Evaluating Effectiveness of Visitor Use Management
by The Interagency Visitor Use Management Council
Visitor use management is fundamental for maximizing benefits for visitors while
protecting resources and high-quality visitor experiences on federally managed lands
and waters. Monitoring is an essential part of managing visitor use, as it provides
feedback for managers to evaluate the effectiveness of management actions in
achieving and maintaining desired conditions. Monitoring is the process of routinely
and systematically gathering information or making observations to assess the status
of specific resource conditions and visitor experiences.
This monitoring guidebook, in combination with the “Visitor Use Management
Framework,” is intended to (1) help managers select a focused set of indicators
and establish triggers, thresholds, and objectives that are relevant, cost effective, and tied to achieving and maintaining desired conditions; (2) develop a monitoring strategy to routinely and systematically collect data to assess any changes in conditions over time; and (3) use the data collected to assess whether
changes in management actions are needed. Indicators, triggers, thresholds, and
objectives should provide useful information to inform decisions about visitor use
management, and a monitoring strategy should be designed so that a consistent
effort to gather information can be sustained over time. As in the framework, the
sliding scale of analysis is discussed throughout this monitoring guidebook to ensure
the investment of time, money, and other resources for a project is commensurate
with the complexity of the project and the consequences of the decision. This
guidebook expands on the framework and is intended to be adaptable to
different agencies’ regulations and policies, as well as different project scales or
analysis areas.
Attached document published June 2019
Published June 2019
The Interagency Visitor Use Management Council consists of representatives from each agency:
Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Department of the Interior
Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce
National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Department of Defense
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of the Interior
Technical advisors from the six agencies - as well as from the U.S. Geologic Survey, U.S. Department of the Interior - also contribute to the activities of the council.
Visit The Interagency Visitor Use Management Council
Recorded webinars that you might like
Moab Trail Ambassador Program: Education and Promotion of Responsible Recreation
Apr 2, 2026
An in-depth exploration of the key components involved in creating and managing a Trail Ambassador Program.
Powersports Industry Provides Free "Safe and Responsible Use" Tools and Messaging
Aug 14, 2025
Learn about the many ways you can help promote OHV safety and responsible riding practices on trails and the resources that are available to OHV enthusiasts.
EXPLORE ACT Outdoor Accessibility Implementation
posted Feb 17, 2026
Last year, Congress passed the EXPLORE Act, the most comprehensive outdoor recreation legislation in history.
Engagement with Parks Report 2025
posted Dec 17, 2025
This report provides evidence that the U.S. public strongly supports and values the spaces, activities, and services that parks and recreation provide to communities.
Outdoor Participation Trends Report 2025
posted Dec 15, 2025
For over 15 years, the Outdoor Participation Trends Report has served as the most trusted and comprehensive source of insights and narratives around who’s doing what, when, and how outdoors.
Equine Trail Easements: The Good, the Bad and the Muddy
posted Nov 1, 2025
This article provides a good basic overview for anyone interested in learning more about how trail easements can support equestrian access.
