Understanding Attitudes and Support for Leave No Trace: Informing Communication Strategies With Frontcountry State Park Visitors

This study examined frontcountry state park visitors' attitudes toward and support for common Leave No Trace practices. Understanding state park visitors' attitudes toward Leave No Trace practices and support of the program can inform the development of effective educational communication strategies and specific messaging, for park and protected area managers to address and potentially reduce recreation-related impacts. Data were collected through on-site surveys administered to visitors in three Wyoming state park units. Results indicate that while there are statistical differences among park visitors' attitudes, a uniform approach to Leave No Trace-based communication strategies in state parks may be effective at minimizing depreciative behavior in these parks and in other protected areas.