Glendo State Park Interpretive Master Plan

Glendo State Park
Interpretive Master Plan
Prepared by Wells Resources, Inc.
in collaboration with
Wyoming Division of State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails
January 15, 2013
1
Glendo State Park Interpretive Master Plan
Chapter 1. Situation and Need…………………………………………………..4
1.1. Background (p.4)
1.2. Need for this Interpretive Plan (p.4)
1.3. Purpose and Goals of this Plan (p.5)
1.4. Desired Impact of Planning Effort (p.7)
1.5. Planning Considerations (p.8)
Chapter 2. Resources and Facilities – Supply Inventory and Analysis….…...10
2.1. Organization of Park Personnel (p.10)
2.2. Partners and Stakeholders (p.11)
2.3. Inventory of Current Site Resources and Facilities (p.12)
2.3.1. Natural Resources (p.12)
2.3.2. Historic and Cultural Resources (p.15)
2.3.3. Glendo Dam and Power Plant Facilities (p.15)
2.3.4. Recreation Resources and Facilities (p.17)
2.4. Management Issues (p.22)
2.4.1. Natural Resource Issues (p.22)
2.4.2. Recreation Issues (p.22)
2.5. Existing Interpretive Educational Media, Staffing, and Resources (p.24)
2.5.1. Interpretive Signs and Waysides (p,24)
2.5.2. Interpretive Trails (p.27)
2.5.3. Publications and Printed Material (p.29)
2.5.4. Interpretive Programs (p.30)
2.5.5. Interpretive Staffing (p.30)
2.5.6. Website (p,30)
2.6. Water and Land Recreation Opportunity Spectrum Inventory (p.33)
Chapter 3. Visitor Use and Recreation – Demand Inventory and Analysis…38
3.1. Visitor Use Data and Information - General Management Plan (p.38)
3.2. Visitor Use Data and Information - SPHST Visitor Studies 2009-2010 (p.39)
3.2.1. General Visitor Descriptions (p.39)
3.2.2. Recreation Behaviors of Park Visitors (p.40)
3.2.3. Visitor Perceptions of Management Activities (p.42)
3.2.4. Narrative Visitor Comments by Season (p.43)
3.3. Other Park-Specific Visitor Information (p.47)
3.3.1. Glendo Reservoir Fishing Tournament Data (p.47)
3.3.2. Frequently Asked Questions (from Park Staff) (p.48)
3.4. Visitor Use Data and Information - 2009-2013 Wyoming SCORP (p.49)
3.5. National Outdoor Recreation Trends (p.51)
3.6. The Outdoor Industry Economy (p.53)
2
Chapter 4. Themes and Visitor Experiences………………………………….54
4.1. Themes and Main Messages (p.54)
4.2. Vision for the Visitor Experience (p.55)
4.3. Institutional Philosophies Related to I/E Provisions (p.57)
4.4.1. On Technology (p.57)
4.4.2. On Positive Approaches for Interpreting Rules and Regulations (p.58)
Chapter 5. Interpretive Alternatives and Recommendations………………..59
5.1. Decision Criteria and Summary of Recommendations (p.59)
5.1.1. On Becoming Visitor Centric (p.61)
5.1.2. Proposed Facility Hierarchy (p.61)
5.2. Elaborated Recommendations – First Priority (p.62)
5.3. Elaborated Recommendations – Second Priority (p.93)
5.4. Elaborated Recommendations – Third Priority (p.104)
5.5. 5-year Sequencing Table (p.111)
Appendices …………………………………………………………………….112
Appendix A. References (p.112)
Appendix B. Literature Review on Positive Approaches to Rules and Regulations (p.113)
Appendix C. Literature Review on Trash and Litter Education and Interpretation (p.125)
Appendix D. Critical Appraisal of Website Information related to Glendo State Park (p.136)
Appendix E. Site Map Options for Website Upgrade (p.143)
Acknowledgements……………………………………………………………..146
WALROS Addendum…………………….……………….. Separate Document
Acronyms Used in this Plan
ACOE – Army Corps of Engineers
BOR – Bureau of Reclamation
ISG – Interpretive Services Guidelines (written by SPHST)
ISP – Interpretive Services Program (developed and managed by SPHST)
LEO – Law Enforcement Officer
SOAR – SPHST Strategic Plan
SPCR – (Wyoming) State Parks and Cultural Resources
SPHST – (Wyoming) State Parks, Historic Sites, and Trails
UNESCO – United Nations Environmental, Scientific, and Culture Organization
WALROS – Water and Land Recreation Opportunity Spectrum
WGFD – Wyoming Game and Fish Department
3
Chapter 1. Situation and Need
1.1. Background
Glendo State Park is a 22,562 acre state park located in Platte County of southwest Wyoming.
The centerpiece of the Park is Glendo Dam and Reservoir. Glendo Dam was constructed
between 1954 and 1957 as part of the North Platte River Decree of 1945. Today, the Dam and
Reservoir are managed by the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) to provide irrigation, power
generation, flood control, fish and wildlife enhancement, recreation, sediment retention,
pollution abatement, and water quality improvement for the municipal and industrial water
supply in the North Platte River Valley.
Wyoming Division of State Parks, Historic Sites, and Trails (SPHST) in the Department of State
Parks and Cultural Resources (SPCR) is the recreation management partner through a
memorandum of understanding with the Bureau of Reclamation for the Glendo Dam and
Reservoir and the manager of the State Park. The mission of SPHST in managing the State Park
is to protect and enhance the natural and cultural environment by providing enjoyable,
educational, and inspiring experiences for present and future generations (SOAR, 2011). The
park provides visitor opportunities for fishing, camping, picnicking, boating, watersports,
hunting, biking, hiking, and viewing nature. Most of the recreation use at the park (boating,
fishing, and camping) occurs between May and September each year.
Strategic planning goals and objectives for the Division are outlined in SOAR 2021 Wyoming
State Parks, Historic Sites, and Trails Strategic Plan. Management Guidelines for Glendo State
Park specifically are provided by the 2004 Resource Management Plan and Glendo State Park
Master Plan.
1.2. Need for this Interpretive Plan
To date, there is no Park-specific guidance for interpretation at Glendo; that is, this park has
never had an interpretive plan to guide its interpretive and education efforts. However, in 2012,
SPHST revised its prior 2002 Interpretive Services Program (ISP) and developed Interpretive
Services Guidelines (ISG). The 2012 two-volume Program and Guidelines defines interpretation
and interpretive planning, describes the Interpretive Services Program for the Division, and
provides general direction and guidance for planning and developing interpretive programs and
services.
Furthermore, the notions of recreation and stewardship are included in the following missions
and goals of the State Park suggesting that communicating with and educating State Park visitors
to Glendo State Park is important.

SPCR Department Mission: to contribute to the quality of life in Wyoming and provide the
states’ citizens and visitors with enriched and well-rounded lives by enjoying the state’s arts,
parks, and history.

SPHST Division Mission: to protect and enhance the natural and cultural environment by
providing enjoyable, educational and inspiring experiences for present and future
generations.
4

SOAR Strategic Plan Experience Resources Goal: to provide outreach that fosters public
awareness, knowledge, appreciation, volunteerism and stewardship of the SPHST’s
recreational, cultural natural, scenic, and scientific assets
o Objective 1. Maintain and develop interpretive and educational services based on best
professional practices.
o Objective 2: Provide facilities, opportunities, and events for children and the public
which connect to and encourage an appreciation for the benefits of time in nature.
o Objective 3: Market, promote, and foster an appreciation for SPHST’s cultural, natural
recreational, scenic, and scientific resources and opportunities.
o Objective 4: Enhance all customer services and promote a visitor-friendly atmosphere
throughout all parks, historic sites, and trails.

SPHST Interpretive Services Program Mission: to provide opportunities for all visitors to
forge deeper and more meaningful connections to Wyoming - it’s past, present, and future.
Finally, recent figures indicate that the Park now hosts over 200K visitors each year (a gradual
increase from about 75K in 1981) who come to boat, fish, camp, hike, and hunt. Recently, the
Park has developed some new campgrounds with associated facilities (bathrooms, fire rings, and
picnic tables) in some of the higher use areas of the Park, and the park is interested in
diversifying the use at the Park to meet recreation trends and to better allocate use across the
Park. As visitation to the Park increases so do the challenges that come with increasing and
diversifying use. Therefore, deliberate and intentional interpretive planning is befitting this park
at this time to help guide communication with visitors to the Park about both the opportunities
and responsibilities for its use, but also to aid in the management of Park resources.
1.3. Purpose and Goals of this Plan
In light of the new guidance provided in the 2012 Interpretive Services Program and Guidelines,
SPHST is interested in eventually developing interpretive plans for each of its facilities including
historic sites, archeology or petroglyph sites, museums, state parks, recreation areas, and trail
systems. Although there are already some interpretive plans in place at other State Park sites
(e.g., Legend Rock, South Pass City, Curt Gowdy), Glendo State Park is the first BOR site to
develop an interpretive master plan where Reclamation will be considered a partner and
stakeholder in the plan. In addition, SPHST is interested in developing a model planning
approach to complete interpretive plans at other State Park units as resources are made available.
Therefore, the overall purpose of this plan is to provide systematic and deliberate direction for
interpretive services at Glendo State Park and to serve as a model plan for similar SPHST
facilities. The specific goals of this plan are to:

Provide an organized and written inventory of (a) resources, staffing, supplies and materials
pertinent to interpretation and education at the Park, and (b) audience or visitor demand for
such programs and services;

Define desired themes and visitor experiences within the Park;
5

Provide specific phased and prioritized recommendations for interpretive services as current
and future funding allows related to the Division’s mission and commensurate with the
management goals of the Park; and

Inform and guide decision-making regarding interpretive and educational efforts for the park
including new services, upgrade of existing services, or removal of existing services.
Key concepts to be used throughout this plan are defined as follows:
Interpretive Planning is the deliberate and systematic process for thinking about, deciding on,
and recording in a written format or plan, educational and interpretive initiatives for the purpose
of facilitating meaningful and impactful experiences for visitors, learning institutions, and
communities (Wells, et.al, 2012).
Interpretive Services are the tangible results of an interpretive planning effort which include
personal (facilitated by a person), non-personal (self-guided by visitor), and technological (webbased or electronic) media and programs. This may include, but is not limited to signs, exhibits,
and printed publications such as maps or brochures; activities, events, or programs hosted by the
Park; and websites, webcams, or social media applications.
For the purpose of this plan, interpretive services will include interpretive media and programs,
environmental education, and orientation and wayshowing as defined below.

According to the UNESCO1, environmental education is a learning process that increases
people’s knowledge and awareness about the environment and associated challenges,
develops the necessary skills and expertise to address the challenges, and fosters attitudes,
motivations, and commitments to make informed decisions and take responsible action
(1978). Although this definition applies to teaching and learning in all settings (in and
outside of a formal school system), many natural resources agencies, delimit environmental
education to curriculum-based teaching about the environment in the public school system.

For the purposes of this plan, the UNESCO definition will apply so that both
interpretive services and environmental education will be available to all visitors to
Glendo State Park regardless of whether they arrive as individuals, families, or school
groups. When program or activities are recommended specifically for school groups
(e.g., field trips, school activities or outreach), every attempt will be made to correlate
topics to the appropriate content standards for the State of Wyoming. Otherwise, the
intent of education about the environment recommended in this plan will be targeted at
all visitors and will aim to enhance awareness, knowledge, and responsible actions
toward nature and the environment. Orientation and Wayshowing is the assistance
that agencies offer to visitors so their wayfinding problem solving can be successful;
this can include maps, directional signs, written or internet instructions, and/or
personal help. Wayfinding is the problem solving that visitors do to successfully find
their way or follow a route and arrive at their destination whether that is a park,
campground area, bathroom, marina, or the Park exit.
1
The world's first intergovernmental conference on environmental education was organized by the United Nations
Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in cooperation with the U.N. Environment Program
(UNEP), convened in Tbilisi, Georgia (USSR) in 1977. This EE definition was an outcome of this conference.
6
Interpretation as a Management Tool is the concept of using interpretation to help accomplish
management objectives by developing specific and measurable outcomes associated with
awareness, learning, affect, and behavior of visitors and related to issues such as boating or water
safety, site protection, hiking safety, trail stewardship, litter/trash reduction, and so forth.
Finally, SPHST has developed two documents that outline a framework for planning and
implementation of interpretive services for the agency. These documents were referenced
throughout this planning process.


Interpretive Services Program (ISP) defines terms and interpretive planning and interpretive
services for the agency.
Interpretive Services Guidelines (ISG) describes project design, development, and evaluation
considerations.
1.4. Desired Impact of Planning Effort
Glendo State Park has traditionally been viewed as a place for water-based recreation. The staff
strives to provide for a quality outdoor recreational experience for the visitor while also ensuring
resource protection and visitor safety. Toward this end, and based on the notion that part of the
purpose of this plan will be employing interpretation as a management strategy, the following
outcomes are designed to capture the collective impact of this planning effort.
Desired Resource Outcomes:
The overall desired resource outcome for this plan is that a decrease in overall maintenance and
law enforcement incidences will be realized concurrent with and subsequent to the
implementation of the plan. Year to year uncertainties preclude a high level of precision in
setting more specific outcomes, however, as the recommendations of this plan are implemented,
it may be desirable to develop outcome statements related to trash removal, operation and
maintenance (O&M), law enforcement, and natural resource condition to track and monitor
progress.
Desired Visitor Outcomes:
The overall desired visitor impact for this plan is that visitors will exhibit responsible, respectful,
and stewardship behaviors with regard to other recreationists and to the natural and cultural
resources of the Park. More specifically, desired visitor outcomes include the following:

Recreation Opportunity Choices: Prior to and/or during their on-site visit, visitors will make
informed choices about the myriad of diverse recreational opportunities (water-based and
land-based) available at Glendo State Park. Available recreational opportunities include
boating and fishing, but also hiking and walking, swimming, mountain biking, nature
exploration and discovery, wildlife photography, picnicking, and relaxing outdoors.

Quality Recreation Experiences: Regardless their choice of recreation activity, visitors will
experience a quality recreation experience that is enhanced by the natural and scenic beauty
of the Park, the availability and condition of recreation facilities, the availability of
information and staff, and the behavior of other visitors.
7

Stewardship Responsibility: Visitors will describe their role as stewards of this Park and will
realize their responsibility to help keep the place clean, safe, and enjoyable for all users.
Visitors will act in concert with this responsibility during (and hopefully after) their visit.

Learning Opportunities: Visitors will demonstrate their knowledge about this place as it
relates to the significant natural resources (predominate flora and fauna), a general history of
the area, general management of the area (by Reclamation and SPHST), and the importance
of the Dam and Reservoir in a larger ecosystem and watershed.
1.5. Planning Considerations
The process and outputs of this plan are consistent with the Interpretive Services Program and
Guidelines developed by SPHST (2012). The planning process was a collaborative effort
between the contracted interpretive planner and SPHST staff. Engagement by additional staff
and local or regional stakeholders was included throughout the process to ground the plan in a
local and regional context. Audiences for the plan and assumptions for planning are described
below.
Audiences for this plan include but are not limited to:

SPSHT staff for implementing and managing the recommendations of the plan.

Glendo and proximal community residents (e.g., Douglas, Wheatland, Guernsey, Orin,
Hartville) and/or other Park partners who have a vested interest in the uses and stewardship
of park resources, and in the importance of the Park to the local and regional economy.

Potential contractors who may bid on design, develop, or implement the work proposed in
this plan.

SPHST staff that may be interested or involved in subsequent interpretive planning for other
units of the Division.
Limitations and assumptions of this plan include the following:

There was no primary data collection completed for either the supply or demand inventories,
although a variety of secondary data sources (printed and online) were used in an effort to
paint a fairly thorough picture of both supply and demand.

The analysis and conclusions drawn from the secondary data sources cited in this plan (e.g.,
2009-10 Visitor Survey Reports) draws from those written sources as is. For example, the
data about what types of technology-based services visitors would like to have available
provided a list of choices. Visitor responses to this inquiry are an indication of preference
among limited choices rather than a spontaneous indication of need or desire. These data are
useful for comparison across Parks, but they may not give Glendo a good indication of actual
demand for technology at this Park.

Inventory and analysis of this plan were limited to the Park and its immediate environs. A
broader regional analysis was not conducted to examine resources or demand. However, to
8
the degree possible, inventory information was gleaned from state and national sources to
suggest a broader context.

Other than what was included in the 2004 General Management Plan for the Park, no
additional future demand was researched. Future demand for recreation in general and for
outdoor recreation activities specifically is not well-documented for Wyoming (i.e, the
SCORP Report) or for the Park (GMP). This may be something that SPHST might want to
strengthen in the future.

