Date of Graduation

2005

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

Committee Chair

Chad D. Pierskalla

Abstract

The typical visitor to the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area (NRA), within the Monongahela National Forest, WV, is 2 out of 3 times most likely a first time visitor (Siniscalchi, Pierskalla, and Selin, 2003). The NRA anticipates an additional increase of new visitors upon completion of Corridor H, a highway that will link the District of Columbia-metro area to tourism offerings of the NRA. The purpose of this study is to compare first time and repeat visitors’ first impressions of the Spruce-Knob Seneca Rocks NRA in order to develop interpretive themes that will highlight the offerings of the NRA. First impressions were collected (summer 2004), during a visitor survey for NRA management plan revision. Interpreting first impressions and visitor center data to develop interpretive themes details desired interpretive offerings, and increased opportunities for visitor center relevance for both first time and repeat visitors.

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