National Forest Surveys Coming Your Way!!

DILLON — You may soon be asked about your visit to the forest. The Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF is beginning a yearlong study of recreation use on the Forest. Employees conducting the survey will be wearing bright orange vests near a sign that says “Traffic Survey Ahead.” These folks are waiting to talk to you, so please pull over for an interview. Employees want to know about your visit to the National Forest. All information you give is confidential and the survey is voluntary.

This survey is conducted every five years on every National Forest in the country. Data collected provides National Forest managers with an estimate of how many people recreate on federal lands and what activities they engage in while there. Other important information gathered includes how satisfied people were with their visit and the facilities, as well as the economic impact of recreation visits on the local economy. 

This recreation visitor use survey gathers basic visitor information. All responses are confidential, and no names are recorded. The interview lasts about eight minutes. Every other visitor is asked a few additional questions which may take an additional five minutes. The questions visitors are asked include: where they recreated on the forest, how many people they traveled with, how long they were on the forest, what other recreation sites they visited while on the Forest, and how satisfied they were with the facilities and services provided. About a third of the visitors will be asked to complete a confidential survey on recreation spending during their trip. 

     Although the survey is entirely voluntary, participation is appreciated. Including local residents that use the forest is important to assure that all types of visitors are represented in the survey. If you have any questions about this program visit our web site at www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/nvum or call your local Forest Service office.