There is limited data in the Wyoming SCORP and in the 2004 GMP that segregates outdoor
recreation by activity (e.g., fishing, picnicking, biking) and, though various activity types are
addressed in the Visitor Surveys (2009-10 winter and summer), that data was gathered only
as it relates to current participation; not satisfaction, desirability, future demand, level of
participation, and so forth. Implications for interpretation presented in this plan are based
accordingly only on the data as it exists and, in some cases, anecdotal information from Park
staff.
9
Chapter 2. Resources and Facilities – Supply Inventory and Analysis
This portion of the plan summarizes the current status of resources relevant to this planning
effort, including park personnel and stakeholders (Sections 2.1 and 2.2); natural, cultural, and
recreation resources and facilities (Section 2.3); current management issues (Section 2.4); and
current interpretive media, programs, and resources (Section 2.5). Some of the resource
inventory, particularly Section 2.3, borrows from material in the 2004 Resource Management
Plan, but as appropriate, that information has been significantly abridged here to provide a
relevant summary for interpretive and educational purposes.
This chapter also includes a Water and Land Recreation Opportunity Spectrum Inventory of the
Reservoir (Section 2.6). This is the first time an inventory of this kind has been included in an
interpretive plan. The intent is to consider the reservoir and surrounding shoreline resources
from both the management and the visitor perspective, so that these perspectives might also help
inform decisions about interpretation and education initiatives.
Throughout this chapter, boxed analysis narrative (in blue) discusses the relevance of the
inventory to planning for interpretation and education. These analyses are intended to help link,
in thought, deliberation, and writing, the (eventual) recommendation of this plan to its goals and
intended outcomes.
2.1. Organization of Park Personnel
Glendo State Park is one of 40 units (parks, historic sites, archeological sites, recreation areas
and museums) managed by the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. At
the Park level, the following organizational chart summarizes staffing. During the summer
months, Park staff swells by approximately 15-20 seasonal employees.
10
2.2. Partners and Stakeholders
Although Glendo is located in a fairly remote part of Wyoming, several organizations, agencies,
and groups have a stake in the management and future of Glendo Reservoir and State Park. They
include the following.
Glendo and Immediate Area Stakeholders
 Marina Operator
 City Government officials of Glendo but also Wheatland, Douglas, Glenrock, nearby private
landowners
 Proximal business owners
County, Region, and State Partners and Stakeholders
 County Government officials of Platte County but also Converse, Niobrara, Goshen,
Laramie, and Albany Counties
 Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD)
 Wyoming Office of Tourism (WOT)
 Wyoming State Forestry Division (WSFD)
 Platte County Weed and Pest Control
 Wyoming Parks and Recreation Association (WPRA)
Federal Agency Partners
 Bureau of Reclamation Great Plains Region-Mills Office
 U.S. Army Corp of Engineers
 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Affinity Group Partners
 International Mountain Biking Association (www.imba.com)
 American Boating Association (www.americanboating.org)
Local Schools and Education Facilities
 Platte County School Districts (2) - 13 schools (~2,000 students in elementary to high
school).
 Converse County School Districts (2)
Douglas = 1680 students (3 ES, 1 MS, 1 HS, 6 rural schools)
Glenrock = 800 students (1ES, 1MS, 1HS)
 Adult community education program is offered in Wheatland, Douglas (Eastern Wyoming
College) and Glenrock.
Analysis – Staffing and Stakeholders
Currently, there are no staff positions at the Park specifically dedicated to interpretation or
education, although when staffed, the fee booth provides verbal and written information to all
visitors. In addition, visitors can ask questions and get information at the Park Headquarters
building during working hours or from Park staff working in the field. Visitors also have access
to printed materials and information at the entrance area when fee booth is not staffed or there is
11
no one at the headquarters building. Clearly, in order to (a) reframe recreational experience to
include other than solely water-based recreation, (b) address current resource and recreation
management issues (see Section 2.4), and (c) gradually adjust the attitudes and behaviors of
current visitors (See Section 3.1), personnel and intention for deliberate interpretation and
education (I/E) will need to be addressed. This may involve developing a Park-specific
philosophy about I/E and defining the role of I/E in the visitor experience at the Park. It may
also mean additional staff and/or redirecting staff responsibilities to I/E. Commensurate training
opportunities for staff and resources for an I/E program will be important. Also, creating new
and creative partnership with local and regional organizations and entities should be considered.
2.3. Inventory of Current Site Resources and Facilities
2.3.1. Natural Resources
Geology and topography: The land area of Glendo State Park equals 10,197acres and is
comprised of flat-topped uplands, narrow gorges, and high plains/forests. Elevations range from
4,500 at the River below the dam to 5,085 at Elkhorn Mountain. The North Platte River cuts a
narrow gorge through millions of years of geological strata (particularly at Red Canyon, Platte
River Canyon, and the Dam site) leaving flat-topped uplands on either side. Primary geological
formations of the area include the following (in rough stratigraphic order).
Formation
Cloverly Formation
(previously Dakota
Formation)
Morrison Formation
(fertile dinosaur rocks)
Sundance Formation
Age
late Jurassic or early
Crustaceous (~144130mya)
late Jurassic (~150144mya)
mid to late Jurassic
(~200-150mya)
Description
rusty sand stone on top
variegated clay stone
chert-pebble conglomerate
variegated clay stone
limestone
red/grey sandstone and shale
grey and buff sandstone
Vegetation: A diversity of grasses, shrubs, forbs, and trees are found at Glendo State Park.
Montane forests of Ponderosa Pine and Rocky Mountain juniper with open prairies occupy the
higher elevations of the Park, for example, at Two Moon Campground and intermittently along
the road to Sandy Beach. These forested areas also contain some Limber pine and several
mountain shrubs such as mountain mahogany, rabbit brush, big sage, wild rose, and skunk bush.
The shorelines of the reservoir are populated with large narrow leaf cottonwood trees and an
occasional understory of Russian olive, green ash, peach leaf willow and buffalo berry that help
stabilize sandy areas.
Wetlands are found in the Muddy Bay area and below the dam. At the former area, Muddy
Creek and Willow Creek flow through the area forming wetlands with both native and nonnative species. The wetlands below the dam were created in 1992-93 when a low flow outlet was
created to remedy a design deficiency of the dam from its original construction in the mid1950’s. At the time of original construction, little attention was paid to the environmental
consequences of the stretch of river below the dam. The low flow outlet project helped create
the Glendo Dam Wetland in the 2 mile stretch below the dam to provide a reliable water source
12
for fisheries and wildlife between Glendo Dam and Guernsey Reservoir. An existing interpretive
trail encourages visitor use of the area, however no boating, off-road vehicle use, hunting, or
camping is allowed in the area (see more below under Recreation Resources).
Watershed and Water: The water for Glendo Reservoir collects from the North Platte River
basin, a 15,500 square mile watershed that encompasses ten counties in Wyoming and Colorado.
The source of the North Platte River is in Jackson County, Colorado (see map). The North Platte
River flows through Colorado, Wyoming (where it captures snowmelt from the Laramie
Mountains) and Nebraska before it confluences with the South Platte River to form the Platte
River at North Platte, Nebraska. The Platte River then flows into the Missouri River which
eventually flows into the Atlantic Gulf by way of the Mississippi River.
When full, the surface area of the Glendo reservoir is 12,365 acres (i.e., the conservation pool) .
The highest monthly flows into the reservoir occur May through August. The highest discharges
from the reservoir occur in July and August to meet irrigation demands downstream. Water in
the reservoir also provides power and opportunities for recreation (see sections below).
Wildlife: Predominate big game wildlife in the Glendo Reservoir area include elk, deer (mule
deer which are abundant throughout the Park and white-tailed that are less common but
sometimes found in riparian areas), and pronghorn (mostly in rangeland areas). The soil types of
the North Platte Drainage support a diverse mix of shrubs and forbs that make particularly good
winter range for mule deer. In addition, the conifer cover on high plateaus provide thermal cover
for deer and antelope.
Small wildlife species include cottontail rabbits and fox squirrels; predatory animals such as
coyotes, jackrabbits, porcupines, raccoons, red fox, and skunks; and small rodents such as
chipmunk, Richardson’s ground squirrel, white-tailed prairie dog, Ord’s kangaroo rat, bush13
tailed wood rat, and deer mouse. Badger, bobcat, mink, beaver and muskrat also reside in the
area; the latter two often in the aquatic habitats of the areas.
Numerous waterfowl and aquatic birds (some of which are migratory) use the reservoir year
round. Resident species include blue-wing teal, gadwall, American widgeon, mergansers,
mallards, and Canada geese. Upland game birds, including pheasants, sage grouse, sharp-tailed
grouse, wild turkey, chukar, Hungarian partridge, bobwhite quail, and mourning doves inhabit
the area. Pheasants who occupy the Muddy Bay area and the northern reaches of the reservoir
are sometimes released for fall hunting.
Common raptors of the area include osprey, red-tailed hawks, Swainson’s hawk, prairie falcons,
American kestrels, ferruginous hawk, golden eagles, turkey vultures, great-horned owls, and
rough-legged hawk (in winter). Some of the steep canyon walls provide good shelter and nesting
areas for these raptors, and the agricultural crop lands and North Platte drainage ecosystems
provide adequate sources for food.
Numerous other species of non-game birds (e.g., blackbirds, sparrows, chickadees, gulls,
sandpipers, larks, heron, robins) reside here or migrate through the area due to the variety of
attractive habitat (snags, riparian areas, open water, forests, grasslands and streams).
Common reptiles and amphibians of the area include tiger salamander, leopard frog, sagebrush
lizard, bull/gopher snake, common garter snake, turtle, and prairie rattlesnake.
Abundant fish species include walleye (non-native species but now the main draw for fishermen
to Glendo), yellow perch, channel catfish, emerald Shiner, gizzard shad, and spottail sucker.
Common species include common carp, fathead minnow, quillback, sand shiner, white sucker,
and northern redhorse sucker. Uncommon species include black and white crappie, rainbow and
brown trout, largemouth bass, green sunfish, Iowa and Johnny darter, longnose sucker, red
shiner, river carpsucker, brook stickleback, and black bullhead. The fluctuations in flow of the
North Platte are not particularly good for trout but the river provides sufficient cover for fish
spawning. Wyoming Game and Fish stock the reservoir each year in October with channel
catfish and tiger muskie.
By mission, Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) protects the wild mammals, birds,
fish, amphibians, and reptiles in the Park. All wildlife are considered property of the State of
Wyoming. Hunters and fishermen must obtain proper permits from WGF to hunt wildlife or to
fish in the reservoir or streams, as they are the authority who designates hunting areas and
seasons (e.g., deer antelope, small and upland game, migratory birds, and waterfowl). WGFD
also supplements law enforcement at the Park and they regulate and enforces boating laws.
Threatened and Endangered Species (T&E): Three federally listed T&E species and one species
for listing may be found in and around the reservoir. They include the black-footed ferret
(endangered), Preble’s meadow jumping mouse (threatened), and Ute ladies’ tresses
(threatened), and mountain plover (proposed). The bald eagle was previously listed as a
threatened species but has since been delisted. The black-tailed prairie dog is also a candidate
species that has been seen in the area. Finally, several other flora and fauna species, threatened
or endangered elsewhere (primarily in central Nebraska) may be affected by water depletions of
the Platte River watershed. These include, the whooping crane, interior least tern, piping plover,
pallid sturgeon, Eskimo curlew, and western prairie fringed orchid.
14
Cattle Grazing: Some livestock grazing of the grasslands at Glendo State Park is permitted by
Reclamation through an agreement with SPHST. Most grazing occurs between April 1 st and
June 15th each year.
Non-Native Plants of Management Concern: Non-native plants including goat heads or puncture
vine, Russian thistle, and cheat grass are species of management concern. Puncture vine is a
concern on at least one trail and is potentially spread to other areas by bikes/trail users. Off road
use can also encourage the spread of these plants of concern.
2.3.2. Historic/Cultural Resources
Human occupation likely extends back at least 10,000 years in the area in and around the current
reservoir. Prehistoric archaeological sites in the area suggest probably nomadic high plains
hunter and gatherer lifestyles; nomads who had stone tool production capabilities using nearby
cherts and quartzites. A site called Spanish Diggings, in Niobrara County, just northeast of
Glendo is known for high quality rock that may have been a quarry or lithic source site for early
humans in the area. Some archeological and historic sites identified in earlier surveys (e.g. the
1946-47 Smithsonian’s Missouri Valley Project, River Basin Surveys) were inundated by the
reservoir when the dam was built. More recently, several areas (approximately 8,125 acres)
around the Glendo Reservoir perimeter have been surveyed for prehistoric archeological
remains. The current management goal is to avoid disturbing potential sites by developing
recreation facilities away from the most sensitive areas. The challenge is that the highest
potential for prehistoric archeological sites is in the Holocene soils (up to 12,000 years ago), and
these soils can be found throughout the Park.
More recent evidence of human uses in the park vicinity include emigrant trails that follow the
North Platte River (e.g., branches of the Oregon, Mormon, and California Trails), homesteads,
grave sites, telegraph lines, and trash scatters nearby. The Bridger’s Ferry site which was
established in 1864 is located north of the reservoir at Orin Junction. At this time there is
nothing in the Park that has National Register of Historic Places designation although, because
the Glendo Dam is over 50 years old, the dam and dikes are considered historic structures.
2.3.3. Glendo Dam and Power Plant Facilities
Glendo Dam is an earth fill structure on the North Platte River southeast of Glendo.
Specifications of the dam include the following:
Dam height
Length along crest
Reservoir length
Maximum Water Surface2
Reservoir capacity – flood pool
190 feet (see below)
2,096 feet
14 miles long
1,118,653 acre feet;
4,669 elevation
789,402 acre feet; 4,653
elevation
2
Data for maximum water surface, flood pool, conservation pools, and inactive conservation pool were obtained
from Bureau of Reclamation website: “Glendo Reservoir Allocations”.
15
Reservoir capacity – conservation pool
Reservoir capacity – recreation pool
Reservoir Capacity – inactive conservation
pool
Reservoir sediment capacity
Diversion tunnel to power plant
Power plant electrical capacity
517,485 acre feet;
4,635 elevation
517,485 acre feet:
4,637 elevation
52,115 acre feet’
4,545 elevation
115,000 acre feet (100
year accumulation
2,100 feet long (21 feet
in diameter)
19,000 kilowatts
Definitions of active reservoir capacities are as follows:
 Flood Pool: The original authorized use of the Glendo Dam is flood control and so the flood
pool is water stored in the reservoir above what is considered “normal” level. The flood pool
at Glendo is the water surface at an elevation ranging from 4,635 feet above sea level (ASL)
to the spillway level at 4,653 feet ASL.
 Conservation Pool: the main body of water in the reservoir used for irrigation, power
generation, and recreation. At Glendo, the conservation pool is a water surface at an
elevation of 4,570 feet ASL to 4,635 feet ASL.
 Recreation Pool: adequate water in the reservoir to operate motorized watercraft safely and
to launch a boat from the established boat launch sites. At Glendo, the recreation pool is the
water surface at an elevation ranging from 4,568 feet ASL to 4,637 feet ASL which fully
includes the range of the conservation pool (above).
Currently, a project funded by Reclamation’s “Safety of Dams Program” is underway to help
divert water flow from large run offs. The project was catalyzed by a flood incident at the Park in
2010. The dam safety project will add spillway structures, raise the dikes 6 feet, and raise the
dam height three feet.
One webcam with six presets (of the dam and areas nearby) is located between the Headquarters
and Two Moon campground.
Analysis – Natural and Cultural Resources of the Park (including the Dam and Power Plant
facilities)
Early definitions of interpretation (e.g., Tilden, 1957) focused on helping visitors see,
experience, and understand the natural and cultural resources of our open lands and natural
spaces through first-hand and relevant experiences. In recent decades however, the purposes of
interpretation have expanded to include using interpretation as a management tool – a tool by
which resource managers can communicate with visitors about resource issues and interpret how
visitors can help steward resources. Given the resource situation at Glendo, the Park has an ideal
opportunity to employ this expanded definition of interpretation.
For example, water in the west is a challenging and contentious topic – one that will endure into
the foreseeable future. Recognizing that Glendo Dam and reservoir are part of the North Platte
River watershed (and, in turn, the greater Platte River watershed) has potential for multiple
messages about water use, water law, water in the West, water quality, water conservation,
watersheds (and their protection and management), and water recreation. Watersheds are one
16
environmental feature that link people, processes, and products together. Watersheds are
borderless although they can be political – which is always stimulating when interpreted well. In
this case, watershed has potential as a unifying theme for I/E at this park as it is tied to geology,
flora and fauna, the dam and power plant, and it presents a multi-faceted concept to which every
visitor can relate in some way.
In addition, it is essential that the water levels at the reservoir be interpreted. Beyond recreation,
Glendo reservoir serves at least three additional purposes that affect people within the watershed
and beyond. They include, flood control, irrigation, and power. A number of visitor comments
(see Section 3.2) suggest frustration with water levels of the reservoir for recreation, however, as
one participant at the stakeholder meeting suggested, the story is about tradeoffs. Interpreting
the tradeoff between public demand for water recreation and public demand for irrigation and
power needs to be addressed. In addition, interpreting what is meant by the flood pool,
conservation pool, and recreation pool and distinguishing these concepts visually would go a
long way to help reduce visitor frustrations and confusions, and would help teach the multiple
use concept of reservoir management.
Third, this inventory suggest that wildlife watching (and related photography, writing, sketching,
and appreciation) may hold great potential at this park, particularly in the shoulder seasons,
during spring and fall when recreation use is less intense. Not only is there a plethora of wildlife
in the region, but different and diverse opportunities to experience wildlife year-around have
possibilities (e.g., migratory species, winter/summer ranges). In addition, nature-based outdoor
recreation trends suggest that viewing activities continue to be one of the fastest growing
recreation activities in America (See Section 3.3.).
Finally, land uses of this area over time (e.g. hunting, grazing, ranching, recreation, and tourism)
are not only an integral part of Wyoming history but they are the elements that create a sense of
place, and consequently, the quality of life here. Traditionally, Glendo has been a boating and
fishing haven. Proposed new recreation opportunities (e.g., biking and hiking trails) will expose
new and different user groups to this sense of place. This adds another dimension of tourism and
contributes to local economic development. Interpreting the evolving land uses and their
commensurate values for the state and region would help illustrate how important stewardship
and visitor responsibilities are for this Park.
2.3.4. Recreation Resources and Facilities
Existing recreation facilities at Glendo State Park include several campgrounds with picnic tables
and fire rings, comfort stations, group shelters, boat ramps, a marina, trails, parking areas, and
interpretive signs. The table below summarizes recreation facilities that existed at the time this
plan was written. Facilities are organized by specific park area. Several additional facilities are
described briefly below the table.
17
Table 1. Inventory of Recreation Resources and Facilities by Area
WALROS
Area Name Facilities and Campgrounds Category*
Topic and Experience Ideas
#1 Whiskey
Gulch
#2. Shelter
Point
#3 Marina
and
Headquarters
#4 Two Moon
Campground
#5. Wetlands
Area and
Powerplant
#6. Dam and
Sunset Point
Overlook
Facilities:
 Whiskey Fee Booth
 Boat ramp at Sagebrush
 Two group shelters – Pine
Knob and Sagebrush
Campground:
 Whiskey Gulch - 40 sites
 Sagebrush – 22 sites
 Mule Hill – 3 sites
Facilities:
 Three group shelters –
Lighthouse, West, and North
Campgrounds:
 Shelter Point – 27 sites
Facilities:
 Glendo Marina
 Café/Store
 Park Headquarters
 Trail
Campgrounds:
 Soldier Rock - 12 full hook- up
sites
Facilities:
 Two fish cleaning stations
 Group shelter – Two Moon
 Play area
 Trailhead and trail
Campgrounds:
 Two Moon - 98 sites
Facilities:
 Wetland Interpretive Trail
 Power plant Informational
Kiosk
Rural
Developed
orientation and wayfinding information;
shoreline, shade trees, grass, wind
protection; lake height/flooding,
cottonwood trees, watershed, water uses,
recreation uses, Aquatic Invasive Species,
Cottonwoods in standing water
(adaptation).
Rural
Developed
water recreation (boating, fishing); water
safety; how Glendo SP works; regional
watershed, reservoir management
Rural
Developed
orientation and wayfinding information,
maps, permits, personnel; webcam views
Facilities:
 Dam
 Trail
 Dam Overlook Trailhead with
Interpretive signs
Rural
Natural
Rural
Natural
Ponderosa Pine, Pinyon-Juniper, some
views to west; night skies
Rural
Natural
wetlands, wetland vegetation and wildlife
(cattails, red wing blackbirds),
quiet/peaceful, electricity generation
(power plant), Park boundaries,
private/adjoining land ownership, activity
hazards (rafting, remote areas)
North Platte watershed; dam construction
and history (Missouri River Basin Project);
only reservoir on top of another reservoir conservation pool/flood pool; hi/low water,
reservoir capacity, spillways, Laramie
Peak
Table continued on next page…
18
Area Name
Facilities and Campgrounds
#7. Sandy
Beach Area
Facilities:
 Boat ramp at Broken Arrow
 Two group shelters – Dune and
Willow
 Three day use shelters at Dune
side
Campgrounds:
 Sandy Beach – 98 sites
 Cottonwood – 14 sites
 Indian Point – 30 sites
 Broken Arrow – 15 sites
Campgrounds:
 Burnt Wagon – 25 sites
 Muddy Bay – 7 sites
#8. Muddy
Bay Area
WALROS
Category*
Topic and Experience Ideas
Rural
Natural
dunes, two miles of sandy swim beach,
flood area, cottonwoods, cattle grazing,
open range/grasslands, Montane forests on
high terrain, vast views both east and west
from high area, grasslands and ranching,
some geology, possible archeology and
Native American history (however
sensitive areas), reduce what you bring in
Semi
Primitive
hunting (deer, pheasant, duck); cactus and
high grasslands, Pack it Out; night skies
#9 Red Hills
and Reno
Cove
Rural
geology (red sandstone), Ponderosa Pine
Facilities:
Developed
and P/J forests, land use (cabins/houses),
 boat ramp at Reno Cove
boat safety; rules and regulations; walleye
Campgrounds:
fishery, Aquatic Invasive Species
 Gravel Point – 26 sites
 Coulter Bay – 10 sites
 Custer Cove – 25 sites
 Reno Cove – 10 sites
 Red Hills – 18 sites
#10. Bennett
Rural
geology – pink and beige sandstone.
Facilities
Hill Area
Developed
 Group shelter
 Boat ramp
Campgrounds:
 Bennett Hill – 21 sites
 Waters Point – 10 sites
#11. Elkhorn
Rural
North Platte River, cottonwoods,
Facilities:
Area
Natural
grasslands, AIS
 Boat ramp
Campgrounds:
 Elkhorn – 9 sites
#12. Red
Facilities/Sites:
Semi
watershed, North Platte River, early
Canyon
Primitive
human uses; grasslands and ranching
 Red Canyon Creek
 North Platte River
*Table Note: WALROS stands for Water and Land Recreation Opportunity Spectrum and is an inventory and
mapping tool for describing and arraying recreation opportunities across a spectrum of development and use ranging
from urban to primitive. More on this spectrum and its relevance for this planning effort is included in Section 2.6.
Campgrounds and Camp Sites: As shown in Table 1 above several campgrounds with
designated campsites are provided throughout the Park, primarily along the southern stretches of
the reservoir. Although tent camp sites are available (e.g., at Two Moon Campground), most
sites are designed to accommodate large recreational vehicle camping. Designated campsites
allow for 10 people and 2 vehicles and provide parking space, picnic table, fire ring, and nearby
comfort stations. In some areas, group campsites are provided that allow for larger groups.
19
Marina and Cabin Lease Concession: SPHST manages the marina concessionaire and cabin
lease site contracts. The Marina area is located near the Park Headquarters on the southwest side
of the reservoir, although it is accessed by a separate spur road. The Marina complex contains a
café, store (seasonal), motel, liquor store, and boat launch site.
Seasonal cabins, all privately owned, are located on the northwest side of the reservoir near Reno
Cove. Currently, there are 28 cabin lease holders but there is a moratorium on additional lease
sites.
Roads and Road Usage: Paved roads enter the park off I-25 and State Highway 319 (SH319)
near the town of Glendo. Paved roads continue into the Park along the southeast side of the
reservoir by the Whiskey Gulch and Shelter Point camping areas. The road continues past the
Marina, Headquarters, Two-Moon Campground, the Dam and then up on the plateau toward
Sandy Beach. Gravel roads take visitors from Sandy Beach to Indian Point past Broken Arrow
and Burnt Wagon on to the Muddy Bay areas. Roads transition from gravel to dirt at Sandy
Beach area and where Glendo Park Road meets Meadowdale Road. During wet or muddy
periods, these roads may require 4-wheel drive. There is no road that circumnavigates the
reservoir.
From the Park entrance, paved roads also travel along the western shore of the reservoir past the
Coulter Bay Area, Reno Cove and the Red Hills area, to Waters Point and Bennett Hill. This
loop exits back onto SH319 north of Glendo. SH319 travels north to the remote Elkhorn area
where there is a boat launch and fee canister.
Current policy allows for the use of off-road vehicles (ATV/ORV) on State Park roads except on
paved road and Lakeshore Drive. All ATV/ORV users must have a current license plate or
permit.
Trails: Two self-guided interpretive trails managed and maintained by BOR exist at the Park –
one at Muddy Bay and one in the wetland area below the dam. Because the original intent of
these trails was educational, they are inventoried below in Section 2.1.4. Other than a number of
informal social trails, until recently, there has been little or no other official trail development or
use in the Park.
The 2004 management plan proposed the development of hiking trails to introduce opportunities
for non-water-based recreation and to extend Park use into the spring and fall shoulder seasons.
The season of use has traditionally been from approximately Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Therefore, research and planning for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trail opportunities
has continued over time. In 2009, the Park built approximately ten miles of trail from the dam
overlook to Sandy Beach (the Narrows Bluff area). This constituted the first of several phases to
eventually construct a total of 50-60 miles of trail. Subsequent phases of trail development are
planned for the next few years.
In addition, a network of trails is proposed for the areas below the dam but outside the wetland
areas. These trails will be partially on Park-managed BOR lands and partly on adjacent State
Trust lands.
These trails are designed for hiking, mountain bike, and equestrian use. Trails are designed to
require minimal maintenance and to provide 2-way use.
20
Analysis – Recreation Resources and Facilities
Glendo State Park has traditionally been a water-based recreation area, and the current resources
and facilities reflect this (e.g., marina, boat ramps, associated shoreline development for
camping, fishing, and picnicking). However, with the Park’s goal to reframe the visitor
experience from one of water-based recreation to one that offers a broader selection of
experiences (see Section 1.2), I/E will be important for not only welcoming visitors to the Park,
but also for clearly and succinctly providing information about recreation choices, and
interpreting rules and regulations in a way that encourages visitors become stewards of the Park.
And so, interpretation in this case should assume four major purposes:
1. Welcome and Orientation – What is this place and how do I find my way around?
2. Recreation Choice and Decision-making - What is there to do here?
3. Rules and Regulations - How do I behave here?
4. Themes and Messaging - What are the stories this place has to tell?
Some of these purposes may not be considered interpretation in the traditional sense, but they
are all interpretive in the sense that it convey the story of Glendo through design, tone, and
branding. Considering all four of these functions also takes into account that the Park provides
an overall, cohesive visitor experience. By organizing and placing information in ways and
locations that best match visitor expectations, the Park is sending a message about consistency
and cohesiveness. Therefore a number of considerations are important for planning interpretive
media and services:

To the degree possible, adopt a positive approach to interpreting rules and regulations (see
Appendix B and analysis of Section 2.4 below for more on this).

