It's easy to tell when a science experiment fails. The mouse dies, the rocket crashes or the chemicals explode.
Most researchers start out with a theory they test against reality.
For example, medical researchers will test drugs to find out if they shrink cancerous tumors. They inject experimental drugs into cancerous tumors in animals or humans. Then they watch to see if they shrink. If they shrink, the experiment is a success. The Forest Service isn't saying how it will determine if user fees are successful The fees are a hot topic of conversation in the Wood River Valley.