Programmatic Form

NPS Form 10-201 (Rev. 09/2019)
National Park Service

OMB Control No. 1024-0224
Expiration Date 08/31/2026

PROGRAMMATIC REVIEW AND CLEARANCE PROCESS
FOR NPS-SPONSORED PUBLIC SURVEYS
FOR QUESTIONS/FOLLOW-UP ON PROGRAMMATIC SUBMISSIONS,
PLEASE CONTACT: NPS Information Collection Review Coordinator,
Megan McBride; megan_mcbride@nps.gov; 970-502-7353
The scope of the Programmatic Review and Clearance Process for NPS-Sponsored Public Surveys is limited and will only include individual surveys
of park visitors, potential park visitors, and residents of communities near parks. Use of the programmatic review will be limited to noncontroversial surveys of park visitors, potential park visitors, and/or residents of communities near parks that are not likely to include topics of
significant interest in the review process. Additionally, this process is limited to non-controversial information collections that do not attract
attention to significant, sensitive, or political issues. Examples of significant, sensitive, or political issues include: seeking opinions regarding
political figures; obtaining citizen feedback related to high-visibility or high-impact issues like the reintroduction of wolves in Yellowstone National
Park, the delisting of specific Endangered Species, or drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

SUBMISSION DATE: 10-9-2023

PROJECT TITLE: Examining Visitor Use on Blue Mesa Reservoir and the Adjacent Gunnison River at Curecanti National
Recreation Area
ABSTRACT: (not to exceed 150 words)
This project focuses on water-based recreation on Blue Mesa Reservoir and the adjacent section of the Gunnison River
at Curecanti National Recreation Area (CURE). CURE has an interest in understanding any differences that may exist
between commercial and noncommercial visitors. Through this work, CURE intends to achieve: 1) a baseline
understanding of visitor use patterns, types, and amounts; 2) seasonal differences in visitor use patterns, types, and
amounts; 3) information about visitor experience, experience quality, and other visitor use aspects – including
information to inform development of experience quality thresholds; and 4) a visitor use management tool for future
scenario planning. The study adopts a data collection methodology consisting of an on-site visitor survey throughout
front country areas at four boat ramps in the park: Elk Creek, Lola, Lake Fork, and Stevens Creek. This collection is
intended to inform important decisions about park visitor use management.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR CONTACT INFORMATION:
NAME:

William Rice

TITLE

Assistant Professor of Outdoor Recreation and Wildland Management

AFFILIATION:

University of Montana

ADDRESS:

32 Campus Dr., University of Montana, College of Forestry, 59812

EMAIL:

wiliam.rice@umontana.edu

PHONE: 406-243-5477

PARK OR PROGRAM LIAISON CONTACT INFORMATION:
NAME:
TITLE

Andrew Fitzgerald
Chief Ranger

AFFILIATION:

Curecanti National Recreation Area

ADDRESS:

102 Elk Creek, Gunnison, CO 81230

EMAIL:

Andrew_P_Fitzgerald@nps.gov

PHONE: 970-765-1672

RECORDS RETENTION - PERMANENT. Transfer all permanent records to NARA 15 years after closure. (NPS Records Schedule, Resource
Management And Lands (Item 1.A.2) (N1-79-08-1)).

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NPS Form 10-201 (Rev. 09/2019)
National Park Service

OMB Control No. 1024-0224

PROJECT INFORMATION:
Where will the collection take place? Curecanti National Recreation Area (CURE)
Sampling Period Start Date: 5/15/2024

Sampling Period End Date: 8/31/2024

Type of Information Collection Instrument: (Check ALL that Apply)
Mail-Back Questionnaire
Face-to-Face Interview

X On-Site Questionnaire
Focus Groups

Will an electronic device be used to collect information?