With the goal of broadening recreation experiences, organize opportunity choices (both land
and water) along the WALROS spectrum to help visitors best align their expectations with
on-site opportunities. Include this array of opportunities by setting, activity, and experience
in orientation and wayshowing materials (see Section 2.6).

Implement some degree of roving interpretation. Roving interpretation is staff (can be trained
volunteers, interns, or seasonals) who rove throughout the park providing answers to
questions, distributing information, and providing short interpretative messages about
resources or issues. Roving interpretation requires personnel but typically pays significant
dividends in compliance and loyalty.

Develop the group shelters as an interpretive asset. Research supports the notion that
personal interpretation (interpretation offered in person by an interpreter) is more effective
than non-personal interpretation (interpretation offered via signs, exhibits, and publications).
Existing group shelters throughout the Park provide an ideal situation for educational
programs or personal interpretation and should be maximized.
21
2.4. Management Issues
2.4.1. Natural Resource Issues
Aquatic Invasive Species: Although zebra or quagga mussels have not yet infiltrated Wyoming
waters, boating recreation from outside Wyoming’s boarders presents a constant threat of
introduction of aquatic invasive species. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD)
participate in the national Don’t Move a Mussel education campaign to encourage boaters to
protect boating water from mussels. This campaign requires a current AIS decal for all
watercraft (inflatables 10 feet or less in length are exempt) prior to launching on any water in the
state of Wyoming. Along with some general appropriations, fees collected from the sale of AIS
decals are used to fund the AIS program in Wyoming. Funding pays for programs, flyers, and
signs aimed at educating the public about AIS. As needed, WGFD Game inspects watercraft and
enforces the implementation of AIS regulations statewide.
Wetlands: The 2009-2013 Wyoming State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP)
discusses wetlands in some detail, based primarily on their contribution to the quantity and
quality of state wildlife. Wetland-related issues are identified for 20 waterfowl management
areas of the state, one of which includes Glendo Reservoir and the surrounding area. The Lower
North Platte River Waterfowl Management Area includes portions of the North Platte River
drainage from and including Glendo Reservoir downstream to the state border with Nebraska.
Concerns for this management area include (a) drought conditions and inadequate water supplies
that severely impact wetlands on both public and private lands, (b) the threat of wetland loss
from agricultural practices and rural development, and (c) balancing demand for wetlanddependent recreation with the availability (and sustainable quality) of wetlands for that purpose.
2.4.2. Recreation Issues
Traditionally, Glendo has been a boating and water recreation area. Furthermore, over the years,
Glendo has developed the reputation of being a high-use, party park at some times of the year
and in certain areas of the park. Some visitors prefer to recreate in groups, drink alcohol, and be
boisterous. Whereas these behaviors are not unlawful, some of them are unsafe (e.g., operating
boats/vehicles under the influence of alcohol, excessive and misplaced trash – especially glass
and cans), some of them cost disproportionate management time and dollars (e.g., trash pick-up
and management), and some behaviors make visitors feel uncomfortable. These issues are
described more fully below.
Trash, Litter, and Refuse: There is little tracking or data that suggests the extent of the issue,
trash, litter, and garbage is an issue of concern to Park managers. Anecdotally, the following
behaviors seem to be a problem during high use times in the State Park.
 Visitors generating unnecessary volumes of trash.
 Visitors littering, not collecting, and/or not depositing trash in proper receptacles provided by
the Park for this purpose (e.g. trash cans and dumpsters).
 Visitors leaving cans, glass, and trash in campfires on the beach or in campsite fire rings.
 Currently the Park pays approximately $60,000/year in refuge fees.
SPHST promotes a Pack-It-Out policy and Reclamation continues to maintain a pack your own
trash policy on Reclamation lands outside the Park border, but to date, there is no data to support
the effectiveness of these efforts.
22
Depreciative Visitor Behaviors: Anecdotal information from the park staff also suggests
additional visitor behaviors that make the Park unsightly or unsafe. These behaviors include:
 Visitors vandalizing or causing resource damage to park property (e.g., moving fire rings,
moving picnic tables, damaging vegetation – tearing off branches for fuel, driving off-road)
 Visitors not complying with stated rules and regulations (e.g., no observing speed limits,
having dogs off-leash, unattended campfires, non-compliance with campsite capacities,
camping in undesignated areas)
 Visitors driving on the beaches during draw down periods.
 Visitors building campfire on beaches or in non-designated/non-confined areas; visitors
burning sign posts.
 Some visitors driving ATVs or ORVs in areas where they are not allowed.
Analysis – Management Issues
Apparently, some recreation users to this Park cast a negative shadow on appropriate recreation
use. This dynamic not only harms the resources of the park, but also tarnishes the reputation of
the Park, and can sometime displace visitors who would otherwise use this park in more positive
and constructive ways. As the park transitions into a wider-use park, I/E will be essential for
helping set the expectation for appropriate use. In addition, one of the goals of this plan is to
integrate a positive approach to setting expectations and informing visitors about acceptable
behaviors. Toward that end, Appendix B contains a brief literature review of positive
approaches to regulation interpretation, which should be discussed in developing the overall
approach to interpretation for the Park, but specifically for developing programs and education
about some of the more sensitive issues in managing the park.
In addition, Appendix C contains a separate literature review on Trash and Litter research and
educational campaigns. This material presents a number of creative ideas for addressing trash
and litter problems, and should be drawn on extensively to establish alternatives for interpreting
the trash/litter issue at the Park. And, although Glendo is participating in a CSU survey related
to Leave No Trace (LNT) concepts and principles, the nature of the current recreation experience
at the Park is such that this research may have only marginal value to addressing the trash/litter
issues in the short term. The materials provided in Appendix C provide more applicable
solutions at this point in time.
In any case, I/E materials related to any of the Park’s management issues should,
 clearly and carefully explain the issue as well as the long-term impacts or consequences of
that issue – to people, to the Park, and/or to the environment;
 explain the rationale (the ‘why’) behind management actions for addressing the issue;
 suggest concrete and perhaps creative visitor thinking and/or behaviors associated with the
issue(s); and
 present real consequences to non-compliance with suggested visitor actions and behaviors.
Adopting a positive approach to interpreting the Park’s rules and regulations, being consistent in
design and approach, and interpreting expected behaviors in ways that visitor understand and
relate is strongly encouraged.
23
2.5. Existing Interpretive/Educational Media, Staffing, and Resources
Recreation (predominately boating and fishing) has been very popular at Glendo over the years;
however, there is only modest interpretation and education for reservoir recreationists and
visitors to this State Park. This section provided an inventory and analysis of existing interpretive
materials, media, and programs.
2.5.1. Interpretive Signs and Waysides
The table below summarizes interpretive and wayshowing signs that currently exist at the State
Park. Signs that serve primarily an identification or wayshowing function (as opposed to an
education function) are indicated in italics.
Table 2. Identification and Interpretive Signs
CD #
L030
Name
Glendo Dam
Location
At Dam
Wayside
Message(s)
Missouri River,
Basin Project,
Reclamation, dam
data
Fabrication
brown &
white
routed
wood
Comments
no images, orientation
and wayshowing sign.
(small 'keep area clean'
sign nearby)
029A
Glendo Reservoir
and State Park
Slide Hill
Overlook
dam, North Platte
River, water
levels, Bureau of
Reclamation
no images
029B
Glendo Reservoir
and Low Flow
Outlet
Glendo Dam and
Reservoir
Glendo State Park
Novalloy small size
(most are
about
9x12"); all
signs have
caps text
and 1 or 2
paragraphs
Novalloy
with banner
edge
(24x36?)
concrete
with frame
(for flyers)
newer generation than
other Novalloy signs.
029C
033:1
Low flows and
fish habitat
At Two Moon
campground
data about the
dam
Wyoming 1990
Centennial (time
capsule)
dam end map
no images
map image; text heavy
L031
older Reclamation
concrete kiosk
well-worn condition;
aged posted flyers;
wooden painted map
L036
older Reclamation
concrete kiosk
interpretive
turnout east of
Two Moon
campground
dam end map
concrete
similar to L031
034A
large timber 3-bay
roofed kiosk with
stone base
Near power
plant
wildlife panel,
recreation panel,
map panel
HPL4-color
panels
new large post and pole
kiosk on stone base; onesided, no overall title;
colorful panels
Table continued on next page…
24
CD #
035A
035B
Name
You are here sign
and map
Glendo Power Plant
and Outlet Works
Location
Power plant
Overlook
Message(s)
dam features map
dam, power plant
and outlet works
035C
older Reclamation
concrete kiosk with
picnic table
dam end map
035D
Bison
natural history of
bison
L037
River Crossing
below dam
Fabrication
Novalloy
(9x12")
brown &
white
routed
wood
concrete
Comments
no title; caps font
Novalloy
(9x12")
Novalloy
(9x12")
bison image; caps font
brown and white painted
sign
similar to L031
2 sentences; barely
readable
The images below show signs at the Glendo Dam pullout and at the Slide Hill wayside. These
signs exemplify the routed wood (left) and Novalloy fabrication (right) signs respectively.
25
The images below provide examples of the three concrete kiosk in the Park. One is located at
the east end of Two-Moon campground, a second is located at the interpretive turnout below
(east) of Two Moon Campground, and the third is located at the interpretive turnout overlooking
the power plant and North Platte River.
The image below (left) shows an example of a preferred design for new roofed kiosk
construction with high-pressure laminate sign panels. Currently, there is one of these 3-panel
kiosks near the power plant (right below and #034A in Table 2 above). However, funds
currently exist at the park to install two interpretive kiosks similar to those pictured here in the
Park that provide interpretive material, maps, and Park information.
Finally, in compliance with the 1990 Aquatic Invasive Species Act, Wyoming Game and Fish
Department distributes information and materials related to the national Don’t Move a Mussel
campaign to raise awareness about, and reduce the migration of, zebra or quagga mussels to
Wyoming waters. Although these mussels are not known to be in Wyoming, but are present in
waters in neighboring Utah, Colorado and Nebraska and so campaign signs are posted at each of
the Glendo Reservoir boat ramps (see
http://wgfd.wyo.gov/web2011/Departments/Fishing/pdfs/AIS_SELFCHECK_FORM0001531.pdf
26
2.5.2. Interpretive Trails
There are currently two self-guided interpretive trails, one below the dam in the Wetland Area
(Table 3a), and one near Muddy Creek in the Muddy Bay area (Table 3b). Each trail contains a
series of interpretive signs which are summarized in the tables (and photos) below.
Table 3a. Interpretive Signs on Wetlands Interpretive Trail below the Dam
CD #
032A
Name
Glendo Dam
Wetland Interpretive
Trail
Message(s)
Trailhead and map
Fabrication
post and pole with
routed wood
frame
032B
The Wildlife
Responsibility
Deer: Mule and
Whitetail
Pine-Juniper
Community
wildlife watching
suggestions
natural history of
deer; diet list
P-J habitat and list of
wildlife - birds and
mammals
Novalloy - small
size (most are
about 9x12"); all
signs have caps
font and 1 or 2
paragraphs in
college textbook
narrative
food, shelter, water
cavity nesting bird image
032F
Wildlife Habitat
Requirements
Wetlands
same as 028I above
032G
Riparian Habitats
same as 028G above
032H
032I
Geology
Conservation Ethic
general geology
same as o28D above
cattail image - same image as
028I below
riparian image - same as 028G
below
no image
wildlife image - same image as
28D below
032C
032D
032E
Comments
framed map is marginally
readable; brochure rack nearby;
small 'keep area clean' sign
nearby
nest image - same image as
028A below
image and tracks of deer
image of bird
Glendo Dam Wetlands Interpretive Trail
27
Table 3b. Interpretive Signs on Muddy Bay
Interpretive Trail at Muddy Bay
CD #
028A
028C
Name
View Wildlife
Responsibly
Wildlife Habitat
Requirements
Great Blue Heron
028D
Conservation Ethic
028E
riparian habitat
028G
Riparian Wetland
Bird Life
Migratory Aquatic
Birds
Riparian Habitats
028H
Common Cocklebur
plant natural history
028I
Wetlands
O28J
Oregon Trail
028K
Reclaimed Farmland
O28L
Pronghorn
028M
Wyoming Wildlife
and Wetlands
natural history
wetlands
Oregon Trail location
and purpose
prior uses of Glendo
location
natural history of
Pronghorn
geomorphology and
wildlife habitat
028B
028F
Message(s)
tips for watching
wildlife
wildlife habitat
natural history of
heron
need for ethic
Fabrication
Novalloy - small
size (most are
about 9x12"); all
signs have caps
font and 1 or 2
paragraphs in
college textbook
narrative
wetlands and list of
birds
North Platte
watershed
Comments
nest image – same as 032B
above; centered bullets
wildlife image
no image
wildlife image; same as 032I
above
flooding mud - hard to read
flooding mud - hard to read
riparian image – same as 32G
above; some degradation to post
and base mounting
plant image; flood mud very
difficult to read
cattail image – same as 032F
above; flood mud
wagon image; flood mud
tractor image; vandal/flood slime
3 pronghorn images;
vandal/flood slime
vandal/flood slime
Muddy Bay Interpretive Trail
28
There are also additional wooden signs at the trailhead of the Wetlands Interpretive Trail (photos
below). And, although these signs are informative, some (right) are in poor condition.
2.5.3. Publications and Printed Material
SPHST produces small (8.5”x14”) folded black and white unit brochures for each of the units in
the Division. The Glendo Stake Park brochure contains a site map and provides some narrative
description of the area’s history, major camping locations, park fees, and park rules. This
brochure is available for all visitors at the park (fee booths and/or headquarters), on-line, by mail,
or at local businesses and travel stops. Approximately 5,000 of these brochures are distributed at
the fee booths and headquarters annually. Most visitors use them for directional and
navigational purposes.
SPHST also works with Southwest Publishing to produce an 11x17” map and information
brochure. This brochure contains a colored map of the Park and provides the same information
contained in the smaller brochure –park rules, camping areas, and history. The inside of the
brochure contains a highway locator map and detailed maps of local communities: Glendo,
Wheatland, Douglas, and the Casper/Evansville area. Several local businesses advertise in this
folded brochure which is often referred to as the placement brochure.
In 2009 SPHST developed a statewide “Let’s Talk Trash” campaign to stimulate awareness
related to pack-it in/pack-it-out behaviors. Materials (e.g., laminated flyers, decals) were
distributed at all state parks in 2010 with instructions to display materials at fee stations, in
bathrooms, and on trashcans and dumpsters.
A comprehensive trails map was produced for distribution in the 2012 recreation season. This is
a large (24” by 24”) map showing the reservoir, dam, major use areas, and existing and proposed
trails of the area. The map contains information about trail conditions and regulations for
mountain bike use of the Park along with information about Tread Lightly!, the International
Mountain Biking Association, and other partnerships. This map will be distributed free of
charge.
There is a Lake McConaughy and Glendo Reservoir map available from Fish-n-Go Map
Company (sold at many sporting goods stores). Known as a fishing map, this is a
waterproof/tear proof map showing underwater depth contours, boat ramps, roads, campground,
and other recreation facilities. This map is not produced by SPHST and so not all the roads and
29
facilities are correct or up-to-date. It does however, provide useful topographic detail and GPS
scaling.
Occasionally, “Potty Press” or special notices and information are posted in the restroom
facilities with the goal of reaching visitors during their stay at the Park. This is not consistent,
nor are all the notices interpretive (i.e., educational), but the strategy is used here and at other
State Parks to keep visitors informed.
Finally, an ATV/ORV regulations card was developed in 2007 in anticipation of the July 4th
weekend. This small (3”x5”) card simply bullets rules and regulations for ATV/ORV use at
Glendo State Park and is still distributed.
Although there has been no research or evaluation conducted to gauge the effectiveness of these
publications, Colorado State University plans a social science research project at three Wyoming
State Parks (including Glendo) in 2012 to “examine state park visitor specific attitudes toward
Leave No Trace3 principles and program efficacy” (Newman, Taff, Lawhon, n.d.). This three
year study will provide SPHST with information about visitor held attitudes and knowledge of
LNT principles and practices, as well as management implications for these findings.
2.5.4. Interpretive Programs
Currently, there are no formal interpretive or educational programs offered at Glendo State Park
with the exception of an occasional elective program provided by staff during the summer
months.
2.5.5. Interpretive Staffing
Currently, there are no dedicated FTE interpretive or educational positions at this Park although
occasionally, Park staff provide some interpretive visitor services. The fee booths at the main
entrance and Sandy Beach entrance are the primary locations for staff to distribute visitor
information. Seasonal staff are also present at park headquarters to provides visitor information
in person or over the phone. Most guidance for interpretation comes from the Interpretive
Services Program and Guidelines (SPHST, 2012) and through the help of headquarters’ staff
particularly in, Field Support and Public Information Divisions.
2.5.6. Website
To inventory the current Glendo State Park website, a critical appraisal technique was used. An
impartial professional educator/evaluator who had never visited Glendo State Park was given the
task, “Explore the web as if you were going to plan a trip to Glendo State Park. You may find it
helpful to use Glendo State Park, Wyoming State Parks, and/or Bureau of Reclamation as search
terms.” The following is the partial verbatim response from this critical appraisal. Additional
details of this assessment are provided in Appendix D.
3
Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics (LNT) is an international non-profit organization is dedicated to the
notion of responsible enjoyment and active stewardship of the outdoors. Seven principles are at the core of LNT’s
promotional, educational, and interpretive efforts.
30
“It seems that nobody is in the business of promoting Glendo State Park in a positive light … in a light
that actually might attract people who want to camp, swim, boat, hike, and mountain bike. The scant
information that I could find was not stuff that made me want to go there. In fact, much of it was a total
turn-off. There was little to no information on what to do at the Park; nothing much about trails, nature
programs, or possible intrigue of the Park. I was just told about the campgrounds, most of which had
muddy and rocky shores, were windy, and had little to no shade and no protected boat areas. Beaches
were crowed with 1000s and the new campgrounds have paved roads making the beaches inaccessible
by foot.
When something was listed like a marina or motel or trail, unfortunately there was no hotlink to more
information. There appears to be a marina and a motel but if you want to know hours, fees/prices, or
dates they are open, there is no obvious way to get that information. Mostly there are no maps, so if you
don't know where Glendo is you're going to have to Mapquest it.
Basically, I have not been able to plan my trip. I could make a campground reservation but I actually
could find nothing about mountain biking trails. It is only through reading some very tiny print that I
found that I discovered there are at least 3 hiking trails. I have no idea about what sort of swimming to
expect. The video showed pictures of the boats pulled up to the beaches...so maybe I have to swim with
the boats?? I did find out about some of the fish there, but I'm not sure that if I don't have a boat, where
I'm allowed to fish and if there are places for me to clean my fish and take them to my campground to
cook. In fact a "review" on one website complained that they wanted their fish cleaning stations
back…so I'm assuming, based on that information they don't currently have a place for me to clean my
fish.
The image I had in my head before seeing the video was terrible...windy, muddy, rocky, or sandy with
1000s of people crowded. The video made it look nice...but then I was left with questions and no place to
get answers.” (See also fuller analysis in Appendix D)
Analysis – Existing Interpretive Media
This Park has traditionally been an active water-based recreation park. The interpretation
however, has been modest, and what exists is somewhat dated. One major purpose of this plan is
to set a strategy for appropriate, durable, and engaging interpretive materials. Toward that end,
analysis is provided below for each of the media types inventoried above.
Interpretive Signs and Trails – There are predominately three types of signs at this park: (a)
small pressed metal signs at the two self-guided interpretative trails (Wetland Trail and Muddy
Creek) and at a few additional locations around the park; (b) larger brown and white routed wood
signs present location or basic information; and (c) brown and yellow metal signs are the more
recent generation of location/information signs. In the case of the small metal signs, though
these signs are nearly indestructible, they are old, the interpretative writing is poor (text book
writing), the fonts are difficult to read, the design is basic, and at least the signs at Muddy Bay
have experience flood conditions making them illegible from mud wash. This suggests that the
river bottom location may not be the best place for interpretive signs. Developing an overall
design standard and strategy for all interpretive signs will be important prior to removing or
replacing any of the existing interpretive signs however. Material provided by SPHST in the
31
Interpretive Services Guidelines manual should be consulted when developing an overall
interpretive sign strategy.
Publications – Although the utility of the two Park maps (black/white and placemat) has never
been formally evaluated with visitors, they appear to be professional and informative. A good
map is often the centerpiece of interpretive materials, particularly for new visitors. Simple, 1page maps are relatively inexpensive to produce and are consistent with materials for other units
of SPHST. However, there may be some issues with the narrative provided on these current
maps – particularly the history section. See more on this topic under website below.
A new trails map has recently been developed for distribution during the 2012 season. This will
be a larger map and it will contain an added level of detail and information about the Park.
Although there is an economy of scale savings when producing large lots of publications, it may
be prudent to evaluate this map on-site with visitors during its first season to determine its
effectiveness prior to making thousands of copies for distribution. This map may compete with
the other smaller maps to become the centerpiece map for the park, and yet, its focus on trails
may frustrate some visitors who would like comparable information about non-trails recreation.
Though no map can be everything to everyone, it may be useful to test a trails-specific map with
visitors prior to production and/or to invite visitors to provide feedback about the trails and the
map.
There are not a lot of other printed interpretive materials about the park other than what is
conveyed in the two interpretive trials discussed above. Because those interpretive trails are
becoming dated and from all indications appear underutilized, other options for printed and/or
online (or electronic) interpretive materials about the Park should be discussed. In addition, a
positive approach to publishing rules and regulations for the Park (e.g., ATV/ORV use) should
be discussed (See also Appendix B). As appropriate, existing interpretive materials produced for
other State Park units may also be useful for developing content, approach, and or design.
Programs and Staffing – The lack of staff and interpretive materials maybe a contributing factor
for some of the depreciative behaviors exhibited on-site. In a void of information or guidance,
visitors often default to assumed behaviors (i.e., they may leave their trash because they assume
somebody will picked it up; they harm facilities or resources - inadvertently or otherwise,
because they assume no one cares). Over the years, evaluation research has shown that person to
person interpretation is often more effective than signs or printed media (Adelman, et.al, 2001;
Wells, 2000), and so, efforts to enhance staff capabilities in interpretation is strongly
recommended. This might including hiring campground hosts and/or or seasonal/intern
interpreters to provide roving interpretation and educational programs. Roving interpreters are
trained in customer service, education, and resource management. They would not only provide
an additional management presence but would also help answer visitor questions, and provide
personal contact. Interpretation will never replace law enforcement at this Park, although it can
help reduce law enforcement costs by anticipating visitor issues and using personal contact to
address them. In the best case scenario, law enforcement and interpretation would work as hand
in glove to help visitors understand use expectations and ensure compliance of those
expectations. Discussing and developing interpretive training for law enforcement, seasonal, and
volunteer staff (including any future interpretive staff and/or campground hosts will also be
important. For example, Larimer County in Colorado offers a seasonal training for their law
enforcement rangers and interpreters that serves as a excellent precedent (See Chapter 5 for more
on this).
32
Website – As mentioned in the inventory above, Appendix D presents the results of a critical
appraisal of the current website and associated on-line resources. This evaluation suggests that
there could be some significant improvements made to the website including organization,
content, and hotlinks that would enhance visitors first or continued encounters with the Park. In
addition, it seems that some material presented on the website (and in the two park maps) may be
working at cross purposes with the goals of the organization. For example, History sections of
the website and the maps) features Spanish Diggings as a “large area of aboriginal activity”, and
yet, the Park makes it clear in the General Management Plan that, although archeological surveys
will continue, those areas should not be the focus of visitor experiences. Drawing attention to a
cultural feature that (a) is not in the Park and (b) may have important archeological significance
is ill advised. In a second example, some of the narrative about the park presented on the
website sheds a negative light on the visitor experience (Section 2.5.6. above and Appendix D).
Extreme care should be taken to ensure that visitor’s first impressions are clear, accurate, and in
the case of the website, positive and compelling. As Jan Carlzon (1987) would say, an initial
website encounter (or any initial Park encounter for that matter) creates a “Moment of Truth” in
the mind of a visitor - defined as the moment at which visitors make a first impression.
Restructuring the website and revising some of the narrative (for both the website and future
revisions of the map brochures) should be considered.
Visitor Studies - Finally, to the degree possible integrating some simple visitor studies into the
practice of developing any new interpretive material, programs, or media may be appropriate.
This may involve evaluating prototype interpretive media as they are developed, adding specific
questions to the visitor surveys done every five years, collecting and analyzing frequently asked
questions, or other approaches for keeping in touch with visitor sentiments throughout the year
and across recreation use groups.
2.6. Water and Land Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (WALROS) Inventory
On August 29, 2012 a WALROS inventory was conducted at the Park. Participants in this
inventory included park staff (Dusty Humphreys), headquarters staff (Shelly Morrell, Paul
Gritten, Mabel Jones, Todd Thibodeau), the contracted interpretive planner (Marcella Wells),
and the WALROS facilitator (Glenn Haas). The purpose of this activity was to:



