QUINCY, CA — Do you want to take a survey?
Beginning tomorrow, Tuesday, October 1, visitors to the Plumas National Forest may discover an opportunity to talk with a surveyor, answer some questions and share thoughts about their visitor experience on the forest.
This is the start of the National Visitor Use Monitoring Program survey, a year-long process that occurs on a five-year cycle on every national forest. Surveys will take place on the Plumas National Forest through September 30, 2025. They are being conducted in partnership with Chico State Enterprises.
Survey takers will be working in developed and dispersed recreation sites and along Forest Service roads throughout the Plumas National Forest. They will be wearing orange vests and generally near a sign that reads “Traffic Survey Ahead”. Surveys are conducted at various locations daily in all weather conditions.
“This is a great opportunity for those who enjoy recreating on the forest to have a conversation about their experiences,” said Acting Public Services Staff Officer Erika Brenzovich. “Although the survey is voluntary, we would appreciate visitors taking a few moments to participate. It’s important that we hear from local forest visitors as well as those from outside the area. And, even if you have taken the survey before, we would love to hear from you whenever you come across a survey taker in the forest to talk about your current visit!”
The survey gathers basic visitor information. All responses are anonymous and confidential – a name is not written anywhere on the survey. The basic interview lasts approximately 10 to 12 minutes, with some visitors asked a few additional questions which may take around 5 minutes more.
Questions visitors are asked include where they recreated on the forest, how many people they traveled with, how long they were on the forest, and how satisfied they are with the facilities and services provided.
Information collected through the surveys will be used as part of local planning on the Plumas National Forest, regional Forest Service planning, and even by Congress. The information also helps local communities with an interest in tourism and is an important resource for local organizations and partners with an interest in recreation.
For more information about the National Visitor Use Monitoring Program, please visit www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/nvum.
For more information on the Plumas National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/plumas, or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas.
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