Research to Support Visitor Management at Muir Woods National Monument and Muir Beach

Project ID: J9W88030012

Federal Agency: National Park Service

Partner Institution: University of Vermont and State Agriculture College

Fiscal Year: 2003

Initial Funding: $40,000

Total Funding: $77,191

Project Type: Technical Assistance

Project Disciplines: Social

National Park: Muir Woods National Monument

Principal Investigator: Manning, Robert

Agreement Technical Representative: Vick, Jennifer

Abstract: Muir Woods National Monument and Muir Beach are managed by the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA). Both areas receive intensive public use, with more than one million people visiting Muir Woods and approximately 1/2 million people visiting Muir Beach annually. The GGNRA is currently embarking on a project to revise the General Management Plan and develop Implementation Plans for these areas of the park. This visitor assessment is one component of the studies necessary to complete this planning effort and to support critical resource management decisions. The overall purpose of this study is to gather information that will help guide management of visitor use at Muir Woods National Monument and Muir Beach. The Visitor Experience Resource Protection (VERP) framework will be used to guide this process. Study objectives will focus on the four elements of the VERP indicators and standards of quality, monitoring, and management. Specific study objectives are as follows:
1. Gather baseline data on visitor use and users.
2. Identify indicators and standards of quality.
3. Study the relationship between use levels and potential indicators of quality at Muir Woods National Monument.
4. Explore alternative visitor management practices.