Develop a working knowledge among select SPHST professionals about how WALROS is
used to inventory and classify park settings and to help staff understand its utility in park
planning and administrative decision making,
Conduct an inventory of recreation opportunities at the Park for subsequent use by SPHST,
Glendo, and Reclamation officials in planning and decision making, and
Consider the utility of using WALROS in park-specific interpretive planning.
A full report of this effort is included with this final plan as an addendum with full scale map.
Included here is an executive summary of that effort with analysis related to interpretive
initiatives for Glendo State Park.
WALROS is a tool to better understand recreation opportunities. The overarching goal of this
tool is to provide planners and managers with a framework and procedure for making better
33
decisions for conserving a spectrum of high quality and diverse water recreation opportunities 4.
WALROS improves our understanding of the complexity of outdoor recreation management,
strengthens sound professional judgment, and enables a manager to make better and more
defensible decisions. WALROS results in an inventory of recreation opportunities that range
across a spectrum from urban to primitive as shown below.
Urban  Suburban  Rural Developed  Rural Natural  Semi Primitive   Primitive
Each class is defined as a particular “package” of activities, setting attributes, experiences, and
benefits. WALROS enables these six recreation classes to be inventoried and mapped by using
expert opinion and an inventory protocol that assess various attributes of each setting.
A Level 1 inventory5 was conducted at Glendo by a seven-person team who traveled by vehicle
to six different locations around the reservoir (see table below). Using the WALROS protocol,
participants individually rated five dimensions of the physical setting, six dimensions of the
social setting, and four dimensions of the managerial setting for each location. Together the
group discussed their rankings at each site. Final rankings were later summarized by the
WALROS facilitator and mapped (see below).
Table 4. WALROS Inventory Scores Tallied by the Team on August 29, 2012.
Inventory
Sites
1. Marina Area
Physical
Attributes
5.0
Social
Attributes
3.5
Managerial
Attributes
3.0
Overall
Rating
RD4
2. Whiskey Gulch boat ramp
and campground
3. Reno boat ramp and
campground
4. Muddy Bay
6.2
4.0
4.0
RD4
6.0
4.5
4.7
RD5
9.3
6.0
6.0
SP8
5. Broken Arrow
campground
6. Sandy Beach
campground
9.0
6.0
6.0
RN7
6.2
4.2
4.7
RD5
4
For full handbook on WALROS, see: Aukerman, Haas, and Associates. 2009. Water and Land Recreation
Opportunity Spectrum (WALROS): Users’ Handbook, Second Edition. Denver, CO: Bureau of Reclamation.
5
A sliding scale of analysis, from Level 1 to Level 3, can be applied to WALROS inventories whereby the (a) level
and type of information desired, (b) tools and techniques used, (c) time and effort required, (d) level of certainty and
risk, and (e) level of scientific input can range from slight (Level 1) to ordinary (Level 2) to extraordinary (Level 3).
34
35
Analysis – WALROS Inventory
This was the first application of a WALROS Inventory for use in an interpretive plan. Typically
WALROS inventories are completed to inform recreation opportunity and/or land management
decisions. In this case, the inventory was used, in part, to inform this interpretive plan.
Perhaps the major implication for interpretation is that the inventory helps establish
differentiated expectations for visitor experiences and thus for interpretive approaches that are
commensurate with the expected uses of the Park. For example, developing interpretive
materials that correspond to expectations for recreation activities at Muddy Bay (categorized as a
semi-primitive area [SP8 – see legend on map above]) will be very different than for the
Whiskey Gulch area (categorized rural-developed area [RD5]). More specifically, the extent to
which nature is foremost in the opportunity, the degree to which visitor concentration and
associated sights, sounds, and services is present, and the extent to which there is an obvious
management presence (e.g., existence of staffing as well as interpretive kiosks, signs, trailheads)
should be differentiated for SP vs. RN vs. RD areas (see legend and map above).

For marketing and awareness of Glendo experiences, this has implications for the website –
recreation opportunities should be differentiated for new and returning visitors so they are
better able to match their expectations with certain social, physical/natural, and managerial
attributes at the site. For people who may want to get away from others to relax and enjoy
nature would likely be happier in the Semi-Primitive portions of the Park like Burnt Wagon
and Muddy Bay. Conversely, visitors who seek active and social recreation, such as boating
tournaments, family retreats, or group camping, would likely be happier in the RuralDeveloped portions of the Park. Differentiated recreation experiences should be marketed
clearly on the website and in other materials so visitors can make informed choices about the
specific experiences they seek.

For interpretive materials and services, there are implications for both the style and
placement of interpretive facilities such as signs, kiosks, and waysides. Fewer facilities
should be placed in areas where people are seeking opportunities to get away. This may
mean removing some existing facilities (e.g., interpretive signs at Muddy Bay) to help
differentiate interpretive opportunities. At Muddy Bay, which is a semi-primitive area, selfguided interpretive opportunities are more appropriate, whereas, trailheads and information
kiosks are more appropriate at areas where people congregate and where there is already a
greater management presence. And, to further differentiate opportunities, part of the new
trail network is classified RD4 (near Two Moon Campground) and part is classified RN6
(below the dam in the wetland area). The interpretive approaches, both in content and
facility development, should be subtly differentiated in these areas.

For information, regulations, and ethics, there are implications for how visitor responsibilities
are conveyed. Higher personal responsibilities are expected in the SP and RN areas as
opposed to the RD areas. That does not mean that visitors to RD areas are able to relinquish
their personal responsibilities for trash and litter, respecting others, or practicing safe
behaviors. It simply means that the manner in which personal responsibility is conveyed in
the information and regulations documents for the Park should be carefully considered in
light of the Park’s three WALROS categories.
36

Finally, the WALROS inventory has implications for monitoring visitor use and perhaps
setting capacity triggers. One of the advantages of WALROS categories is that managers can
spread use across an area based on visitor goals and expectations. This means however, that
visitor monitoring is important for ensuring that use is indeed dispersed across the Park in
ways that are consistent with the inventory categories. If, based on monitoring visitor use,
one location begins to gain use or lose significant use for sustained periods - months or years
- that changes the WALROS category of that area, managers can then make appropriate
managements decisions to market (or de-market) use to that area or make changes to the
WALROS maps, and thus, change management strategies accordingly.
37
Chapter 3. Visitor Use and Recreation - Demand Inventory and Analysis
This chapter summarizes data and information related to audience, visitors, and demand for
goods and services at Glendo State Park. All the information discussed below comes from
existing secondary sources.
Most of the recreation visitation to Glendo State Parks comes from populations in southeast
Wyoming, northeast Colorado, and western Nebraska. For the most part, visitation to the Park
has increased over the years to a current annual visitation around 200,000 visitors. Visitor data
has been extracted from the Parks’ General Management Plan (2004), the Wyoming
Comprehensive Recreation Plan (SCORP 2009-13)), and the SPHST Visitor Survey (2010-11).
At the end of the chapter some national outdoor recreation trends data are summarized. As
appropriate, analysis comments (in blue) are offered throughout.
3.1. Visitor Use Data and Information – General Management Plan
The 2004 Management Plan for Glendo indicates that visitor use at this State Park increased
from an annual total of 73,558 visitors in 1981 to 173,839 visitors in 2001 – over a two-fold
increase, and that, on average, recreation use surges each year between May and August with
peak use in July. These visitor use numbers were obtained by using electronic loop vehicle
counters throughout the park. Raw data counts were analyzed using average people per vehicle,
length of stay, and day user per camper ratios to equal annual visitation.
Since 2001, visitor use has fluctuated some, but overall, has continued to increase where most
recently in 2011, annual visitor use is around 200,000 visitors (Table 3). In 2010, the 25%
decline in visitation was likely caused by heavy flooding (from record snowpack the previous
winter) that forced the closure of many campgrounds and boat launch facilities.
Visitor use data continues to be captured by road counters and reported by Park (or Site) in
annual SPHST Visitor Use Survey Reports.
Table 5. Visitor Use Data from 2010 Visitor Use Study
State Parks
Glendo
2007
2,742,228
214,109
2008
2,546,452
181,796
% cng
-7%
-15%
2009
2,841,948
222,688
% cng
+11%
+22%
2010
2,970,166
166,542
% cng
+5%
-25%
2011
2,854,703
199,440
% cng
-4%
+20%
For the most part, the visitor use totals shown in Table 5 match the Low or Moderate Growth
projections suggested in the 2004 Management Plan. Projection data calculations assume a
linear progression which of-course does not account for unpredictable events or situations such
as record snow years and/or flooding such as that seen in 2010. In any case, projected visitor use
totals for Glendo over the horizon of this plan (2013-2017) suggest continued growth to between
220K by 2017 (Low Growth estimate) to 278K (Moderate Growth estimate). And, although the
Management Plan assumes continued gradual increase in visitation the preferred alternative for
development suggests preserving “the rustic nature of the park” (VI-2). The preferred
alternative suggests “upgrading existing informal campsites to limit resource impacts” (much of
which has been accomplished for the 2012 visitation season) and “expanding recreation
opportunities for non-water based activities such as hiking trails, scenic overlooks, group
shelters, nature trails, and a visitor center”. Efforts at developing a rich network of
hiking/mountain biking trails is currently underway and a set of seven group shelters now exist.
38
Analysis – GMP Visitor Information
Visitor use data has been collected using road counters since at least 1981. These data indicate
increasing visitation over time to an annual use figure of around 200K visitors (2011), and yet
the preferred alternative for the park is to preserve its rustic nature. Achieving this management
goal and yet staying sensitive to visitor capacities (and possible conflicts - see Section 3.2.4
below) is a challenge. As new uses are promoted, effort should be made to educate all visitors
about diversifying uses and the respective needs and expectations for these groups. This may
take the form of pre-visit website information or on-site interpretation about various
opportunities (and their commensurate locations, gear, use regulations, and so forth).
Also, the highest recreation use currently occurs between May and August. Use in shoulder
seasons and winter is much lighter than in the summer months. As biking and hiking uses
increase, monitoring how use extends beyond the busy season will be important, but so will
understanding the needs and interests of these users as it pertains to orientation and wayshowing,
regulations, and thematic interpretation. To anticipate interpretive approaches and materials for
new biking and hiking audiences some front-end evaluation with biking groups is recommended.
3.2. Visitor Use Data and Information – SPHST Visitor Surveys 2009-2010
Every five years SPHST conducts a visitor survey to track and monitor visitation to the various
Park units, but also to better understand visitor intentions and preferences. Results for Glendo
State park from the 2009-10 summer and winter surveys are summarized in the tables below.
Due to the amount of data presented in these reports, analysis comments are provided below each
table.
3.2.1. General Visitor Descriptions
Understandably, there are about five times as many visitors to the area in the summer months
than in the winter months. The vast majority of winter visits are locals who have visited before,
many of them (21%) who come alone, compared to summer visitation that is a majority out-ofstate visitors, many who have visited before, and nearly all who come with friends or family.
Table 6a. General Visitor Description
Residence
How do hear about this Park?
Traveling party
Average visitors per vehicle
Average age of traveling party
Prior visitation
Average visits per year
Summer (n-494)
62% outside Wyoming
38% Wyoming
60% prior visit
34% word of mouth
2% highway sign
2% computer/internet
2% alone
56% family
38% friends
3.22
29 years
73%
3.4
Winter (n=93)
82% Wyoming
18% outside Wyoming
76% prior visit
12% word of mouth
2% highway sign
1% computer/internet
21% alone
43% family
34% friends
2.43
34 years
80%
na
39
Analysis – General Visitor Description
These data suggests that about 3 in 10 summer visitors may be at Glendo for the first time. It is
important that visitors have a clear understanding about the site and information they need to
find their way around. They also need guidance about expected behaviors and interpretive
materials that might help them learn more about the Park and region.
For the 73% summer visitors who have prior experience with the site, it may be more
challenging to change habits, attitudes, and/or behaviors. Keeping this in mind when developing
the interpretative approach and media will be important.
Most summer visitors travel with friends or family and so considering some level of personal
interpretation for groups may be appropriate, for example, mini-presentations in group shelters,
roving interpretation, and so on. On the other hand, 1 in 5 visitors travel alone in winter months
and so ensuring that safety information (thin ice, hypothermia) is readily available for these folks
is important, although most seem to be ‘locals’ (from Wyoming) and very familiar with this area.
Interpretation about ice fishing, winter weather, and winter wildlife may all be appropriate topics
for these visitors.
3.2.2. Recreation Behaviors of Park Visitors
In the summer months, most visitors stay overnight, in contrast to winter use which is
predominately day use. On average, summer visitors stay about five times as long as do winter
visitors. And, in either case, Glendo seems to be a destination location.
Winter visitors come mostly to fish or picnic, although relaxing, nature appreciating, ATV use,
hiking, and some camping are popular activities. In the summer, visitors seem to appreciate a
much wider diversity of recreation activities although relaxing seems to be the most popular
activity. This survey indicates that there are about 30% more tent campers than there are
RV/trailer campers, and boating and swimming seems to be about 10-20% more popular than
fishing, although this area is known for its Walleye fishing.
Table 6b. Recreation Experiences at the Park
Day trip vs. Overnight stay
Park as main destination
Length of stay
Recreation gear
Summer (n-494)
92% overnight
8% day trip
94% yes
76 hours average
50% motorized boat
50% tent
39% RV/Camper
16% jet ski
8% pop-up camper
7% ATV
5% bicycle
2% motorcycle
Winter (n=93)
86% day trip
14% overnight
80% yes
13 hours average
24% ATV
22% RV/Camper
8% pop-up camper
4% motorized boat
3% tent
3% bicycle
0% motorcycle
0% jet ski
Table continued on next page…
40
Activities at Park
Summer (n-494)
79% relaxing
60% tent camping
59% boating
55% swimming/soaking
51% picnicking
42% fishing
41% RV/trailer camping
32% nature/wildlife viewing
27% hiking/walking trails
23% jet skiing
7% ATVs
6% biking
1% education program
Winter (n=93)
56% fishing
51% picnicking
28% nature/wildlife viewing
27% relaxing
20% ATVs
17% hiking/walking trails
15% RV/Trailer camping
3% biking
2% tent camping
1% boating
1% swimming/soaking
1% education programs
Analysis – Recreation Experiences
As a destination area, visitors will have fairly high expectations for both amenities and diverse
recreation opportunities. For example, several people suggested keeping the reservoir full for
consistent recreation opportunities, And, from the comment data (see below), showers were a
frequently requested amenity. As with any recreation area, meeting visitor desires for increased
development will always be a challenge. In the case of this plan, it will be essential to decide on
and describe carefully the scope of recreation opportunities (with their commensurate facilities,
management, and experience expectations) that are unique to this park. Being clear about how
and why the park is managed for specific opportunities is important (see more under Section
3.2.4 below).
Visitors of all stripes visit Glendo. The diverse recreation interests and activities apparent from
this survey suggest that developing interpretation for the various uses may be necessary, as rules
and regulations, expected behaviors, and recreation experiences are somewhat different for each.
For example, the best places, desired gear, safety considerations, expected experience,
rules/regulations, and possible outcomes of trail biking are very different from those of fishing.
Some differentiation in information and education for the various users is strongly advised to
help visitors understand both opportunities and responsibilities of available recreation.
Although tent camping still seems to be slightly more popular than RV camping, these two user
groups are very different. It will be important to interpret the desired experiences of both groups.
The Visitor Surveys suggest that there is currently only modest bike use at the Park (6% in the
summer and 3% in the winter). The surveys do not however, provide much compelling data to
suggest increased demand, so, with the new trail initiatives, it will be important to monitor bike
use (and behaviors) over next few years to track use over time, but also to determine educational
needs and desires for these visitors. And it will be essential to welcome these visitors by
providing clear and comprehensive information about use, expectations, and responsibilities.
In both the summer and winter there seems to be a healthy interest in nature appreciation and
wildlife viewing. This experience could easily be developed with interpretive media or materials
about what to watch, how to watch, specific species, migrations, animal behaviors, weather and
watching, and/or capturing what you watch (drawing, photography, writing).
41
3.2.3. Visitor Perceptions of Management Activities
For the most part respondents to this survey felt the staff were helpful (59% summer visitors) or
very helpful (97% winter visitors). However, when it comes to the importance of particular
management activities, summer visitors put priority on restrooms and trash, whereas winter
visitors put priority on road and grounds maintenance. Obviously, part of this is due to the fact
that there are no dumpsters in the off-season and only limited restroom facilities available at that
time of year. Law enforcement however was not among the top five important issues of winter
visitors but was for summer visitors. This most likely speaks to the level of use in the summer
and the need for enhanced law enforcement during heavy use months.
Preferences for technology also differed between summer and winter users, presumable because
winter users are more local and repeat visitors for the most part. Summer visitors most wanted
internet and GPS available onsite whereas winter visitors wanted radio transmission or MP3/CD
tours available onsite. And though the question was not asked of winter visitors, when provided
a list of possible technologies for making reservations, summer visitors preferred the internet for
making reservations, although there seems to be quite a bit of frustration with making
campground reservations (see also Section 3.2.4 below).
Table 6c. Visitor Perceptions of Management Activities
Helpfulness of staff
Importance of
Management Activities
(priority order)
Preferred Facilities and
Services (priority
order)
Preferred Onsite
Technology Services
(priority order; ‘none’
was also provided as a
choice)
Preferred way to make
campsite reservation
Use of State Parks
reservation system
Summer (n-494)
59% very helpful
36% fairly helpful
5% not helpful
1 Restroom Maintenance
2 Trash Collection
3 Ground Maintenance
4 Road Maintenance
5 Law Enforcement
1 Swim Beach
2 Boat Ramps
3 Developed Campgrounds
4 Boat Docks
5 Picnic Areas
1 internet information
2 GPS downloads – handheld
3 GPS downloads – vehicle
3 Web cameras
4 cell phone tours
5 geocaching
5 computer touch screen kiosks
40% web/online
27% not applicable
21% either phone or web
12% phone
56% no
44% yes
Winter (n=93)
97% very helpful
3% fairly helpful
1 Road Maintenance
2 Ground Maintenance
3 Wildlife Viewing
4 Restroom Maintenance
5 Trash Collection
1 Flush Toilets
2 Hiking/Biking Trails
3 Paved Roads
4 Boat Ramps and Docks
5 Parking
1 radio transmitter tours
2 MP3/CD Auto/Walking Tours
3 Web Cameras
4 Site Video Viewing Areas
4 cell phone tours
4 GPS downloads – vehicle/handheld
5 internet information
not asked
not asked
42
Analysis – Visitor Perceptions about Management
Summer visitors rated trash as number two in importance of management issues. Recognizing
that trash is a challenge for both visitors and management reinforces the notion of a trash/litter
campaign of some kind as suggested in Section 2.4.2 above. And, recognizing that both summer
and winter visitors place restroom maintenance among the top four important management issues
suggest that placing some form of interpretation in the bathrooms (e.g., Potty Press) sends an
indirect message that the Park takes facilities management seriously.
Among visitors, there is some interest in technology at the park, although there does not seem to
be a huge cry for it or against it. The format of this survey question (e.g., a list of possible
technology options), represents preferences among options and not a spontaneously generated
perception about technology. With this in mind, technology applications for interpretation at the
park should be developed cautiously and with sufficient front-end and formative testing to better
understand desirability, use, and effectiveness. With that said, as time and money allows,
gradually developing a technological option for existing or planned analog media may be
appropriate in some cases. For example, an online or DVD version of an orientation video might
be developed from the material currently offered in the orientation brochure and/or social media
options (e.g., park or nature phone apps) may be appropriate. These options should be pilot
tested however to determine desirability effectiveness, and long-term maintenance.
The website and the reservation system are two exceptions to this cautious implication for
technology. Both of these should be attended to as top priorities (see more in Section 3.2.4
below).
3.2.4. Narrative Visitor Comments by Season
Several respondents offered additional narrative comments on their survey. These comments are
summarized by categories below for both summer and winter surveys where example responses
for each category are listed. Because not everyone provided comment, the summaries should not
be used to generalize to all visitors. Rather these comments are offered to provide additional
insight about visitor perceptions. Due to the nature of the narrative comment data, categories for
winter and summer responses are slightly different, but in both cases, categories are ordered from
most to least number of comments. Individual comments are separated by semi-colons.
Summer Comment Analysis (n=180; 36% of summer survey respondents)

