Information quantity and communication effectiveness: Low‐impact messages on wilderness trailside bulletin boards

Cole, David N.; Hammond, Timothy P.; McCool, Stephen F.

doi:10.1080/01490409709512239

Cited by 69 publications

(39 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…The centralised signs consisted of lengthy descriptions of facts and figures which took up to between one and two minutes to read. This clearly exceeds the recommendation of Cole et al (1997) based on the concept that visitors spend no longer than 25 seconds reading the text on a sign. After interpretive signs along the TTW structure were installed, it was also observed that approximately 60% of visitors read the text on each of the three signs.…”

Section: Impact Of Trail-side Signs On Visitor Knowledgementioning

confidence: 51%

“…The layout was based on past CALM visitor surveys and discussion with CALM staff, while the content was derived from the work of Jurowski et al (1995), Cole et al (1997) and Manning et al (1999). The survey sought to gather data on tourists' attitudes and knowledge relating to their visit to the TTW site.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This study aimed to examine the impact of providing additional trail side signs on the knowledge of visitors to an ecotourism attraction. Cole et al (1997) found that visitors had a significant increase in knowledge following exposure to signs in a natural area. However, a maximum of 25 seconds was spent by visitors reading text on the signs.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Although Cole et al (1997) found that trail-side interpretive signs improved visitor knowledge to a certain extent, there appears to be a threshold relating to the quantity of information on a sign, the number of signs distributed around the site and the subsequent impact on the visitors' knowledge and perception of the site experience. Once this threshold is breached the interpretive sign, at best, has no increased impact, and at worst becomes a negative aspect of the site experience for the visitor through information overload and/or visual pollution (Bramwell & Lane, 1993;Matre, 1990;Roggenbuck, 1992).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Impact of Trail-side Interpretive Signs on Visitor Knowledge

Hughes¹,

Morrison‐Saunders²

2002

Journal of Ecotourism

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Interpretive signs provide an important tool for enhancing visitor knowledge and understanding during a natural area experience. The Tree Top Walk (TTW) site in Western Australia adopted a minimal approach to interpretive signs to reduce distractions and allow the site to speak for itself. A 1999 pilot visitor survey indicated that many visitors were frustrated at this approach and wanted more signs installed along the walk trails despite the presence of information displays around the visitor kiosk. An interpretive sign trial was carried out in 2001 to assess the impact on visitor knowledge of the natural aspects of the site. While the trail-side interpretive signs provided no additional improvement in visitor knowledge, there appeared to be a positive increase in the perception of the site as providing a learning experience.The addition of trail-side interpretive signs also provided a point of interest for repeat visitors already familiar with the unique experience of the Tree Top Walk.

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Section: Impact Of Trail-side Signs On Visitor Knowledgementioning

confidence: 51%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Impact of Trail-side Interpretive Signs on Visitor Knowledge

Hughes¹,

Morrison‐Saunders²

2002

Journal of Ecotourism

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“…The layout was based on past local natural area management visitor surveys while the content was derived from the work of Jurowski et al (1995), Cole et al(1997) and Manning et al (1999) • Can you indicate the main reason(s) for your visit?…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Visitor Attitudes Toward a Modified Natural Attraction

Hughes

Morrison‐Saunders

2003

Society & Natural Resources

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Differences in management action acceptability for coyotes in a National Park

2015

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Successful wildlife management often depends on public acceptance of wildlife control methods. We explored the acceptability and amount of consensus among local residents, park staff, and visitors for coyote (Canis latrans) management in Cape Breton Highlands National Park of Canada (NPC). We collected data near Cape Breton Highlands NPC, where there has been an increase in human–coyote conflict. Local residents were mailed a questionnaire (n = 578; 72% return rate) in 2011. Park staff completed the questionnaire (n = 124; 85% return rate) during 2011 and visitors were interviewed on trails and given a mail‐back questionnaire during 2011 and 2012 (n = 375; 51% return rate). The Potential for Conflict Index was used to examine differences in acceptability among the 3 groups. Acceptability of different management options was evaluated for 3 situations: 1) a coyote crossed the trail; 2) a coyote approached a person; and 3) a snarling coyote approached a person. All 3 groups tended to prefer nonlethal management options, but as the scenarios increased in threat level, lethal and more invasive options became more acceptable. Understanding which management options were more acceptable in different contexts facilitates informed decision‐making when humans and coyotes come into conflict. Contrasting public(s) views against those of managers highlighted situations whereby problems might occur. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.

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Information quantity and communication effectiveness: Low‐impact messages on wilderness trailside bulletin boards

Cited by 69 publications

References 8 publications

Impact of Trail-side Interpretive Signs on Visitor Knowledge

Impact of Trail-side Interpretive Signs on Visitor Knowledge

Visitor Attitudes Toward a Modified Natural Attraction

Differences in management action acceptability for coyotes in a National Park

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