THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS- Monitoring horseback rider use at OZAR- THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS
Project description: The overall purpose of this proposed program of research is to gather baseline information that will help support the creation of the roads and trails management plan for the park, which is currently underway. This research is intended to inform and guide NPS managers in providing sustainable horse trail use in the park. Also, this study will provide subject matter expertise within the fields of outdoor recreation and recreation ecology. We considered three universities for conducting this project: Southern Illinois University (SIU), Clemson University, and Kansas State University (KSU). KSU is recommended as the recipient of the award based on unique qualifications, location, and availability. We considered Dr. Park at SIU, but received no response to our inquiry. While Clemson has extensive experience on this topic, their distance from the project area would result in travel higher costs. The recommended principle investigator is well versed in visitor use impacts monitoring and is located near the park, which is preferable given the short duration of this focused and rapid study. NPS staff will collaborate with university researchers by: â₏¢ Jointly participating in developing, reviewing and modifying project proposals, data, and or reports. â₏¢ Ensuring compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and/or the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), as well as in obtaining any necessary permits prior to project activity. â₏¢ Incorporating project findings into National Park Service operations and planning efforts. â₏¢ If available, the NPS may provide in-kind support of necessary housing for researchers associated with the study via park housing. Availability of park housing cannot be guaranteed. The Recipient is a member of the (Great Plains CESU) who was awarded a Master Cooperative Agreement (H6000110100) allowing (Kansas State University) to participate in specific tasks, and can provide the necessary activities involved in this particular task while providing an effective outcome for NPS and the objectives of this research/educational project. Study objectives will focus on two elements that can benefit the most from empirical data: 1) collect an updated assessment of current use to better understand long term trends and increasing demand, particularly as related to special event rides which bring significant volumes of use into the park at one time 2) provide research results to inform the selection of indicators, thresholds, and management strategies.
Office: National Park Service
Grants Management Specialist
Phone 402-661-1658