Positive Comments about Park in general (n=52): great place/park/scenery; wonderful lake, love /like/enjoy
it here; Glendo rocks/is amazing; beautiful park/lake, thank you/very nice lake/park; wonderful enjoy the
improvements; doing a great job; always nice and clean; peaceful and spacious.

Change something:
o
Reservation System (27): Reservation system is awful/terrible/needs work (20), eliminate
reservations - make it first come/first serve (4); be better about releasing reserved campsites when
people don’t show up for their spot (2), camping/reservation fee is too steep.
o
Facilities (27): need showers (6); need modern amenities – electricity; hook-ups, flush toilets and bath
house imperative for long stays; need fish cleaning stations (4); need better Beach Cat/4-wheel/vehicle
access to beach (3); rebuild/fix or add more picnic tables (2), keep an area for only Colorado
campers/Keep cracking down on Colorado – put them in their own part of the park (2), keep roads
graded (2), don’t develop Indian Point – develop Whiskey Point; no one-way roads; cables separating
43
sites are useless; open the fee booth earlier in May; keep some areas undeveloped; more dump stations
around the Park; put in horseshoe pits; put distance between tents and RVs
o
Fees/Permits (20): need annual camping passes back (5); should have annual permit for out-of-state
residents (5); did not like the additional overnight fee; create a cheaper fishing license, reduce campsite
rates (3) – too expensive; rate hike was surprising ($11 to $14); need to raise out-of-state fees (2); nonresident fee too expensive, accept Golden Age Pass or have a senior pass (2); cost for campsite should
cover electric hook-ups, charge more for RVs who tear up primitive campsites,
o
Lake/Reservoir (11): buy more water rights to keep high water in reservoir/keep water in the lake/
make Glendo a recreation lake so it is not drained every year (9); return the lake so we can drive down
to the beach; mark danger spots in reservoir with danger bouys
o
Signs (2): more signs; need better signage for hunting/no hunting areas
o
Trails (2): add ATV trails

Positive comments about staff (n=11): Chester is an exceptional worker (4); good/great/friendly/helpful staff
(6); very nice park rangers

Law Enforcement (n=12): enforce posted speed limits (3); no consistency in rules and regulations/ rules and
regs are unclear from person to person (2); increase fines for dogs – not cleaned up after (2); be less strict on
dogs off leash; why can’t my dog run on the beach; too many rules; set minimum and maximum size for
Walleye (nothing over 4 pounds); allow cars to park next to tents and not more two tent rule

Negative comments about staff (n=11): cranky at the gate; fee booth lady is rude and not very helpful; I wish
the pass office staff would have been nicer and more helpful; Park ranger was rude and did not ask anything
nicely but in fact was demanding and to forceful of an attitude; Park ranger was very nasty; everyone has
different responses to questions asked; you need more help; Park rangers need to chill; bothered by Park
rangers; staff at the front gate is questionable; you need to make sure all employees know the online reservation
system, ranger at Sandy Beach had no clue

Negative Comments about Park in general (n=10): barking dogs are annoying/dogs off leash (3); don’t like
generators (2); don’t care for roped off access to the beach or the ban of motorized vehicles on the beach; site
was close to smelly garbage; don’t like the reserved campsites; need maintenance crew at Indian Point during
the week; don’t like it here in the summer – too many rowdy people

Don’t change anything (n=8): we prefer the good ole days at Glendo when it was free dispersed camping; very
nice lake – keep it the same; want to week the wilderness a wilderness – quiet and peaceful; we’ve been coming
for 20 years – the old way of driving your car to the waters end made it easy for us to visit many times – we
now only visit once or twice while the water is up; keep a part of the lake undeveloped for people who actually
want to camp; leave campground natural; no development please; rustic and love it

Technology (n=2): there shouldn’t be technology at any state park – keep it natural; we don’t want to see this
place turn into a technological site – that would be bunk!
Winter Comment Analysis (n=48, 52% of winter survey respondents)

Change something about Park in general (n=11): make some ORV/4-wheel trails available (2); develop to
bring in more tourism (2); grade roads more often/road work needed (2); a café might be nice, bring the park up
to modern times; do anything to bring more people here; reinstate out-of-state yearly camping permits, need fish
cleaning stations

Mentioned fishing (n=12): here fishing with friends/just came to fish (8); great/excellent for fishing (4)

Mentioned hunting (n-8): great/good for hunting (4); came to hunt pheasants/just here to hunt (4)

Crowding (n=7): It’s too crowded in the summer,/too many people in summer (5); like it here when there are
no other people around, only come with it’s not crowded
44

Positive Comments (n=7): Great Park/great place (3); lovely Park; very pretty; beautiful place/park;
appreciate the clean bathrooms

Locals (n=6): we live nearby/locally/in Glendo (5); I am familiar with the park

Don’t change anything (n=4): leave the Park alone; leave park as it is; want it to stay the same; keep it simple
for camping and fishing

Negative Comments (n=3): many visitors are rude and hard to deal with (2); don’t like speedboats

Law Enforcement (n=2): Enforce park rules consistently (dogs, alcohol); too bad there is need for law
enforcement

Technology (n=2 in reference to survey question): don’t like all the technology; no interest in technology

Fees (n=2): did not know you had to pay to get in; charge higher fee if needed
Analysis – Narrative Comments
Perhaps no quote better summarizes the visitor management challenge at Glendo than the
following verbatim quote from the surveys: “[You] need to pave road to Indian Point Ramp so
our boats don’t get destroyed from the dust. Or put a ramp at Sandy Beach. Better yet, put it
back the way it used to be with no cables and posts. Also keep the government involvement to a
minimum.”
Indeed recreationists are a strange and conflicted species. The narrative comments provided on
the surveys representing about 1/3rd of summer visitors and about ½ of winter visitors, reveal
more about the ‘conflicted’ notions that some visitors have. On the one hand, some want the
Park to stay as it is and yet, others want more development, in some cases, much more
development. Some feel the Park is crowded while others feel it is spacious. Some feel the staff
are great, yet others feel the rangers are rude or confusing. Recognizing that these comments do
not represent all visitors to the Park, and that often, only those with an issue provide comments,
the following analysis is offered.
1. Perhaps the most obvious finding here is that the on-line reservation system needs some
attention. Many visitors seem to be confused by inconsistent and/or conflicting information
either on the website and/or provided by a reservation person. The following comments suggest
more specifically what the problems are:













website did not tell us we had to have 48 hour advanced notice (couldn’t reserve when we got there)
we can’t plan 90 days out and can’t get a campsite because too many are reserved and we don’t know if our 5 th
wheel will fit
need to talk to a person
wanted to be far from restroom but site was next to it
telephone clerk told me second car was only $6/day but it was actually $6/day + $11 for the site
reservations system should be made simpler to accommodate larger groups, need more reservable
cannot use Mozilla or Safari to reserve spots; I can’t book using other browsers than Explorer
need better online service
get rid of the jerks in Maine – they screwed up our reservations
confusing - 2 vehicles permitted with reservation but still charged for vehicles
need more specific about fees and regulations
given wrong information
The beach is now [explicative] with the [explicative] camping system. I grew up coming here and now camping
here is no longer fun. It makes boating too much work.
45

We had to pay for our campsite three times – we paid $102 for one campsite for two nights because we had
three vehicles.
It will be important that, if a reservation system is maintained (many want it eliminated), that the
system be simplified, clarified, and presented in a way that reduces visitor frustration and
confusion. And, as with any type of change, since this area has so many repeat visitors, thorough
and advanced explanation of change is essential so loyal visitors are not caught off-guard and
frustrated, as it seems many of these people were.
2. There were also quite a few visitors who wanted additional or new/different facilities –
particularly showers, fish cleaning stations, beach access, and picnic-tables. These sentiments
were echoed somewhat in Table 6c. where summer visitors indicated a preference for swim
beaches, boat ramps, developed campgrounds, boat docks, and picnic areas. And yet, there are
several visitors who don’t want things to change. They want to leave the Park ‘rustic’, ‘quite’,
and ‘peaceful’. For interpretive planning, it will be important for the Park to discuss and decide
what development and facilities visitors can expect so they can form or adjust their expectations
accordingly. By its very nature, recreation development will creep toward higher levels of
development over time unless intentional and persistent effort is made to keep a park at a certain
level of development. This management intent should be communicated with visitors (pre-visit
on the web and on-site) so that visitors set realistic expectations for their Park experiences.
Interpreting the reality and benefits of the existing development (which might also include what
is not available) is the best way to avoid visitor disappointment and dissatisfaction in the long
run.
3. From these comments, there seems to be some friction between Wyoming and Colorado
visitors. For example, “WY charges CO more, then we want/expect more” (see others above). It
is understandable that Wyoming citizens would feel protective of ‘their’ Park. However, as a
public facility it is not possible to segregate use by residence. It is possible however, to interpret
the region and suggest similar opportunities in the region (e.g., Sterling Reservoir, Horsetooth
Reservoir, Curt Gowdy Reservoir). In addition, interpreting some of the use data (not in
academic format) may help visitors understand ‘typical’ use at this park.
4. Although many people indicated that park staff are helpful (Table 6c and comments above),
some suggest otherwise, particularly relating to being rude, cranky, confusing, not helpful,
uninformed. Some interpretive training in customer service may be desirable to minimize these
occurrences.
5. Several comments suggest that there may be some naiveté related to uses of the water in the
reservoir. Several (n=11) comments were offered suggesting a consistent pool in the reservoir
for exclusive recreation use. It will be critical to address this in the interpretive materials – to
interpret the irrigation, power, and flood control purposes of the reservoir as well as what the
different “pool” levels mean for the various uses. Many visitors are direct beneficiaries of the
water (either upstream and/or downstream) and so it would be reasonable to develop
interpretation that relates to power consumption, irrigation benefits (meat and grain), flood
control, and recreation.
6. A high degree of collaboration between Glendo staff and Law Enforcement staff will be
important for developing interpretive materials that clarify rules and regulations but also provide
explanations for why those rules are set.
46
3.3. Other Visitor Data
Two additional sources of data that help describe visitor use and demand were requested during
the planning process, both of which are discussed below.
3.3.1. Fishing Tournament Data
Each year, Glendo is host to a number of fishing derbies and tournaments. Derbies are
sponsored events for fishermen to try for the biggest fish. Derbies do not pay prize money.
Tournaments are competitive events for prize money. The table below summarizes the Park
sanctioned fishing events held at Glendo over the last decade. This likely does not represent all
the fishing tournaments held at the reservoir as some groups/entities host tournaments without
applying for a special use permit.
Event
Ultimate Walleye Challenge Championship
(Wyoming Walleye Circuit LLC)
Glendo Walt Paddock Memorial
(Wyoming Walleye Circuit LLC)
Wyoming Walleye Circuit LLC Tournament
Dates
May 11-12, 2013
Frontier Oil Fishing Derby
Antelope Mine Fishing Derby
PacifiCorp Fishing Derby
Peabody Energy Fishing Derby
Wyoming Walleye Circuit LLC Qualifier
Wyoming Walleye Circuit LLC Qualifier
June 4, 2011
June 9 & 13, 2011
June 10-12, 2011
June 24-26, 2011
June 7-8, 2008
June 4-6, 2004
Other Information
event planned for 2013
June 2-3, 2012
September, 2011
25 teams (no information about size
of teams)
Bennett Hill Campground
Sage Brush Campground
Bennett Hill Campground
Whiskey Gulch Campground
Data from the Concessions and Revenue Division of SPHST reported the four Derbies and the
one Tournament in 2011. Apparently however, the application process does not capture data
about group size and so total of attendees per event or per year are not available. Anecdotally,
the Park staff estimates the Wyoming Walleye circuit events to be between 100 and 300
participants. The derbies are estimated to be about 40-60 participants each.
A very different picture is painted in a 2004 newspaper article about Glendo fishing events
(boxed below).
September, 2004
Too many walleye fishing contests and too many tournament anglers are ruining recreational
fishing at Glendo Reservoir, a Casper sportsman complained to Wyoming Game and Fish
Commissioners during a meeting Thursday.
Many of Wyoming's recreational fishermen have given up totally on walleye fishing at Glendo
due to the pressures from tournament fishing, Howard Ewart said. "You need to balance the use
on Glendo between tournament anglers and recreation anglers. Those tournament organizers
are making a lot of money from our resources, but they're pushing the recreational anglers off
the water." Because of the overcrowding … most anglers are coming away with a bad
experience and they don't come back," he said.
47
The numbers of tournaments and the numbers of tournament anglers continues to increase each
year at Glendo. For example, between May 29 and July 11 of this year, Ewart said there were
walleye tournaments - often two or three at a time-every weekend at the reservoir. The
tournaments drew from 100 to 300 anglers each day. The lake was also crowded with anglers
several days before tournaments as contestants "pre-fished" the reservoir to find the best spots
for walleye, he said.
Read more: http://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/article_13eea845-671d-5d11-ba39d90b94b0950b.html#ixzz1zUn6AkP3
In either case, little is known about the scope and scale of tournament attendance for Glendo.
Current record keeping, for example, does not capture number of participants at each event.
Analysis – Fishing Derbies and Tournaments
Although it is difficult to tell from these data what proportion of visitation comes from
tournaments and derbies, it is fair to assume that active fishermen (and their friends and families)
constitute a viable segment of visitors. As such, these people are one target population for
interpretation.
Furthermore, because many of these events are often sponsored by local and regional businesses
and clubs, those sponsors are also a target population for interpretation and collaboration.
Sponsors catalyze people who share an affinity – in this case fishing (and largely, Walleye
fishing). Collaborating with sponsors for relaying natural history and stewardship information
should be considered. In addition, approaching sponsors with this interpretive plan, to ask for
funding for very specific but key interpretive initiatives is not out of the question. Finally,
getting to know some of the ‘loyal regulars’ of these tournament and soliciting their help to
model good behaviors – in campgrounds, on the water, with trash or boating safety, is highly
recommended.
3.3.2. Frequently Asked Questions (from Staff)
One staff member each from Law Enforcement and Fee Collection were asked to submit visitor’s
most frequently asked questions about the Park. Results of these informal inquiries are listed
below.