Telephone Survey
Other (List)
 No

X Yes – Type of Device: iPad Tablet

SURVEY JUSTIFICATION:
Social science research in support of park planning and management is mandated in the NPS Management Policies 2006
(Section 8.11.1, “Social Science Studies”). The NPS pursues a policy that facilitates social science studies in support of the
NPS mission to protect resources and enhance the enjoyment of present and future generations (National Park Service
Act of 1916, 38 Stat 535, 16 USC 1, et seq.). NPS policy mandates that social science research will be used to provide an
understanding of park visitors, the non-visiting public, gateway communities and regions, and human interactions with
park resources. Such studies are needed to provide a scientific basis for park planning and development.
Blue Mesa Reservoir is the largest of three lakes at Curecanti National Recreation Area (CURE) that were created by the
damming of the Gunnison River between Morrison and Gunnison, CO. Blue Mesa Reservoir is the largest body of water
in Colorado and is well-known for salmon and trout fishing. Immediately east of Blue Mesa Reservoir is a flowing
section of the Gunnison River, which also offers outstanding opportunities for fishing, including wading and boat
fishing. In 2021, CURE saw over 1 million visits. In addition to this high level of visitor use, CURE is also experiencing a
change in types of visitor use. In 2007, the state record for Lake trout was set at CURE. Since then, commercially guided
fishing increased in popularity.
This project seeks to develop descriptive information about visitor use types, amounts, and patterns, as well as
perceptions of visitor experience on Blue Mesa Reservoir and the adjacent Gunnison River at CURE. Limited data about
visitor use and experience exist for Blue Mesa Reservoir and the adjacent Gunnison River. Understanding current
conditions, experiences, and associated relationships regarding visitor use on Blue Mesa Reservoir and the adjacent
Gunnison River is essential for park planning.
This project will focus on water-based recreation on Blue Mesa Reservoir and the adjacent section of the Gunnison
River at CURE. Access points, like launch ramps, to the lake and river will also be within the project scope. CURE also
needs a more comprehensive understanding of any differences that may exist between commercial and noncommercial visitors. Through this work, CURE intends to achieve: 1) a baseline understanding of visitor use patterns
(spatial and temporal), types, and amounts; 2) seasonal differences, if any, in visitor use patterns, types, and amounts;
3) information about visitor experience, experience quality, and other visitor use aspects – including information to
inform development of experience quality thresholds – from on-site visitors; and 4) a visitor use management tool that
merges the descriptive and evaluative components of the research together for future scenario planning. This
information is vital for park managers in park planning, communication and messaging, and management to enhance
visitor experience and access in an era of changing visitor use and environmental conditions at CURE.

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NPS Form 10-201 (Rev. 09/2019)
National Park Service

OMB Control No. 1024-0224

SURVEY METHODOLOGY
(A) Respondent Universe:
Based on the 2022 NPS Visitor Use Statistics Report, CURE recorded 992,749 visits. The respondent universe for the onsite intercepts will be all adult visitors (18 years old and older) in the park at the Elk Creek, Iola, Lake Fork, and Stevens
Creek boat ramps during the sampling period.
(B) Sampling Plan / Procedures:
This collection will use an on-site intercept survey to capture a representative sample of visitor information,
characteristics, perceptions of crowding, hassles, place dependence, and other related factors to inform the creation of
visitor experience indicators and thresholds. During a 2 one-month sampling periods ranging from May 15, 2024 to
August 31, 2024 (no sampling will occur in July 2024), sampling days will range Monday through Sunday, with
oversampling on weekends due to increased visitor use on Saturdays and Sundays, between 5AM to 2 PM.
For this study, we will distribute up to 21 GPS units per day. In a 2014 study at Grand Teton National Park (GRTE), 90100% of GPS units were recovered from respondents each day (OMB #: 1024-0224; expiration: 08/31/2014, Grand
Teton National Park Visitor Use Survey). We will plan to administer, at most, 21 GPS units per day because this is the
maximum our team can handle in one day for sampling. The collection is more constrained by available respondents
and personnel than by the number of available GPS units.
On-site Intercept Survey
A random sampling of visitors will be intercepted while visiting CURE across four boat ramps: Elk Creek, Iola, Lake Fork,
and Stevens Creek (Table 1). Intercept effort and the number of target intercepts by site will generally be three times as
frequent at Elk Creek and Lake Fork given their higher volume of use, but the respective number of sampling days and
initial visitor contacts will depend on boat ramp availability and high enough visitor use. At each ramp, target intercept
efforts will be applied in proportion to historic traffic/visitor volume at each location. Visitors will be randomly
intercepted at designated areas upon arrival. Surveyors will be instructed to attempt to intercept every Nth group
arriving. N will be determined based on anticipated volume and number of intercepts required at each location.
Table 1. Example Schedule During a Sampling Period.
Survey Locations

