6% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=154 N = 1119 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region 

Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University 63

Table 30.3 (Recent non-visitor) a

NER National 

1. Not at all ideal 1% 1% 

2. 1% 1% 

3. 2% 1% 

4. 3% 3% 

5. 16% 15% 

6. 15% 12% 

7. 21% 21% 

8. 13% 16% 

9. 4% 3% 

10. Very close to the ideal 7% 8% 

Donít know 18% 19% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N=322 N = 2361 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region

64 Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University

And now Iíd like to ask you some questions so we can best classify your answers. 

[All respondents]

D1) What is the highest grade of school or year of college that you have completed? 

Table D1.1 (General public) * 

NER National 

Less than high school 4% 5% 

High school degree 26% 25% 

Some college/Associate's degree 24% 32% 

4-year degree 27% 23% 

Post college degree 19% 14% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 471 N = 3447 

Table D1.2 (Recent visitor/non-visitor) b

Less than high 

school 

High school 

degree 

Some college/ 

Associate's degree 

4-year 

degree 

Post college 

degree 

NER National NER National NER National NER National NER National 

Visitor 12% 15% 18% 18% 31% 30% 42% 44% 44% 50% 

Non-visitor 88% 85% 82% 82% 69% 70% 58% 56% 56% 50% 

Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 

Total N N=17 N=186 N=125 N=865 N=114 N=1111 N=126 N=799 N=89 N=487 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region 

Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University 65

D2) Are you single, married, living with a life partner, divorced, or widowed? 

Table D2.1 (General public) 

NER National 

Single 23% 25% 

Married 56% 55% 

Living with a life partner 6% 4% 

Divorced 8% 9% 

Widowed 7% 7% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 473 N = 3455 

Table D2.2 (Recent visitor/non-visitor) b

Single Married Living with a life 

partner Divorced Widowed 

NER National NER National NER National NER National NER National 

Visitor 20% 29% 38% 35% 33% 35% 38% 30% 18% 18% 

Non-visitor 80% 71% 62% 65% 67% 65% 62% 70% 82% 82% 

Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 

Total N N=110 N=852 N=263 N=1910 N=30 N=149 N=37 N=309 N=33 N=236 

D3) Do you currently have access to the Internet either at work, home, or at another location? 

Table D3.1 (General public) 

NER National 

Yes 76% 75% 

No 24% 25% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 471 N = 3455 

Table D3.2 (Recent visitor/non-visitor) b

Yes No 

NER National NER National 

Visitor 37% 37% 18% 18% 

Non-visitor 63% 63% 82% 83% 

Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 

Total N N=358 N=2590 N=113 N=865 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region

66 Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University

D3a) How often do you use the Internet? Are you a frequent user, an occasional user, 

you havenít used it yet but would like to, or you have no interest in using it at all? 

[Only respondents who said ëyesí to Internet access] 

Table D3a.1 (General public) 

NER National 

Frequent user 55% 55% 

Occasional user 39% 37% 

No use yet, but would like to 3% 4% 

No interest in using Internet at all 3% 4% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 358 N = 2589 

Table D3a.2 (Recent visitor/non-visitor) b

Frequent user Occasional user No use yet, but 

would like to 

No interest in using 

Internet at all 

NER National NER National NER National NER National 

Visitor 38% 43% 36% 31% 36% 28% 42% 25% 

Non-visitor 62% 57% 65% 69% 64% 72% 58% 75% 

Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 

Total N N=197 N=1428 N=138 N=969 N=11 N=98 N=12 N=93 

D4) Are you of Hispanic, Latino/a, or Spanish origin? 

Table D4.1 (General public) *

NER National 

Yes 8% 11% 

No 92% 89% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 460 N = 3405 

Table D4.2 (Recent visitor/non-visitor) b

Yes No 

NER National NER National 

Visitor 22% 27% 33% 33% 

Non-visitor 78% 73% 67% 67% 

Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 

Total N N=37 N=379 N=423 N=3025 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region 

Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University 67

D5) In what race would you place yourself? Select one or more of the following groups. 

[Interviewer: Read list.] 

Table D5.1 (General public) a

NER National 

American Indian or Alaska Native -- 1% 

Asian 3% 3% 

Black or African American 15% 13% 

Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander 1% 1% 

White 81% 83% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 423 N = 3189 

Table D5.2 (Recent visitor/non-visitor) b

American Indian 

or Alaska Native Asian Black or African American 

Native Hawaiian 

or other Pacific 

Islander 

White 

NER National NER National NER National NER National NER National 

Visitor -- 32% 64% 33% 19% 14% -- 18% 34% 35% 

Non-visitor 100% 68% 36% 37% 81% 86% 100% 82% 67% 65% 

Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 

Total N N=1 N=28 N=11 N=90 N=63 N=406 N=5 N=34 N=343 N=2631 

D6) What is your age? 