How come there aren't more group sites?
How come you don't allow more campers to park at each camp spot?
Why can't we save a site for our family or friends, since they will be here soon?
How come there are not more signs up on the park telling us we can't do _____________(fill in the blank for
the violation we are checking on)?
Why don't you just add more sites? It is followed up with "there is plenty of room and you can get more
campers here and generate more revenue."
Where can I take my dog and let it run loose?
How come you are enforcing these rules now, when we have been doing this for 30 years?
When did these rules change and become so strict?
Where are the fish biting, and what bait should I use?
Why isn't there a fish cleaning station, and hookups for campers?
48











Why don't you keep all the out of state people away and save the park for residents? (There is particular
animosity towards Colorado people).
How/where do I make (campground) reservations?
Fire bans
Water levels
Sites with hook-ups – which sites have hook-ups?
Boat ramp closures
Camping rates
Cabin rentals
Boat anchoring at various sites
How is the fishing?
What is the availability of first-come/first-serve sites?
Analysis – Frequently Asked Questions
As stated above, interpretation will never replace law enforcement at this Park. However,
striking a balance between interpretation and law enforcement is essential. Some noncompliance may be out of ignorance, particularly in the absence of a visitor center or interpretive
staff. An increase in information and interpretation (that responds to frequently asked questions
and documented visitor behaviors) should immediately show some decrease in law enforcement
activity simply because (a) information provides answers to basic questions, and (b) good
interpretation show the public that the Park is responsive to visitor and resource needs…and has
certain visitor behavior expectations.
With regard to frequently asked questions, the following are recommended,




Continue to have staff write down and organize frequently asked questions for periodic
discussion about the implications of those questions for interpretation and education.
Have staff respond to FAQs in a written format that posts both the question and the response
in the bathrooms or in kiosk areas where other information is posted.
In answering all FAQs about rules and regulations, provide a reason (the why) for the stated
regulation, and as suggested by one staff member, consider developing a multi-perspective
approach to interpreting issues whereby an issue might be interpreted from (a) the visitor’s
perspective (recreation), (b) the Law Enforcement perspective (policy and regulations)\, (c)
Reclamation’s perspective (land management), and/or (d) the local community’s perspective
(economic development).
If/when interpretive staff are hired, encourage close collaboration between interpretive staff
and law enforcement staff, not only in training but in developing messages for interpretive
media.
3.4. Visitor Use information – 2009-2013 Wyoming SCORP
The SPHST division of Wyoming’s Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources prepares
a Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) every five years. The 2009-13
Plan is the most recent SCORP produced for the state, the purpose of which is to guide local,
state, and federal agencies in the development and provision of future outdoor recreation
development for securing Land and Water Conservation Funding (LWCF). The purpose of
LWCF is to ensure that all American citizens have access to recreation resources. Between 1996
49
and 2008, Platte County, Wyoming received a total of $1,632,748 in Land and Water
Conservation Funding for recreation resources.
From the most recent SCORP, some of the descriptive information and particularly the section
on Trails have particular relevance to this interpretive planning effort. The information related to
existing or possible visitor use at State Parks or particularly Glendo, are abridged in this below.
Trails – The 2009-2013 SCORP estimates that non-motorized use makes up the vast majority of
state trails use (83%) compared to 17% motorized use. However, 98% of trails funding is
awarded to motorized uses (including trails in all state parks). Current motorized trail uses
include snowmobiling and ORV use whereas current non-motorized trail uses include hiking,
mountain biking, backpacking, equestrian use, running, walking, and cross-country skiing.
Non-motorized uses are funded through grant moneys, transportation funding (TEAL, RTP), and
agency funding from local, state, or federal sources.
The State of Wyoming manages only .5% of the states’ approximately 8,176 miles of trails, and
according to a recent inventory of non-motorized trails conducted by SPHST (to be published
2013), the 17.4 miles of newly developed trails at Glendo constitute 19% of all State Park trails
in the state.
Very little data is included in this SCORP about demographics of people who participate in nonmotorized trail recreation although a 2008 University of Wyoming survey was conducted to
determine how Wyoming citizens recreated. That survey revealed that 58% of respondents
participated in hiking and walking and that quiet/solitude, fishing access, and nature trail
opportunities were rated high priority.
The SCORP recommends (a) continued support and new sources of funding for non-motorized
use, (b) enhanced partnerships with motorized recreation groups for funding opportunities and
promotion of recreation trails, and (c) possible pursuit of non-motorized user fees, and using the
Wyoming State Trails Program (WSTP) (located within SPHST) to help achieve trail goals.
Toward that end, much of the effort to achieve these goals lies with the State Trails Advisory
Council, a governor-appointed council who works to set policy, procure funding, and provide
advice and guidance about trail uses (motorized and non-motorized) for the state.
Analysis – SCORP Data
The Wyoming SCORP document is statewide and therefore offers only minimal data specific to
Glendo. The report does show that the majority of the state’s trail use is non-motorized, but there
are no accompanying data specific to mountain bike trail use or non-motorized use by Park.
However, the newly developed trails at Glendo (SPHST Inventory, 2013) create an entirely new
outdoor recreation experience at the park and so the State Trails Advisory Council will be
instrumental in helping customize new trail experiences for visitors and develop appropriate
interpretation for these users. In addition, creative partnerships with trail, bike, and hike
organizations are highly recommended as interpretive materials are produced for these new
opportunities at the Park.
50
3.5. National Outdoor Recreation Trends
The nation has been tracking outdoor recreation trends since the 1960’s when the Outdoor
Recreation Resources Review Commission first published their ORRRC reports – a 27 volume
series describing outdoor recreation in America at that time. Over the years, less comprehensive
recreation surveys have been conducted by a number of different organizations, agencies, and
universities. Today, the most comprehensive outdoor recreation data collected at the national
level is the National Survey on Recreation and the Environment (NSRE) conducted by a Forest
Service research group in Athens, Georgia in collaboration between Universities of Georgia and
Tennessee.
National recreation data, though non-specific to states, locals, or specific park-type units is useful
for tracking trends and placing local recreation in a larger context. Toward that end, the data
table below summarizes some of the most popular activities over the final 40 years of 20th
century.
Table 7. National Popular Recreation Activities from National Surveys (1960-2000)
U.S. Population
Name of Survey
Most Popular
Activities at the
time
1960’s
131 Million
Outdoor Recreation
Resources Review
Commission (ORRRC
Report)
Driving for pleasures,
swimming, walking, playing
outdoor games or sports,
sightseeing, picnicking,
fishing, bicycling, attending
outdoor sport events,
boating, nature walks, and
hunting
1982-83
231 Million
National Recreation Survey
– recommended by ORRRC
2000
284 million
National Survey on
Recreation and the
Environment (NSRE)
Swimming, walking, visiting
zoos and parks, picnicking,
driving for pleasure,
sightseeing, attending
outdoor sports events,
fishing, and bicycling.
Walking for pleasures,
outdoor family gatherings,
visiting a beach
Fastest growing activities:
viewing and photographing
birds, followed by day
hiking, backpacking, and
snowmobiling.
Source: (Cordell, 2008)
Using the NSRE database, Cordell, et.al (2008) also reports data by activity, collected in 2005
and 2008 and compare to data collected in 1999-2001. Data were collected and compared for 60
individual activities. Analysis of this data showed that some of the more traditional activities
such as picnicking, visiting historic sites, hunting, downhill skiing, horseback riding on trails,
sailing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and driving for pleasure are becoming less popular.
On the one hand, activities such as walking, family gatherings, viewing/photographing nature,
visiting beaches, visiting farms, driving motor vehicles off road, kayaking, and snowboarding are
becoming more popular. The table below arrays some of the activities which are popular (or
planned) at Glendo and displays the corresponding trend data provided in this 2008 report.
51
Table 8. Trend Data for Select Outdoor Recreation Activities
Activity
View/photograph wildlife (not birds)
View/photograph birds
Outdoor family gatherings
Developed camping
Motor boating
Warm water fishing
Swimming in lakes, ponds
Waterskiing
Picnicking
Day hiking
Mountain biking
Source: (Cordell, et.al. 2008)
Total U.S.
participants
(1,000s) 20052008
114,792.0
81,119.9
164,841.4
5,802.3
54,124.4
51,924.6
92,140.1
18,048.9
115,836.2
74,032.5
41,910.1
% change 19992001 to 200520008
23.1
19.3
4.2
2.7
3.9
7.3
4.0
5.5
-1.4
6.8
-8.0
Total annual
participant days
(millions) 20052008
5,341.6
8,039.0
13,30.20
523.3
740.6
900.1
1,333.0
150.8
779.7
1,993.4
911.7
% change in
total days 19992001 to 20052008
46.9
37.6
13.7
9.3
7.3
5.6
2.2
-3.9
-17.2
-20.9
-32.7
Although participation in recreation activities continues to change, according to the Cordell
sources, a couple of trends are noted. First, “American’s interest in nature-based recreation,
though changing is not declining; rather, it is strong and growing” (Cordell, 2008). This finding
is counter to some of the recent literature that suggests that interest in nature-based recreation is
declining because of the popularity of electronic media and entertainment (Pergrams and
Zaradic, 2007). Second however, there seems to be a trend that the “greatest growth in
participation is for activities that are not very challenging” (Cordell, 2008). This may speak to
the general greying of the American population and/or the general inactivity (and increasing
obesity) of Americans. Regardless, interest in nature and nature-based recreation is a doorway to
physical activity and to learning about and stewardship of natural resources.
Analysis – National Recreation Trends
These data suggest that nature-based recreation is popular (and growing) nationally, however,
trend data for picnicking and mountain biking show declines in both total participation and total
participant days over the past several years 6. Likewise, waterskiing and day hiking show
declines in total participant days over the same period of time. As stated above, with the new
efforts to enhance trail recreation (hiking and biking), and in absence of demonstrated demand
for trail use, careful monitoring of (and visitor communication with) the new trail visitors and
with biking, hiking, and trail groups will be very important, particularly in the next few years.
On the other hand, with the growing popularity of nature appreciation activities (viewing,
photographing, journaling), every opportunity to promote these experiences at the Park should be
exploited, including best locations, times of day, and times of year for viewing. For example,
suggesting where quiet viewing activities might be best, interpreting animal/bird migration
routes and behaviors, even showcasing visitor photos, drawings, or writing about nature on the
web or at the Park is strongly encouraged. These are particularly important for families with
children in light of the national trend to get kids and families outdoors and engaged with nature.
6
Although this is national data, by comparison, Curt Gowdy State Park (Wyoming) visitation increased 130% after
trails were installed there, recreation opportunities diversified, and visitation expanded to shoulder seasons.
52
3.6. The Outdoor Recreation Economy
The outdoor Industry Association (OIA), founded in 1989, is the premier trade association for
companies in the outdoor recreation business. The Association represents over 4000
manufactures, distributors, suppliers, sales representatives, and retailers. In 2012, the OIA
distributed a report titled, The Outdoor Recreation Economy. This was the second such report
distributed by this organizations; the first was published in 2006.
Stimulated in part by the recent recession, the 2012 report presents a summary of outdoor
recreation as a growing and diverse “economic super sector” that is a “vital cornerstone of
successful communities (p.2). Among the data reported in this report, the following provide a
broad economic context for this plan:







Annual consumer spending for outdoor recreation equals $646 billion, compared to
Pharmaceuticals at $331 billion, Motor Vehicles and Parts at $340 billion, Financial Services
and Insurance at $780 billion, and Outpatient Health Care at $767 billion (p.3)
The $646 billion in spending each year supports 6.1 million direct jobs and $80 billion in
federal, state, and local tax revenue. (p.5)
The $646 billion in spending constitutes $120.7 billion in product sales (apparel, footwear,
equipment, vehicles, accessories, and services) plus $524.8 billion in trips and travel-related
expenses (food, drink, transportation, entertainment, lodgings, souvenirs and gifts). In other
words, for every dollar spent on gear, four dollars are spent on trips and travel (p.6)
Americans spend more on bicycling gear and trips ($81 billion) than on airplane tickets and
fees ($51 billion) (p.4).
The Outdoor Industry hosts 6.1 million jobs, compared to 5.8 million jobs in Finance and
Insurance, 5.5 million jobs in Constructions, or 4.3 million jobs in Transportation and
Warehousing (p.8)
More than 725 million visits to the nation’s State Parks provided a collective $20 billion in
economic benefit to communities surrounding those parks (p.11).
Nationally, outdoor recreationists spend over $86 billion dollars on trail sports alone (p.17).
Analysis – Outdoor Recreation Economy
Outdoor recreation is big business – it stimulates local economies, provides jobs, and has a
lasting effect on American citizens who participate. Because the outdoor recreation industry
permeates broadly throughout our communities, collaboration with industry manufacturers and
retailers is a natural for funding and supporting interpretive efforts. With continued growth in
outdoor recreation, the need for information and education has never been greater, to help novice
recreationists learn skills and learn about natural systems, but also to guide all recreationists in
responsible behaviors and resource stewardship. It is prudent to consider working in partnership
with members of the outdoor industry to accomplish some of the goals of this interpretive plan.
53
Chapter 4. Themes and Visitor Experiences
Based on the inventory and analysis presented in previous chapters (specifically 2 and 3), this
chapter proposes themes and a vision for visitor experiences within the Park.
4.1. Themes and Main Messages
Theme statements describe the unique characteristics of the Park. They answer questions such
as: What makes this Park unique or distinctive? Where is the interface between natural resource
management and recreation uses? Why should people care about this place? A series of four
overarching themes are proposed to guide the interpretive initiatives of this Park. These themes
are presented below, each accompanied by a series of possible topics for eventual interpretation7.
1. Water and Watershed: The North Platte River watershed which flows from the high mountain
peaks in northern Colorado through southeastern Wyoming and on to the low plains of western
Nebraska serves as a valuable water source for plants and animals, including humans. Glendo
Dam, whose original authorized purpose (set by Bureau of Reclamation) is flood control, is
located in this watershed. The Glendo Dam and reservoir also provide power, irrigation water,
and recreation for citizens of Wyoming and the region.
Possible topics for interpretation:

Watersheds – North Platte River and watershed as nested in larger national and regional
watersheds; regional physiography; damming watersheds – upstream and downstream uses
and benefits.

The Dam, Power Plant and Reservoir - construction of the dam – when, why and how; parts
of the dam; Bureau of Reclamation and purposes of the dam and reservoir for water storage,
flood control, irrigation, water recreation, silt retention, healthy fishery; capacities, flooding,
and ‘pools’ of the reservoir, drawn down seasons – amounts and rationale; the dam and dikes
as historic resources.
2. Recreation Opportunities: Glendo State Park is primarily a water-based recreation area that
features significant and diverse outdoor recreation opportunities, predominately boating, fishing,
and trail uses for residents of Wyoming and the region.

Recreation uses (and users) of the area –Water recreation (e.g., fishing, boating, swimming,
wake boarding, waterskiing, wind surfing, sailing, tubing); land-based recreation (camping,
hiking, mountain biking); other ancillary recreation (picnicking, nature appreciation,
viewing, and photography; relaxing)

Recreation Safety – proper recreation clothing and gear (e.g., personal floatation devices,
emergency provisions); recreationists opportunities vs. responsibilities; Park rules and
regulations for human and resource safety; variable weather temperatures and conditions
(daily and seasonally)
7
The four major themes are presented here in order of priority based on discussion and dot-voting at the June 20,
2012 stakeholder meeting attended by 10 people.
54
3. Natural History: In the area of Glendo State Park, the North Platte River cuts a narrow gorge
through Red and Platte River canyons creating productive river-wetland habitats in the
bottomlands of the Park and diverse forested and grassland habitats in the upland areas. Varied
plant and animal species inhabit these ecosystems and contribute to the productive diversity of
the area.
Possible topics for interpretation:

Habitats and Ecosystems - the fishery and aquatic habitats, wetland habitats; pinyon-juniper
habitats, upland grasslands habitats, ecosystem ecology, the integration of biotic (flora and
fauna) and abiotic components.

Human and Ecosystem interface – natives and non-native flora and fauna; Aquatic Invasive
Species program; reservoir stocking for recreation and fisheries management; transplanting
upland game birds.
4. Stewardship: Humans are relatively recent residents in this area and as such have particular
opportunities and responsibilities for enjoying the area and serving as its stewards.

Use ethics – Tread Lightly!; Leave No Trace (front country and backcountry); rewards of
responsible recreation (e.g., http://fwp.mt.gov/recreation/ethics/ )

Trash, litter, and waste – volume of litter, waste, trash; Leave No Trace and Pack it In, Pack
it Out practices; costs of public recreation and management;

Respect and Care for Historic/Cultural Resources – leaving archeological remains;
4.2. Vision for the Visitor Experience
As this is the first Master Interpretive Plan for the Park, visioning the visitor experiences is
important for ensuring that interpretive media matches visitor expectations. For the purposes of
this plan, interpretive recommendations (Chapter 5) will address the following broad visitor
questions:
1. Welcome and Orientation (O/W) – What is this place and how do I find my way around?
2. Recreation Choice and Decision-making (Rec Choice) - What are my opportunities here?
3. Rules and Regulations (R&R) – What are my responsibilities here?
4. Themes and Messaging (Stories) - What are the stories this place has to tell?
Both the Park and the Visitor have a responsibility in these questions. The Park does something
for the visitor, and in return, the visitor does something for the Park.
What the Parks Does for the Visitor
The table below organized visitor questions by category (1-4 above) to suggest the Park’s
responsibility for providing information and interpretation to address these questions. Questions
are sorted temporally by Pre-Visit, On-Site, and Post-Visit to reinforce the notion that park
55
visitation commences prior to the actual site visit and extends beyond, sometimes far beyond the
actual site visit.
Table 9. Visitor Questions by Time and Category
O/W
Pre-Visit
(website and
mobile web,
published
information,
promotional
information,
word of
mouth)
How do I find the
Park?
Once I get there, how
do I find my way
around?
What facilities are
there…where do I
stay, play, relax?
How much will it cost
us in terms of time,
effort, and money to
go there?
What should I bring
(and not bring)?
On-Site
(fee booth,
info kiosks,
road and trail
signs, marina,
headquarters
bathrooms,
campgrounds,
local
businesses)
Where do I enter the
Park (and how do I
know that I’ve
arrived?)
Where do I go from
here? How do I find
the campground,
trailhead, bathroom,
headquarters, marine,
beach, boat ramp…?
Where can I find a
person to talk to, ask a
question, help me…?
Post Visit
(individual
reflections,
discussions
among group,
mementoes of
trip, photos,
blogs,
Facebook,
twitter)
Rec Choice
Where can I take my
friends/family for an
outdoor recreation
adventure?
Why should I choose
Glendo over other
leisure options?
R&R
What permits do I
need?
What will be expected
of me when I get to
the Park?
Stories
What topics or ideas
are my friends/family
interested in?
What is there to see or
do at the Park; what
opportunities best fit
my group’s interest
and abilities?
What value does a
Glendo adventure hold
for me and my friends
and family?
What is there to do
here…on the water, on
trails, on roads, in the
campground, on the
beach, in the local
community?
What are my
responsibilities
here…in the
campground, on the
trails, on the water, on
the roads, with fire,
with trash, with other
people?
What is interesting
here…about the water,
weather, flora, fauna,
history, geology, local
community,
topography?
How do I have a safe
and satisfying visit?
What if I have an
emergency?
What can I do to leave
this place better than I
found it?
Reflection:
Was it worth it? Was it fun? Am I satisfied?
Would I return? What would I do differently next time?
Will I recommend this experience to others? What would I tell them about it?
How would I build on what I saw/learned/did here?
How would I do things differently next time?
Recall:
What do I remember about this Park?
How was I or my friends/family changed by this experience? Is my family happier, more inspired,
more interested as a result of our visit?
56
What the Visitor Does for the Park
In return, the visitor takes responsibility for the following outcomes.
Visitors will exercise appropriate safety precautions for all recreation activities on or around the
reservoir and on Park trails by,
 Carrying and wearing regulation PFDs while on or in any watercraft while on the reservoir.
 carrying all appropriate supplies and equipment needed for successful participation in
recreation activities (e.g., gear, water, food, clothing)
 dressing appropriately for all recreation activities
Visitors will demonstrate stewardship behaviors at all times while recreating in the Park by,
 Using campgrounds, picnic tables, fire rings, boat ramps, beaches, trails, bathroom facilities
and all other Park facilities in the manner intended for proper use.
 Adhering to all fire precaution regulations issued by the Park
 Depositing all trash/garbage in receptacles provided by the Park or taking all trash/garbage
with them when they leave the Park.
 Not vandalizing any Park property or resources (trees, vegetation, shorelines).
 Reduce disposable items and packaging brought to the Park.
Visitors will demonstrate respect for others while visiting the Park by,
 Honoring all posted signs and instructions related to the use of Park facilities.
 Complying with all Park regulations.
Visitors will participate in opportunities to learn about and enjoy the natural resources of the
Park by,
 Engaging in interpretive opportunities provided by the Park (presentations, signs, self-guided
trails.
 Discuss with friends, family, and/or park staff topics of interest.
 Possibly look up additional information related to topics of interest on mobile web device.
4.3. Institutional Philosophies
Based on the resource inventory and analysis, the following Park-specific philosophies are
proposed. These philosophies, committed here in writing, begin a practice of proactive
deliberation and commitment to certain ideas that influence the overall interpretive provisions of
the Park. Additional philosophies may be developed as the need arises.
4.3.1. On Technology
The Park’s philosophy on technology is that active, nature-based outdoor recreation (land or
water) takes precedence over technology, particularly social media. Whereas electronic media in
the form of a comprehensive and up-to-date website and social media will be supported by
Headquarters (HQ) and the Public Information Office (PIO) and will contain current information
for all Park visitors. This web based information will be designed primarily for trip planning,
anticipation, and experience sharing. The Park will place a higher priority on maintaining on-site
physical and built facilities that complement and support nature-based activities than initiating or
managing electronic social media opportunities such as Facebook, Twitter, cell-phone apps, and
57
so forth. The priority for on-site facilities that support nature-based recreation are based on the
notion that visitors to Glendo seek active outdoor and often social opportunities to be with
friends and family away from the pressures and pace of work/school life. The development of
applications for personal mobile devices (which may be used on site during recreation
participation) are not being proposed in this plan. The future development of these applications
needs to be approached systematically with careful planning and development to ensure long
term maintenance and support from HQ.
4.3.2. On Positive Approaches for Interpreting Rules and Regulations
The Park believes that a positive approach to interpreting rules and regulations should be the rule
not the exception. This is based on the notion that rewarding good behavior is often more
effective than punishing bad behavior. Borrowing from the literature, the following principles
should be integrated into interpretive approaches as much as feasible (see Appendix B for
supporting data and information).