Sampling Days

Elk Creek
Iola
Lake Fork
Stevens Creek
Total

15
5
15
5
40

Number of Initial Visitor
Contacts
371
123
371
123
988

Post-Surveys
Completed
268
89
268
89
714

Two surveyors will be on site collecting surveys each day, rotating together between boat ramps.
All visitors who agree to participate will be asked to complete a pre-experience survey and will be given a preprogrammed GPS unit. At the end of the visit, participants returning the GPS unit will be asked to complete a postexperience survey (Table 2).
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NPS Form 10-201 (Rev. 09/2019)
National Park Service

OMB Control No. 1024-0224

Table 2. Estimated Number of Visitor Contacts during Sampling Period

Locations

May
2024

Estimated Number of Visitor Contacts
June
July
August
2024
2024
2024
No
93
185
sampling

Total
371

Elk Creek

93

Iola
Lake Fork
Stevens Creek

31

31

61

123

93

93

185

31

31

61

371
123

Total

248

248

492

988

(C) Instrument Administration:
The pre- and post-experience surveys will be administered by trained research assistants using tablet computers to
facilitate skip patterns and eliminate data entry errors. During the initial contact all participants will be read the
instructions, asked to complete the pre-experience survey, and handed a GPS unit. The visitor will be instructed that
the GPS unit is to be kept by the primary respondent and that it can only be used to monitor movement during their
visit within the area. At the end of their visit, the surveyors will be available to retrieve the GPS units and administer
the post-experience survey. (Note: the GPS units will be pre-programmed, and the respondents will not have to do
anything with these units other than carry them.) This process will continue throughout the sampling period.
If visitors return after researchers have left the sampling area, instructions will be attached to the GPS unit with options
for returning the device (i.e., drop boxes at all exits, visitor centers, or fee booths). We will work with the park to
recover late returns every day. If a visitor accidentally leaves the park with a GPS unit, an email address and phone
number will be listed to arrange return. During the 2014 GRTE Visitor Use Survey, about 2,000 GPS units were passed
and five were not returned.
Surveyors will ask visitors who are unwilling or unable to participate in the study the non-response bias questions (see
below), and will also capture additional observational information (e.g., time of contact and potential language barrier).
This information will be combined to determine any non-response bias. This process will continue throughout the
sampling period at each of the study locations. The following is an example of the script will be used:
Pre-experience survey
“Hello, I am conducting a study for Curecanti National Recreation Area to better understand visitor
experiences while recreating within the Blue Mesa Reservoir. Before we begin, I would like to let you
know that this survey has been approved by the Office of Management and Budget. It is important
to note that a Federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and you are not required to respond to,
a collection of information unless it has a valid OMB control number. The control number for this
collection is XXXX-XXXX and this number is valid through XX/XX/XXXX. Secondly, your participation
is voluntary and your name will never be connected with your individual responses. As a part of the
study, we ask if you are willing to take a 1-minute pre-survey and a 6-minute post-survey and if you
would be willing to carry this GPS unit with you during your trip. The unit will only be used to track
the patterns of your movements on the reservoir. The unit will have no additional value to the
participant outside the park or this study. Tracking your movement will help park managers
understand how visitors move through and navigate certain areas on the reservoir during a typical
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NPS Form 10-201 (Rev. 09/2019)
National Park Service

OMB Control No. 1024-0224

visit. We ask that you return the GPS to our research colleagues at the end of your visit as you exit
the area. Would you be willing to take this survey and carry a GPS with you during your visit?
• If NO: “Can I ask you three quick questions instead? [Ask non-response questions listed in section
E below.]
• If YES “Thank you for your willingness to assist with this study. Who in your group (who is at
least 18 years old) has the next birthday?
 To respondent: “Would you mind completing the pre-experience survey?
Post Trip Survey
At the end of their visit and upon exiting the sampling locations, respondents will be asked to return the GPS unit and
to complete the post-experience survey. At this time, the research assistant will use the following post-experience
script:
“Thank you for assisting us with this study and returning the GPS unit. Are you willing to take
about 6 minutes to complete post survey we mentioned at the beginning of your trip?”
•
•

If YES: “Thank you. [administer post-experience survey]”
If NO: “Thank you for your time and consideration. I hope you enjoyed your visit.”