Table D6.1 (General public) 

NER National 

18-24 12% 12% 

25-44 42% 41% 

45-64 29% 29% 

65+ 18% 18% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 465 N = 3370 

Table D6.2 (Recent visitor/non-visitor) b

18-24 25-44 45-64 65+ 

NER National NER National NER National NER National 

Visitor 15% 28% 35% 34% 40% 36% 21% 23% 

Non-visitor 85% 72% 66% 66% 60% 64% 80% 77% 

Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 

Total N N=53 N=418 N=194 N=1390 N=135 N=971 N=83 N=591 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region

68 Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University

D7) Which one of the following best describes your employment situation? Please stop me 

when I read the correct category. [Interviewer: Read list.] 

Table D7.1 (General public) a

NER National 

Working full-time for pay 47% 46% 

Working part-time for pay 10% 9% 

Self-employed/consultant 9% 10% 

Currently seeking work/unemployed 5% 3% 

Retired 17% 18% 

Permanently disabled 3% 3% 

Homemaker/caregiver 5% 6% 

Student 3% 4% 

Other 1% 1% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 465 N = 3427 

Table D7.2 (Recent visitor/non-visitor) b

Working full-time 

for pay 

Working parttime for pay Self-employed/ 

consultant 

Currently 

seeking work/ 

unemployed 

Retired 

NER National NER National NER National NER National NER National 

Visitor 35% 36% 35% 30% 34% 38% 27% 19% 26% 27% 

Non-visitor 65% 64% 65% 70% 66% 63% 73% 81% 74% 73% 

Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 

Total N N=218 N=1588 N=46 N=302 N=44 N=341 22% N=99 N=78 N=607 

Permanently 

Disabled 

Homemaker/ 

caregiver Student Other 

NER National NER National NER National NER National 

Visitor 13% 15% 36% 29% 23% 34% 20% 24% 

Non-visitor 87% 85% 64% 71% 77% 66% 80% 76% 

Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 

Total N N=15 N=118 N=25 N=199 N=13 N=137 N=5 N=37 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region 

Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University 69

D8) How many children under the age of 18 are living in your household? 

Table D8.1 (General public) a

NER National 

None 57% 60% 

One 16% 16% 

Two 20% 17% 

Three 5% 5% 

Four 1% 2% 

Five 1% -- 

Six -- -- 

More than six 1% -- 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 471 N = 3435 

Table D8.2 (Recent visitor/non-visitor) b

None One Two Three Four 

NER National NER National NER National NER National NER National 

Visitor 29% 32% 36% 30% 35% 34% 26% 28% 60% 35% 

Non-visitor 72% 68% 64% 70% 65% 66% 74% 72% 40% 65% 

Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 

Total N N=267 N=2045 75% N=537 N=94 N=576 N=23 N=186 N=5 N=60 

Five Six More than six 

NER National NER National NER National 

Visitor 75% 50% -- 33% 100% 83% 

Non-visitor 25% 50% 100% 67% -- 17% 

Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 

Total N N=4 N=14 N=1 N=6 N=3 N=12 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.
National Park Service, Comprehensive Survey of the American Public, Northeast Region

70 Social Research Laboratory, Northern Arizona University

D9) Which one of the following income groups best describes your total household income in 

 1999 before taxes? Please stop me when I read the correct category. [Interviewer: Read 

list.]

Table D9.1 (General public) 

NER National 

Less than $20,000 17% 18% 

$20,000 to $49,999 39% 42% 

$50,000 to $99,999 31% 30% 

$100,000 + 13% 10% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 390 N = 2803 

Table D9.2 (Recent visitor/non-visitor) b

Less than $20,000 $20,000 to $49,999 $50,000 to $99,999 $100,000 + 

NER National NER National NER National NER National 

Visitor 16% 18% 26% 29% 45% 42% 52% 50% 

Non-visitor 84% 82% 74% 71% 55% 58% 48% 50% 

Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 

Total N N=68 N=512 N=153 N=1164 N=121 N=835 N=48 N=291 

D10) What is your gender? [Note: Ask only if unclear.] 

Table D10.1 (General public) 

NER National 

Female 53% 52% 

Male 47% 48% 

Total 100% 100% 

Total N N = 477 N = 3486 

Table D10.2 (Recent visitor/non-visitor) b

Female Male 

NER National NER National 

Visitor 32% 28% 32% 37% 

Non-visitor 69% 72% 68% 63% 

Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 

Total N N=277 N = 1814 N=222 N = 1672 

 

Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. 

* Statistically significant difference based on p<.05. a

 Chi Square may not be stable due to small counts in one or more cells. 

b Chi Square test not applied.