Establish experience and behavioral expectations prior to visitation – i.e., clearly state
desired positive outcome which relate to the mission of the Park on the website and in
promotional materials.

Welcome visitors to the Park – i.e., courtesy begets courtesy.

Explicitly define expectations of desirable behaviors – on the water, in the campgrounds, on
the trails, and so forth. State the expectation in observable and positive language. For
example: Got Trash? We’ve got you covered, or Be a responsible camper and take your
trash to the dumpsters.

Emphasize personal wellbeing rather than stoke fears – e.g., A clean Park starts with a clean
camp.

Focus visitor attention on potential losses or consequences of behaviors – e.g., Want to keep
low Park fees? Keep your cash and stash your trash here! Or, Help maintain low Park fees stash your trash here.

Recognize that peer pressure makes a difference, that is, ‘who you know shapes how you
behave’. So use affinity groups and their leaders (e.g., tournament participants and sponsors,
youth/scout/affinity groups, family groups or groups of friends) to impart messages about
desired behaviors.

Develop the sense of a social norm for the desired behaviors – e.g., Clean it forward – leave
a clean and tidy campsite, or Help lost trash find a home – this way to the dumpsters.

Position the most detailed level of information in places where it is most relevant – e.g., in
campgrounds for camping-related expectations; on trails for trails-related expectations, etc.

Offer choices whenever possible – e.g., You can park your vehicle at your campsite between
the stakes or in the public parking area located at the entrance of each campground.
58
Chapter 5. Interpretive Options and Recommendations
This chapter of the plan describes specific recommendations for interpretive media, programs,
and services for the Park based on all foundational material and the inventory and analysis of
resources and audiences presented previously in this plan. Section 5.1 below describes the
process and criteria used for discussion and decision-making related to the recommendations.
Prioritized recommendations are summarized in Table 10 (next page).
This first section also describes some rationale for becoming visitor centric (5.1.1), and proposes
a hierarchy for organizing visitor contact structures included in the recommendations (5.1.2). In
each of the remaining sections (5.2., 5.3., and 5.4 respectively) first, second, and third priority
recommendations are described in detail. A 5-year sequencing table is provided in section 5.5.
5.1. Decision Criteria and Summary of Prioritized Recommendations
Following a discussion of preliminary recommendations, the planning team pursued an exercise
to rate each of the recommendations according to the following criteria. Each of the team
members had participated in the planning process throughout and were aware of the supporting
documentation to this point.
Time/Effort
1 = this project is easy and would not take much time at all
2 = this project would take some time/effort, but is doable in the short-term
3 = this project requires significant time/effort
Timing
1= Timing, season or situation is right to take advantage of this opportunity immediately.
2 = It is best to delay this project for awhile
3 = Keep this project on our wish list for much later
Talent (staffing)
1 = we currently have staff or personnel to get this project done
2 = we would need outside help but that help would be easy to procure
3 = this would take a substantial change in staffing or contracting to accomplish
Treasury8 (budget, funding, potential for fund-raising)
1 = we have the money in the current budget to accomplish this task
2 = we would have to look around a bit for money to make this happen
3 = it will take a significant fund-raising (or partner) effort to complete this task
Impact
1 = this project has the potential to make a real difference here
2 = we would hope this project might make a difference
3 = the potential for impact is not clear or obvious
8
Some current funding exists from BOR for implementation of interpretation services. That money needs to be
spent by September 30, 2015.
59
Following that exercise, ratings were summarized and given a final ranking (see Table 10
below). Throughout this chapter, all the recommendations are organized into three priority
categories described below.

First Priority (green shading and text) – recommended for implementation in the next 1-2
years. These recommendations are developed most fully below. They are written such that
they might be used to obtain funding or bids for design-development and execution.

Second Priority (purple shading and text) – recommended for implement in 3-4 years.
These recommendations are also developed fully but assume that when the time comes to
develop these recommendations, staff may want to review them for relevancy and make any
necessary adjustments before approaching possible funders or contractors.

Third Priority (orange shading and text) – recommended for re-evaluation and possible
implementation in 4-5 years. These recommendations are only partially developed, but
sufficient detail is provided to clarify the direction and intent of each.
Table 10. Prioritized Summary of Interpretive Recommendations
Recommendation
First Priority Recommendations
1.1. Remove Dated Sign Materials
1.2. Design and Develop a Park Entry Area with Welcome Kiosk
1.3. Upgrade the Park’s Website
1.4. Pursue Interpretive Training for Park Staff
1.5. Develop a Graphic Standard for Park Materials
1.6. Upgrade the Park Brochure
1.7. Develop a North Platte River Interpretive Watershed Map
1.8. Design and Develop Five Interpretive Kiosks
1.9. Develop a Self-Guided eXploration Quest for the Trail System
1.10. Develop a Stewardship Media Kit
Second Priority Recommendations
2.1. Re-purpose the Reclamation Concrete Kiosks
2.2. Develop an Interpretive Presentation Series
2.3. Develop a Visitor Monitoring and Feedback Process
2.4. Add a Weather Station to Existing Webcam
2.5. Upgrade the Self-Guided Wetland Trail
2.6. Design and Develop a Trailhead at Whiskey Gulch
Third Priority Recommendations
3.1. Hire an Interpretive Specialist
3.2. Develop Educational Activity Guides for K-12 Field Trips
3.3. Initiate a Roving Interpretation Program
3.4. Develop Interpretive Waysides for the Biking/Hiking Trails
3.5. Build a Visitor Center at the Entrance to the Park
Page #
Ranking
p.62
p.64
p.69
p.71
p.73
p.74
p.76
p.80
p.87
p.90
1
2
3
n/a
4
n/a
5
5
6
10
p.93
p.95
p.97
p.98
p.100
p.103
8
8
8
9
11
n/a
p.104
p.106
p.107
p.108
p.110
12
8
13
13
n/a
Table Notes:
 Ranking is based on a summary of all planning team member ratings for each of the preliminary
recommendations.
 “n/a” suggests that this recommendation was offered by only one person and was not ranked by all members of
the planning team in the rating exercise.
60


Although overall ranking helped to order the recommendations generally, some additional sorting was done by
the interpretive planner based on professional judgment and notions of optimum sequencing in light of earlier
inventory and analysis.
The rationale for placing Recommendation 3.2 as a third priority (though ranked an 8) is that the Park is unsure
of how many students/teachers/classes are currently using the Park for educational purpose. Implementing
Recommendation 3.1 first would help tremendously to further develop this recommendation.
5.1.1. On Becoming Visitor Centric
Being visitor-centric means standing in the visitors’ shoes while making management decisions
that pertain to visitor experiences. This involves understanding and empathizing with a new
visitor who has never been to the Park before, as they decide about their visit using the website
or about how to find their way around on site using directional signs. It also involves
(metaphorically) “becoming” a fisherman, a mountain biker, or a jet skier in decisions about
maps, safety information, or interpretation. Being visitor-centric is simply good customer
service. Helping the visitor plan his/her visit, find his/her way around the Park and locate visitor
contact facilities demonstrates that the staff are aware of and care about visitor needs.
Becoming visitor centric does not however mean that management panders to visitors. It is not
about appeasing visitors at every turn. Rather, it simply means that the visitor voice and
perspectives are considered when management decisions are made about facilities or services
that impact the on-site visitor experience – in this case as they relate to interpretation and
educational initiatives.
5.1.2. Proposed Facility Hierarchy
Not all the recommendations suggested in Table 10 above involve built facilities, but for the
recommendations that do, the following hierarchy is offered to organize interpretive structures
and to help staff anticipate nesting future facilities. In all cases, except for the first and last
below, schematic sketches are included in this chapter to exemplify the respective
recommendations.
Park Visitor Center – later priority (see Recommendation 3.5)
A fully-enclosed facility with HVAC, plumbing, administrative space, and exhibit/interpretive space.
Welcome Kiosk/Fee Booth Area (1) – proposed entry area upgrade – 1st priority. (Recommendation 1.2).
Self-contained entrance area for Park information and fee payment; roofed, multi-bay structure (hewn
timber design) plus staffed fee booth.
Information Kiosks (5) – proposed information structures – 1st priority. (Recommendation 1.8)
Roofed, multi-bay structure (hewn timber design), smaller than Welcome Kiosk; contains
orientation/wayfinding information, rules and regulations, interpretation, and in some cases,
trailhead sign in capabilities.
Trailhead Structure (2) – proposed structures – 2nd priority (Recommendation 2.5 and
2.6). Upright, hewn timber design trailhead structure; contains name of trail, map, rules
and regulations, and relevant interpretive information.
Bike Wayside Signs (3) – proposed wayside signs for trails – 3rd priority.
(Recommendation 3.4) Modest stone and timber structure with one small
interpretive sign (one message) and viewing tube as appropriate.
Location signs – none proposed in this plan (for future reference only)
As needed, location signs identify a trail, site, or location; they contain
one small panel (location name only) on a hewn timber post.
61
5.2. Elaborated Recommendations – First Priority
Each of the first priority recommendations (numbered 1.x. below) is described below in green.
As appropriate, detail for these recommendations include: a title, description and purpose, target
audience, theme, desired visitor outcomes, general development considerations, and effort and
cost estimates. All costs included in this Chapter are estimates. If companies or individuals have
prepared estimates, those names or firms are noted. Based on the planning horizon of this plan
(5 years), it is recommended that more detailed bids that reflect up-to-date costs be obtained
when implementation of the various recommendations is considered in earnest.
1.1. Remove Dated Sign Materials
Description and Purpose: There are three areas in the Park where there exists aging or dated
signs that are now incompatible with image and branding proposed in this interpretive plan. In
each instance, removal of these dated materials is recommended.
A. Interpretive Signs at Muddy Bay: In light of their age and condition, all the small metal
interpretive signs that comprise the self-guided trail in the Muddy Bay flood plain should be
removed (See Table 3, Section 2.5.2.). Some of these signs are illegible due to flood damage or
neglect (see photos below). This area is part of an active flood plain and as such, is not
appropriate for interpretive signage. Furthermore, based on the WALROS inventory completed
in 2012, this area is categorized as a semi-primitive area and requires management
commensurate with semi-primitive recreation and interpretive opportunities (see Section 2.6).
Therefore, the self-guided signs should be removed and the area restored to its natural condition.
B. Lower Dam Identification Sign. Early in the history of Glendo Reservoir, the Bureau of
Reclamation created location signs for the visiting public. One of the larger identification signs
(along with a smaller Keep this Area Clean sign) is located at the dam (south side – see photo).
The large sign is a routed wood signs with dark brown painted background and white letters.
This particular sign announces the dam and provides several facts about the dam. Although the
smaller sign is a newer generation, it is barely noticeable from the road, and it is inconsistent
62
with the overall desired sign standard for the area. Furthermore, a new information kiosk is
proposed for the Dam Overlook site (see C below and Recommendation 1.8), and so these two
signs should be removed and the site restored to its natural condition. At this time, no
replacement signs are recommended for this area as parking is limited and stopping in this
location can be unsafe. The topic of the dam construction and specifications will be addressed in
the proposed kiosk at the Overlook location.
C. Dam Overlook signs – On the north side of the dam above Slide Hill at the dam overlook
there are three small metal signs (see photos below) and one large routed wood Glendo Reservoir
sign (similar to what is shown in photo above). To avoid sign clutter in this area, all of these
signs should also be removed when the kiosk for this site is developed. The theme and contents
for this proposed kiosk are described more fully in Recommendation 1.8.
General Development Considerations: Approval from Reclamation will be necessary prior to
any sign removal. Staff in the Great Plains Regional Office of the Bureau of Reclamation
(Chief, Water and Lands Operations Division, Mills, Wyoming) should be contacted with regard
to process for removal and disposition of sign materials removed.
63
Some of the topics addressed on the 13 Muddy Creek signs (see Table 3, Section 2.5.2) are still
appropriate for Glendo State Park, as are the stories related to Dam construction and
specifications on the wooden signs. Prior to disposal of these signs, content should be recorded
or photographed for possible later use in new interpretive media. In any case, topics borrowed
from those signs should be re-evaluated and developed interpretively so they are engaging,
interesting, and relevant to visitors. The presentation of information should use current design
standards including appropriate font (and format) that is easy to read. Additionally, text material
should be accompanied by photos, figures, graphics, or even sculptures that help convey the
intended theme (see more in Recommendations 1.5, 1.8, 2.5, 2.6 and 3.4 below).
Estimated Effort and Material Costs:
Task
Sign Removal (13 signs at
Muddy Bay)
Contract
Labor
~$800-$900 (assumes 1.5 person
days or 2 people for 3/4 day each.
Includes drive and sign removal)
$500-$700 (assumes 1 person day
effort or 2 people for ½ day each.
Includes drive time and sign
removal).
included in contract amounts above
$1,300-$1,600 + dump fees
In-house Labor
(position title)
grounds
maintenance or
construction staff
Materials and
Equipment
truck, bobcat, chain,
tools, shovels
Sign Removal (2 large Dam
ID signs and 3 small metal
signs at Dam and Dam
Overlook
Sign Disposal
Dump Fees
Totals
Notes:
 Assumes that Park truck and bobcat or tractor is available if work is completed by in-house staff.
 Local contact for possible external contract: Willcuts Backhoe in Wheatland, WY 307-322-3832.
1.2. Design and Develop a Park Entry Area with Welcome Kiosk and Fee Station
Description and Purpose: Currently, the entrance/fee area to the Park is minimally develed and
not as inviting as it might be (see photos below). Visitors pay their fees at this location (staffed
during the busy season), but the only other visitor contact area is the Park Headquarters which is
about three miles away, and this facility functions primarily as administrative offices.
Recognizing that the Park is not in a position to build a visitor center at this point, an upgrade of
the current fee area is strongly recommended. This area should be pleasantly landscaped and
configured to contain an information kiosk and an upgraded fee booth, similar to that installed
64
recently at Sandy Bay and in a style similar to the existing River Trailhead kiosk (i.e., hewn
timber construction, see photo below and schematic on following pages). The recommended
kiosk would be of a similar construction to the existing hewn timber kiosk at the river location
below the dam (see photo). It would be a 3-bay, roofed structure used for posting visitor
information and providing a self-administered fee payment station for visitor use when the large
booth was not staffed.
Note: Welcome kiosk would likely be configured differently than the kiosk pictured to
accommodate the purposes below and multiple visitors at one time, but the hewn wood
construction is recommended.
In general, a new Welcome/Entrance Area Kiosk would serve to welcome visitors, give them a
sense of arrival and entry to the Park, and provide a central location for general Park information,
fee payment, and notice of park rules and regulations. It would serve as the gateway to the Park
by displaying the brand of the Park and addressing a majority of visitor information questions in
one location.
Specifically, the purposes of such a welcome kiosk would be to:
 Identify the Park, welcome visitors (e.g., Welcome to Glendo State Park. We are glad you’re
here!) and to serve as an invitation to visitors to explore the park and practice respectful and
stewardship behaviors while visiting,
 Provide a brief description of the Park and of SPSHT with appropriate contact information,
 Display a large orientation map of the entire park showing water, roads, trails, campgrounds
and associated facilities, boat docks, headquarters, the dam, the marina, information and
interpretive locations,
65






Describe and show (in photographs) examples of the available recreation opportunities at the
Park on both land and water, and describe, in visitor language, recreation opportunities as
differentiated by the WALROS classes recently inventoried (see Section 2.6 of this plan),
Present a clear and positive description of general visitor responsibilities (i.e., use ethics)
with ‘why’ explanations and photos,
Describe emergency procedures and provide contact information for Park officials,
Post current announcements about Park resources and activities, and provide an area for
visitor feedback (dry erase, locking bulletin cabinet, bulletin board, or similar) where visitors
might post messages and/or staff might respond to frequently asked visitor questions,
Provide a self-administered fee payment station with information and an explanation about
uses of fees at the Park, and
Convey a sense of pride in the Park and its resources and outdoor recreation opportunities.
The landscaped site would contain both a large 3-bay information kiosk as well as the fee booth
(possible new or renovated) that, when staffed, could accommodate at least two lines of cars
simultaneously. When the fee booth was unstaffed, the self-administered fee station in the kiosk
area would enable recreationists to answer their questions and to register unaided 9.
Target Audience: All Park visitors, particularly those who arrive at the Park for the first time,
and those who enter the Park when the fee booth is not staffed
Desired Visitor Outcomes: When entering the Park, visitors who stop and interact with
welcome kiosk area (staffed or not) will:
 Feel welcomed and informed about the opportunities available at the Park,
 Comply with fee payment procedure,
 Feel confident in finding their way around the park – particularly in finding their reserved
campsite or campsite of their choice,
 Recount their responsibilities at the Park as they pertain to parking, trash, campground use,
and personal safety,
 Feel positive and informed about the park (i.e., not confused or frustrated about finding their
way, understanding the rules, or identifying recreation choices).
General Development Considerations: A landscape architect would be required to design and
configure the site. This would involve re-designing the current site to accommodate both the
information kiosk and a fee booth (existing or new) that should accommodate two lines of cars
during busy times. The site design should also accommodate a complete self-guided visitor pay
experience (see purposes above) when fee booth is not staffed. In addition, the landscape
architect (or team) would be responsible for the kiosk design and any decisions about visitor
flow through the site.
9
There has been some discussion about locating the welcome kiosk in a different location (inside the Park
boundary) where visitors could get information and answers to their questions. However, separating the fee
payment (and possible staff interaction) from a welcome/information function is not recommended as it requires that
visitor make two stops to “take care of official business”. This inefficient use of visitor time and unnecessary
development of valuable natural landscape can be avoided if these functions are consolidated in one visitor-use area.
66
Fee Booth Option A
Fee Booth Option B
Concurrently, an interpretive team with expertise in content development (research and writing),
graphic design and layout, interpretive sign fabrication, and possibly project management would
be required. This person’s/team’s job would be to coordinate with the landscape architect to
configure the site, position the kiosk, and develop the content for all materials to be displayed at
this kiosk (see purposes above).
67
The kiosk, fee booth, and all accompanying panels would then be fabricated by a professional
fabricator and installed on site according to the specifications of the landscape architect.
Fabrication and installation would naturally consider the configuration of the entire site, that is,
the pad, base, and kiosk structure with self-administered pay process, as well as the drivethrough fee booth configuration and all site landscaping.
Entry Kiosk Option A
In the best case scenario, all of these efforts should be coordinated in one contract with a firm
that has all these capabilities in-house or who can easily put together a team to do this work as a
coordinate effort. Several firms who do this type of work exist in the Rocky Mountains, for
example: TDSI Architects, Cheyenne; Click Point Ranch, Denver; Condit Exhibits, Denver;
Wells Resources, Fort Collins; Interpretive Graphics, Salt Lake City.
Overall, the design of the Welcome Kiosk should aim for consistency with other built facilities
of the Park (e.g., group shelters). In addition, the approach to the interpretive panels should also
be consistent with the graphic standard (e.g., font, colors, logo, design elements) of the SPHST,
although additional graphic standard specific to Glendo State Park may also apply (see
Recommendation 1.5 below). Having contractors and/or staff consult the SPHST Interpretive
Services Guidelines and the Interpretive Services Program handbooks (2012) before and during
this implementation process will be important.
68
Estimated Effort and Material Costs:
Task
Site Design/Plan that includes
kiosk and fee booth design
and configuration of site;
approvals, project
management
Interpretive panel design and
development (includes
planning, research, writing,
graphic design and layout,
and production files)
Site preparation, fabrication
and installation of all site
features (kiosk, panels, fee
booth, general landscaping),
project management
Contract
Labor
Architect, Engineer,
Landscape Architect
$6-8K
In-house Labor (position
title)
SPHST Engineering
Division (Landscape
Architect, Architect,
Engineer)
$1-2K each x 4-7
panels or $5K-12K
(depending on panel
# and sizes)
SPHST Field Support Staff
Materials
 Necessary approvals
from Reclamation
and SPHST
 Contracting permits
from state/local
officials.
 Various existing
Park site plans
 Reclamation Library
and Archives for
research and writing
paved plaza: $4-6K
Engineering Team, CCO,
kiosk: $8K-12K
and/or Park staff
panels and
mounting: $4-7K
general landscaping:
$2K-3K
Totals
$32K-$48K
Prices depend on final size and configuration of kiosk, size of paved plaza, and final number and size of interpretive
panels. Regardless, a general rule of thumb for pricing is 40% for planning/design and 60% for fabrication and
installation. Detailed and updated bids should be obtained prior to contracting any of this work.
1.3. Upgrade the Park’s Website
Description and Purpose: Based on the critical appraisal of the current Park website conducted
for this plan (see Section 2.5.6), it is clear that the current site should be improved to provide a
more cohesive and coherent virtual doorway to Glendo State Park. Appendix E provides two
possible options for restructuring the site map for the Glendo webpages. However, regardless
the website organization, a visitor-centric approach should be adopted and at least the following
components addressed:
 An inviting and friendly welcome to the visitor with appropriate branding and photos.
 Locations and directions to the Park with maps (e.g., state, regional, park specific).
 Accurate description of the Park including facilities and amenities of the park and nearby
communities, but also seasons and fees. This description might include a brief history of the
park, although in-depth treatment of that topic is much more appropriate in on-site
interpretive materials and/or programs. In any case, all mentions of Spanish Diggings should
be removed from the website since that area is not within Park boundaries and Park officials
(according to the General Management Plan) are trying to discourage visitor use of sensitive
archeological sites.
 Outdoor Recreation Opportunities at the Park with appropriate photos that align with the
WALROS categories identified for the park (see Section 2.6),
 Rules, regulations, and suggestions for all types of Park adventures, using Appendix B to
guide positive approaches to these regulations.
 Campground reservations procedure with clear directions (reference Section 3.2.4 with
regard to visitor comments about current reservation system).
 Frequently asked questions, with staff responses; periodically updated.
69