For both the pre- and post-trip surveys, three potential outcomes are expected following the request to participate:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Complete refusal;
Partial refusal, answering non-response questions but nothing further;
Partial Refusal, answering pre-experience survey and carrying GPS, declining post-experience survey
Complete pre-experience and post experience survey and carrying GPS unit

(D) Expected Response Rate / Confidence Level:
Based on previous research experience with this intercept method and as indicated above, relative to a maximum of
988 initial contacts, we estimate that at least 85% (n=840) of visitors contacted during the sampling period will agree to
participate in the pre-experience survey and take a GPS unit with them for the day. Of those who do not agree to
participate in the pre-experience survey (n=148), we expect 85% to answer the non-response bias questions (n=126)
with again roughly 15% (n=22) visitors completely refusing to participate in the study. Using the same general response
estimate of 85% for the post-experience survey, we estimate that 714 visitors will complete both surveys, with an
additional n=144 lost to refusals. Based on a confidence level of 95% (z=1.96) the margin of error in estimates from the
on-site survey is estimated at +/- 4%, assuming an overall worst-case 50/50 proportion split on any question (Table 3).
Table 3. Pre-Experience Survey Response Rates
Pre-Experience Survey
Elk Creek
Iola
Lake Fork
Stevens Creek
Total

Potential
Number of
Respondents

Expected Number
of Responses
(85%)

Non-respondents
(soft refusals)
(15%)

Completed
Non-Response
Surveys

Hard
Refusals

371
123
371
123
988

315
105
315
105
840

56
18
56
18
148

48
15
48
15
126

8
3
8
3
22
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NPS Form 10-201 (Rev. 09/2019)
National Park Service

OMB Control No. 1024-0224

Table 4. Post-Experience Survey Response Rates
Post Experience Survey
Elk Creek
Iola
Lake Fork
Stevens Creek
Subtotal
TOTAL

Potential
Number of
Respondents

Expected Number
of Responses
(85%)

Non-respondents
(soft refusals)
(15%)

315
105
315
105
840
1828

268
89
268
89
714
1554

47
16
47
16
126
274

*Note: University of Montana conducts frequent on-site surveys across the U.S. and these percentages are based upon the average refusals obtained during 2022
National Park visitor surveys.

With that, the proposed sample size should be adequate, but will not be used to produce results that will be
generalizable beyond the scope of this collection. The sample will suffice for bivariate comparisons and more
sophisticated multivariate analysis. For dichotomous response variables, estimates will be accurate within the margins
of error and confidence intervals will be somewhat larger for questions with more than two response categories.
(E) Strategies for dealing with potential non-response bias:
To account for potential intercept non-response bias, surveyors will attempt to ask non-responding visitors the
following questions:
o How many people are in your [personal, organized, tour] group, including you?
_____ Number of People
o Which one of the following best describes the group you are traveling with?










o

Myself (alone)
Myself with family (including spouse/partner/ and/or other family members/relatives
Myself with family and friends
Myself with friends
Commercial guided tour group
I am an outfitter/guide
I am the client of an outfitter/guide
Other organized group (such as business group, scout group, etc.)
Other

Including this visit, how many times have you visited Curecanti National Recreation Area in the last
five years?
________ Times

The non-response and pre-experience surveys are identical which will allow the researchers to compare responses
between pre-experience respondents only, pre- and post-experience respondents, and non-respondents (soft refusals)
to identify if any non-response bias exists.
(F) Description of any pre-testing and peer review of the methods and/or instrument:
The survey questions are pulled from the NPS Pool of Known (OMB Control Number 1024-0224). The pre- and postexperience survey instruments were pre-tested in the format in which it will be delivered (i.e., tablet or online) to
determine question understanding and length. The pre-tests were conducted by Social Scientists working on the
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NPS Form 10-201 (Rev. 09/2019)
National Park Service

OMB Control No. 1024-0224

project at the University of Montana. These Social Scientists identified students and staff (4 in total) who were placed in
a mock situation in which they found themselves at CURE. Based upon the pretest, we were able to assess and correct
skip patterns within the survey and gauge readability of the posed questions. We have estimated from these pre-tests
that it will take approximately 1 minute to introduce the survey, 1 minute for the pre-experience survey and an
additional 6 minutes to complete the post-experience survey. For the visitors refusing to complete the survey, it will
take 1 minute to ask nonresponse questions if the respondent does not want to participate in the full survey.

