Visitor Perceptions of the Uniqueness of National Wildlife Refuges

The National Wildlife Refuge System (Refuge System), managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is a network of diverse and strategically located lands and waters dedicated to wildlife conservation. National wildlife... [ view full abstract ]

The National Wildlife Refuge System (Refuge System), managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is a network of diverse and strategically located lands and waters dedicated to wildlife conservation. National wildlife refuges not only provide essential habitat for wildlife, but they also are beneficial and relevant places for people. However, to remain relevant to a changing society, the Refuge System must engage, inform, and inspire people to visit natural places. This study seeks to understand how to remain relevant by exploring what makes national wildlife refuges, in particular, unique places to visit. Data were collected from a sample of visitors (n= 15,190) to 78 national wildlife refuges across the United States between 2010 and 2012. Respondents were asked whether they thought refuges provide a unique recreation experience compared to other public lands. Those who answered in the affirmative were asked to further explain what makes refuges unique. Overall, 84% of visitors indicated that refuges provide a unique recreation experience compared to other public lands and a total of 10,466 open-ended responses were coded and categorized into themes. While many respondents identified the core mission of conservation of fish, wildlife, and their habitats as a unique element of national wildlife refuges, the majority of responses focused on experiences. Visitors noted that refuges offer a highly educational experience and more opportunities to be up-close and personal with nature. The future success of conservation ultimately depends on the ability to connect people with the outdoors and to become stewards of the environment. Understanding perceptions of uniqueness can inform Refuge System management and strategic efforts, and help identify ways to build relationships with both traditional users, such as hunters and anglers, as well as people who do not have traditional links to wildlands and wildlife, and encourage them to visit refuges.