Snowmobiling in the Adirondacks: A Questionnaire

NOTE: The following survey is purely hypothetical and was created as an example of a possible survey to be distributed to random participants. Please do not fill it out or try to submit it anywhere.

 

Background Information: 

     Adirondacks Park is a state forest that attracts numerous visitors for a wide range of activities. The increasing inflow has caused several unfortunate results including congestion, noise pollution, safety and health hazards, and extensive environmental damage. One factor said to contribute to these issues is snowmobile use in the area. This following survey attempts to address some of the issues related to snowmobiling in the Adirondacks and to assess the overall importance of these issues to both users and non-users of the park.

 

PART I: Demographic Information

                                       AGE:__________________             GENDER:__________________

                                       TOWN:________________             STATE:____________________

             OCCUPATION:_________________________        HOUSEHOLD INCOME:________________________

               

1. Do you own, or have you ever owned or rented, a snowmobile?___________________

        If Yes: a. How many days per year do you usually go snowmobiling? ___________________

                   b. Where do you normally go snowmobiling? (Please give town, state or park name)___________________

2. Have you ever been to the Adirondacks? For what reason?________________________________________________

3. Have you ever snowmobiling in the Adirondacks?________________________________________________________

 

PART II: Scenarios

Helpful Definitions

  Park Congestion:

Heavy Moderate Light
>10 groups* a day 2 to 10 groups a day <2 groups a day

*Group: One or more people, engaging in any activity, utilizing the same area of the park that you are using

 Snowmobile Congestion:

Heavy Moderate Light
>20 snowmobiles a day 5 to 20 snowmobiles a day <5 snowmobiles a day

Number of Trails:

Extensive Average Sparse
500 miles 250 miles 50 miles

 Permit Fees: the cost of operating a snowmobile in Adirondack Park for one season  

Quality of Trails:

Excellent Fair Poor
Well marked, good upkeep, no litter, flora and fauna in good condition (not trampled or damaged by human use) Sporadically marked, some litter, some flora and fauna damage by human use, average upkeep Trails not marked, heavy damage to flora and fauna, no sign of upkeep, littered

 

1. Based on the above definitions, please rate the following scenarios from one (least desirable) to ten (most desirable)

 

Rank Permit Fee Park Congestion Snowmobile Congestion Number of Trails Quality of Trails
  $0 High High Sparse Poor
  $15 Moderate High Average Fair
  $50 Light Moderate Extensive Excellent
  $75 Moderate Moderate Average Fair
  $100 Light Light Extensive Excellent

 

Helpful Definitions 2

Age Restriction: Sets a mandatory restriction on the legal operation age of snowmobilers

Snowmobile License: All snowmobile operators will be required to pass a test and be issued a license by the state

Speed Limit: A snowmobile speed limit (in mph) to be enforced on all trails

 

2.      Based on the above, please rate the following scenarios from one (least desirable) to ten (most desirable)

Rank Permit Fee Speed Limit Age Restriction Snowmobile License
  $0 35 18 no
  $15 55 16 yes
  $50 70 21 no
  $75 none 10 yes

  Thank you for filling out our survey! Together we are working to improve the safety and environment of Adirondack Park.

 

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