BURDEN ESTIMATES
The total estimated annual burden for this collection, including the initial contact time, time to complete the
questionnaires, and time to complete non-response questions is 104 hours. The estimates for the Pre- and Postexperience surveys are based upon the time it will take to make the initial contact, introduce the study, complete the
surveys (or non-response survey), and to return the GPS unit.
Pre-experience Survey:
We expect to intercept 988 visitors on-site. Of those, we expect that 85% (n=840) will agree to take 2 minutes to listen
to the initial intercept script (1 minute) and complete the pre-experience survey and take a GPS unit (an additional
minute), resulting in a total burden of 28 hours.
Non-Response Survey:
We anticipate that out of the approximately 15% (n=148) of the initial contacts who refused to participate in the preexperience survey, 85% (n=126) will agree to answer the non-response questions. The non-response bias check will
take 2 minutes per respondent, one minute for the intercept and an additional minute to answer the non-response
questions, resulting in a burden of 4 hours. The burden for the remaining visitors completely refusing to participate in
the collection will not be estimated due to the de minimis nature of their participation.
Post-experience Survey:
At the end of their visit, the GPS units will be collected and the visitors who participated in the pre-experience survey
will be asked if they would be willing to complete the post-experience survey. We expect that approximately 85%
(n=714) will agree to complete the post-experience survey. The time to complete the survey will take approximately 6
minutes, resulting in a total burden of 72 hours.
Table 5: Burden Estimates

# of Respondents

On-site Surveys
Pre-Experience Survey and Introduction
Post Experience Survey and Introduction
Non-Response Survey
TOTAL

Maximum
Completed
Responses

Completion Time
*(minutes)

Burden Hours
(rounded up)

126

840
714
126

2
6
2

28
72
4

966

1,680

840

104

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NPS Form 10-201 (Rev. 09/2019)
National Park Service

OMB Control No. 1024-0224

REPORTING PLAN:
The study results will be presented in a comprehensive report that will be shared with NPS staff at CURE. Questionnaire
results will be presented in tables or figures with descriptive text. Results will include frequencies, measures of central
tendency (e.g., mean, median, and standard deviation), cross-tabulations from chi-square tests and ANOVAs will be
conducted where appropriate. All data will also be shared with CURE staff.

NOTICES
PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT
GENERAL: This information is provided pursuant to Public Law 93-579 (Privacy Act of 1974), December 21, 1984, for
individuals completing this form.
AUTHORITY: National Park Service Research mandate (54 USC 100702)
PURPOSE AND USES: This information will be used by The NPS Information Collections Coordinator to ensure appropriate
documentation of information collections conducted in areas managed by or that are sponsored by the National Park
Service.
EFFECTS OF NONDISCLOSURE: Providing information is mandatory to submit Information Collection Requests to
Programmatic Review Process.

PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT STATEMENT

We are collecting this information subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501) and is authorized by the
National Park Service Research mandate (54 USC 100702). This information will be used by The NPS Information
Collections Coordinator to ensure appropriate documentation of information collections conducted in areas managed
by or that are sponsored by the National Park Service. All parts of the form must be completed in order for your
request to be considered. We may not conduct or sponsor and you are not required to respond to, this or any other
Federal agency-sponsored information collection unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. OMB has
reviewed and approved The National Park Service Programmatic Review Process and assigned OMB Control Number
1024-0224.

ESTIMATED BURDEN STATEMENT

Public Reporting burden for this form is estimated to average 60 minutes per collection, including the time it takes for
reviewing instructions, gathering information and completing and reviewing the form. This time does not include the
editorial time required to finalize the submission. Comments regarding this burden estimate or any aspect of this form
should be sent to the Information Collection Clearance Coordinator, National Park Service, 1201 Oakridge Dr., Fort
Collins, CO 80525.

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