WILLIAMS — Between October 1, 2024 and September 30, 2025 members of the public may encounter contract employees conducting surveys on the Kaibab National Forest in developed and dispersed recreation sites and along forest roads. Information gathered informs future forest management.
The National Visitor Use Monitoring (NVUM) survey is conducted every five years and provides an estimate of how many people recreate on the forest, what activities they engage in while there, and how satisfied people were with their visit. Economic impact to the local economy is also captured in the survey. This information is useful for forest planning as well as local community tourism planning.
Surveyors will be out in all types of weather conditions, wearing bright orange vests, and will be near a sign that says, “Traffic Survey Ahead.”
Surveys are voluntary and all responses are confidential. Names are not included. Interviews last about 10 minutes. Interviewers will ask for information such as where you recreated on the forest, how many people traveled with you, how long you were on the forest, what other recreation sites you visited while on the forest, and how satisfied you are with the facilities and services provided. About a third of the visitors will be asked to complete a confidential survey on recreation spending during their trip.
All members of the public – locals and out-of-area visitors – are encouraged to participate to ensure all types of visitors are represented.
Additional information about the National Visitor Use Monitoring program, including reports and results from previous surveys, can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/nvum
General information about the forest can be found on the Kaibab NF website, X, Facebook, Flickr, or by calling the local ranger stations.