Contact information, including social media communication channels.
Review website of partners including BOR and WOT to develop efficiencies and avoid
redundancies through appropriate links.
Photos and/or emblematic graphics should also be used to convey a sense of place and fun as
well as to help route visitors around the website for information they are seeking. Hot-links to
affinity groups such as www.anglerguide.com/wyoming/index.cfm?TR_ID=2324,
www.imba.com, and regional food, lodging and services should also be incorporated.
Target Audience: all potential Glendo visitors – first-time as well as veteran visitors; Wyoming
residents as well as out-of-state/country visitors; visitors of all ages; all types of outdoor
recreationists; school students doing report research, and so forth.
Theme: Welcome to Glendo State Park where the scenery is beautiful and the recreation is
lively.
Desired outcomes: When visitors encounter the website, they will
 Immediately get a sense of the place that is Glendo, but will also sense the professionalism of
the Park (and SPHST).
 Easily find answers to their planning and decision-making questions (See Table 9 in Section
4.2),
 Easily make reservations for campsite and/or obtain permits as needed,
 Find and easily link to information or sites related to their planning and decision-making,
 Feel confident about the accuracy, timeliness, and relevance of the information presented on
the website.
 Realize what to leave at home (fireworks, guns, excess packaging, garbage) and how to pack
light for a satisfying outdoor adventure.
Said another way, visitors will not feel frustration or confusion in using the Glendo website.
General Development Considerations: The logic and sequencing of the website pages should
be directed by a professional web developer or website designer who can think through (with
staff) the most appropriate format. Careful attention to detail and a useful site map is of
paramount importance. A copy of Appendix B (Positive Approaches) Appendix D (Possible Site
Maps), and the Critical Appraisal result (Section 2.5.6) should all be provided to the web
developer at the onset of the website revision process.
Organization, specificity, and clarity should be the primary goals for restructuring the site, and,
recognizing that the website might be used on a mobile devise should also be considered (e.g.,
easy access to directions, map, weather conditions, and water levels). Evaluating a proto-type
storyboard (or trial website) with a sample of outdoor enthusiasts is highly recommended prior to
launching the new website. In addition, coordinating the work of this recommendation with the
work of Recommendation 1.5 and 1.6 below is advised to ensure (a) consistency in graphic
standard for all Park materials, and (b) that the history of the Park information is consistent on
the web and in the Park brochure.
70
Estimated Effort and Material Costs: The cost for developing a very simple “brochure”
website is about $3-4K which does not involve a complex site map or include any sophisticated
functionality. However, with the type of functionality required for the Glendo site (capability to
do camping reservations or event registrations and perhaps some e-commerce) the cost may be in
the realm of $15-$25K. This cost does not account for the time or complexity for redesigning the
Parks Reservation system. Hourly contract costs for various web personnel are provided below.
Task
Conduct Website Usability Study – a fairly
rigorous assessment of the existing website
usability complete with a sample of 5-10 people
who are instructed to perform tasks on the
website and report their key strokes and
navigation. Evaluate key partners’ website to look
for examples and efficiencies.
Web Developer – develops the functionality of
sites; the programming, the structure and things
like e-commerce, ticketing, camping or event
reservations, capturing emails for use in emails.
Contract
Labor
$2,000 - This
process would
indicate what
level of web
development
and design is
needed.
$120/hour
In-house
Labor
n/a
Materials and
Equipment
Appendix B
Appendix D
Section 2.5.6
Critical Appraisal of
current website
SPHST
Graphic
Designer
Appendix B
Appendix D
Section 2.5.6
Critical Appraisal of
current website
Web Designer – produces the look and feel of the $65-$85/hour
SPHST
website; layout, graphics, design (i.e., what the
Graphic
visitor will see).
Designer
IT Specialist – supports the end-user (i.e., the
$50-$70/hour
SPHST Web
Park); provides training, answers questions,
Master
solves issues after the site is online
Interpretive Team– develops any needed
$75/hour
SPHST Field
educational or interpretive content for the
Support Staff
website.
Notes:
Cost information provided by Mark Talbot, Managing Director of Xplore Designs at (719-239-3300) or
[email protected]. Websiste: www.xplore-design.com. Mark offers a 1-2 hour free consultation, and then
charges $200-250 to develop a detailed scope of work.
1.4. Pursue Interpretive Training for Park Staff
Description and Purpose: Because there are currently no staff positions that have dedicated
responsibilities for interpretation, implementing some level of interpretive training for all field
staff and law enforcement rangers is advised. The purpose of this training would be to build
interpretive and customer service capabilities at the Park and to ensure partial implementation of
recommendations in this interpretive plan. Such training should include, but is not limited to:
 What is interpretation and how can it enhancing customer service.
 Themes vs. topics – developing a thematic approach for conveying information.
 Authority of the Resources and how to use this technique in visitor engagement and
compliance effort (see http://carhart.wilderness.net/docs/manuals/waappg.pdf ).
 Personal vs. non-personal approaches to interpretation – what is the best tool for the task?
o How to develop and deliver an interpretive program.
o Tips for conducting roving interpretation.
71

o How to develop interpretive materials for use in roving interpretation.
Indicators of success – tips for observing and/or measuring the impact of interpretive efforts.
As needed, additional topics might also be addressed. Ideally, when an interpretive specialist is
hired for the Park (see Recommendation 3.1), that person would develop and manage all
interpretive training for Park staff. Until that time, the Park will have to rely on other
organizations or contractors to provide needed training.
Target Audience: summer or busy-season field staff; Law Enforcement staff; interns, seasonal
staff, and volunteers.
Desired outcomes: Upon successful completion of interpretive training, staff will,
 Define interpretation and describe its relevance to the Park and to their own job
responsibilities.
 Exercise exemplary customer service in all encounters with the public whether on the phone,
at the fee booth, or in person throughout the Park.
 Demonstrate the use of “Authority of the Resource” techniques as needed in visitor contacts
throughout the park.
 Feel confident in providing roving interpretation services and/or designing and presenting a
short but thematic interpretive program.
 Work collaboratively and creatively with other staff members at the Park to suggest and/or
implement educational/interpretive solutions to management issues as they arise at the Park.
General Development Considerations: Since there are no current staff who hold this
responsibility, the park should identify a viable and reasonable training option. For example,
Larimer County (contact, Travis Rollins) in northern Colorado hosts a regional Ranger
Excellence Training Program each year (http://coloradoopenspace.org/ncrtp/rangertraining.cfm).
Alternatively, the National Association for Interpretation (NAI) (www.interpnet.com) maintains
a list of Certified Interpretive Trainers who are available to teach Interpretive Guide, Interpretive
Host, and/or Interpretive Manager short-courses in interpretation. Both of these organizations
offer professional training appropriate for natural resource and outdoor recreation agencies, and
although the NAI training will be more interpretation-specific, some of the coursework in the
Larimer County training focuses on customer services, visitor contacts, and law enforcement. A
number of private consultants also offer interpretive training. Names for these people can be
obtained by contacting the National Association for Interpretation in Fort Collins, Colorado (see
website above).
Training should be scheduled in the spring each year, prior to the busy visitation season,
although additional training can be scheduled at any time depending on staff duties and
schedules. When training sessions are scheduled, accommodations for adequate classroom
space, adequate time (e.g., ½ day vs. full day), technology (e.g., computer and screen for
PowerPoint presentations), and care/comfort for trainees (e.g., food, restrooms) should be
considered.
72
Estimated Effort and Material Costs:
Task
Option 1: Larimer
County Training
(see website above)
Contract
Labor
$150/participant for weeklong course (some choice
in topics – see table note
below)
$220/participant + $80 for
certification for 32-hour
course
In-house Labor
(position title)
n/a
Materials and
Equipment
provided
Other
individual
travel time
and cost
Option 2: NAI
SPHST Field
provided
individual
Certified Interpretive
Support Staff
travel time
Guide Training (see
and cost
website above)
Option 3:
$25-$150/participant for
SPHST Field
expenses for meeting
Independent
custom course(s) of ½-day Support Staff or
space, refreshments,
Interpretive Trainer
to 1 week designed by an
others within WY
travel, and materials
to develop
interpretive specialist
State Government
(copies)
customized training
Notes:
 Larimer County course includes the following session choices for the week long training: CPR/AED Recertification, Medical Emergency Management, Critical Incidents and Incident Command, Tactical Navigation,
Culture of Character (ethics), Verbal Judo, Introduction to Self Defense, Ranger Danger (visitor dynamics),
Ranger CSI (crime incidents), Wilderness First Responder, Vehicle Contacts, Wildlife Crimes, Boating Safety,
Black Belt/Green Pants Ranger Self Defense, Practical Training Scenarios
1.5. Develop a Graphic Standard for Park Materials
Description and Purpose: Part of interpreting Glendo is having a brand or visual story that
helps to tell the unique Glendo story. Therefore, consider developing a graphic design standard
or unique look for the Park’s interpretive media (and all materials distributed to or encountered
by visitors). To avoid a situation where the materials might appear logo-heavy, the intent here is
to consider a somewhat unique design element for Glendo that would work within the framework
provided by the SPHST Interpretive Services Guidelines (2012). As stated in the Guidelines,
minimum requirements for all interpretive media include the curved SPHST border and/or
banner, the Arts-Parks-History logo, and the SPHST logo). However, within this framework,
Parks are encouraged to find creative ways to showcase their facility as unique.
Currently, interpretive media at Glendo do not have a cohesive look – the design varies from
metal embossed self-guided trail signs, routed wood brown and white signs, yellow and brown
directional and regulatory signs10, concrete kiosks, to one hewn-timber kiosk with high pressure
laminate (HPL) signs. A graphic design standard would provide a standard look for all
interpretive facilities and media including structures, signs, maps, printed material, the website,
and eventually program materials. A complete graphic design standard would include at least
the following:
 A design element (e.g., font, background color, tagline) that is unique to Glendo but
which is also compliant with SPHST Guidelines.
 Description of appropriate font type, size, and color that should be used in various media
including electronic media.
10
The yellow and brown signs are regulation directional and regulator signs so this style will continue to be
fabricated for the Park. These colors may be considered part of the unique Park logo/brand as desired.
73



Example design and layout look for various facilities and media types including example
treatment of photos/illustrations, heading and subheading narrative blocks.
Materials suggestions (including colors, shapes, textures, or other aesthetic elements such
as sculptural elements)
Organization and design of visitor contact facilities (see 5.1.2. above for example)
The purpose of this graphic standard would be to (a) ensure a cohesive and consistent look for all
interpretive facilities and media associated with the Park - a look that is consistent with SPHST
Guidelines but unique to Glendo, but also (b) convey an image that is part of the Glendo story.
Target Audience: all Glendo visitors (from website encounters to on-site visits and post-visit
reflection of materials received at Glendo).
Desired outcomes: Based on encounters with the unique brand and design for Glendo State
Park (on the website or on all printed interpretive media or signs), visitors will
 Recognize the Glendo look/brand as a unique to that Park and relevant to outdoor recreation
in Wyoming.
 Associate Glendo State Park with Wyoming SPHST.
General Development Considerations: In addition to the existing guidance provided in the
SPHST Guidelines, the time and effort of a professional graphic designer would be required to
create a Glendo-specific design standard. Such a standard would address all interpretive
materials but would also organize the brand for interpretive facilities (see Section 5.1.2 above).
Thus, schematics of those facilities should also be considered in the graphic standard.
Estimated Effort and Material Costs:
Task
Develop
comprehensive
graphic standard
Contract
Labor
$6,000 - $12,000
(depending on full scope of
services)
In-house Labor
(position title)
SPHST Graphic
Designer
Materials and Equipment
printing cost for sample
media packet (<$100)
unless multiples are
required
Notes:
Estimated bid provided by Michelle Cerise of Cerise Design, Fort Collins, CO. 10-20-12. Stipulations of this
estimate are on record with Wells Resources in the archive files for this plan.
1.6. Upgrade the Park Brochure
Description and Purpose: As described in Section 2.5.3. SPHST has created a single page
folded brochure for each of the State Park and Historic Site units of the Division. This
interpretive plan provides an opportunity to revise the unit brochure for Glendo State Park in
order to change some of the content and to adopt a positive and visitor-centric approach to
presenting that content, so that it is consistent with some of the other recommendations of this
plan. The purposes of the Park brochure should still be to (a) provide a basic and informative
map of the area, (b) inform visitors about available opportunities at the Park, and (c) offer
information about the regulatory expectations of the Park. However, the following should also
be considered in revising the brochure:
74






Remove the history section of the brochure and replace it with an introduction to the new
trails system at the park and refer to the trail specific map?
Restructure an overall description of outdoor recreation at the Park to include the new trail
opportunities (e.g., fishing, boating, camping, swimming, hiking, and biking).
Consider a simple matrix, chart, or table to array outdoor recreation opportunities across the
various areas of the Park according to the WALROS inventory of this plan (Section 2.6).
Describe briefly and using a visitor-friendly manner, how rural developed, rural natural, and
semi-primitive experiences differ in terms of both opportunities and responsibilities.
Adjust the park rules section to reflect a positive approach to expectations for visitor
behaviors at the Park (reference Appendix B and Recommendation 1.10).
Ensure consistency with the new graphic standard developed for all Park materials (see
Recommendation 1.5 above) including a new tagline or one-sentence introduction to the park
for the cover of the brochure.
Correct or revise the map and fee information accordingly so that it is current and consistent
with information presented on the website (see Recommendation 1.3). This should include
all written content about the Park but also adaptations to the map that (a) include the trail
network (perhaps in an exploded insert) and (b) include a small depiction of Wyoming (small
insert map) with an arrow or star to show the location of Glendo Reservoir within the state.
Target Audience: All visitors to the park, but particularly those who prefer a paper copy of
maps and information (as opposed to electronic copy of same), or first-time visitors who may be
encountering the Park for the first time and seek an introduction and overview of the Park.
Theme: Glendo State Park is known for its excellent water recreation and its scenic nonmotorized trails.
Desired Visitor Outcomes: visitors who read the Park Brochure will be able to,
 Identify Glendo as part of the state’s SPHST Division,
 Locate Glendo State Park geographically within the state of Wyoming,
 Identify and differentiate available facilities (e.g., campgrounds, boat ramps, trails, group
shelters, information locations, marina) and recognize their locations in the Park,
 Feel confident in finding their way around the Park and to its various facilities,
 Select an experience opportunity (using the WALROS descriptions) that best suits their
group and motivations for visiting, and recognize that experience opportunities might change
with each visit or with each group,
 Recognize their responsibility for paying a fee for use of the facilities and services available
at this Park,
 Demonstrate their personal responsibility to understand and comply with Park rules and
regulations,
General Development Considerations: Revisions to this brochure should be coordinated with
(a) work on Recommendation 1.5 above to ensure consistency with the graphic standard for all
Park materials, (b) work on Recommendation 1.3 above to ensure consistency with content
presented on the revised website, (c) suggestions provided in Section 2.6 for interpreting diverse
experiences along three segments of the WALROS spectrum, and (d) advice provided in
75
Appendix B to adopt a positive approach to rules and regulations for the Park. The expertise of
an interpretive writer and graphic designer are recommended for executing this recommendation.
Estimated Effort and Material Costs:
Task
Content Development
(research and writing)
Design and Layout
Printing
Contract
Labor
Interpretive Specialist
$1,000-$1,400
Graphic Artist
$800-$1,200
$.10/piece (for 20K lot) to
$2/piece (for 1K lot); costs
depends on lot size
In-house Labor
(position title)
SPHST Field Support
Staff
SPHST Graphic
Designer
Materials and Equipment
Chapter 1-2, Section 2.6,
and Appendix B of this
plan
Coordinate with
Recommendations 1.3
and 1.5
1.7. Develop a North Platte River Interpretive Watershed Map
Description and Purpose: One of the most important interpretive themes of this Park relates to
water in general, and the North Platte watershed specifically (See Section 4.1). In order to
inform visitors about the context within which they recreate, and to give them a better
perspective of their role within the larger ecosystem (see Section 2.3.1), a large interpretive map
of the North Platte River watershed should be developed. This map would encompass the entire
watershed from its headwaters in Colorado to its confluence with the greater Platte River in
Nebraska. The map would be geographically accurate but labeled and interpreted in such a way
that visitors can relate to their role in the watershed ecosystem – as a consumer of municipal or
irrigation water, as a recreationist on (or along) the river or reservoir, as a secondary beneficiary
of the watershed, for example as a consumer of beef/elk/deer grazed or grain produced, or as a
tertiary beneficiary of regional Native Americans, pioneers, and settlers who have made a living
along the watershed for hundreds of years.
Such a map could become an educational centerpiece for the Park, and as such, be:
 Included on the website (and accessible using mobile media) as an interactive map for
learning about the geography, history, and culture of the watershed,
 Fabricated in high pressure laminate (HPL) for use on the Welcome Kiosk (see
Recommendation 1.2 above) and possibly on the other Interpretive Kiosks (see
Recommendation 1.8 below),
 Laminated (large) for conversations with visitors at the counter of the Headquarters Building,
 Laminated (small) for use with roving interpretation (see Recommendation 3.3),
 Perhaps one day, installed into the floor of one of the group shelters to provide a backdrop
for interpretive programs.
This map would not replace the current maps used by visitors to navigate around the park and to
find facilities they seek (i.e., the colored placemat map and directional map in Park Brochure).
Rather, the primary function of this watershed map would be educational; to help visitors set the
proper geographic context for the reservoir and to explore the relevance of water in their lives in
a fun and engaging way.
76
Target Audience: All Glendo visitors, particularly, families, fishermen, citizens of the North
Platte watershed (as power and irrigation users), Colorado visitors, and Nebraska visitors.
Theme: Water of the North Platte River affects all life from Colorado through Wyoming and
into Nebraska and so the residents of these states, and visitors to Glendo, share in the benefits
and the responsibilities for this watershed.
Desired outcomes: After visitors encounter the Watershed map (at the welcome kiosk or at other
locations in the Park), they will,
 Be able to place themselves on the map(s); that is, find Glendo Reservoir and as appropriate,
find the area of their home residence if it is located within the watershed.
 Show surprise or intrigue at the length and/or the route of the North Platte River and describe
generally or offer an educated guess at the (physiographic) reasons for that route.
 Realize and articulate a personal relationship to the North Platte River in terms of recreation
but also food (as a result of irrigation), electricity (as a result of power generation), and/or
safety (as a result of flood control).
 Recognize and describe their personal responsibility for water quality and water conservation
related to this river specifically, and to water in the West generally.
 Realize and state some of the complexities of politics (state borders) and general laws related
to water in the West.
 Realize the role of Glendo Reservoir and other reservoirs in the watershed (Glendo receives
from up-river and sends to down-river); realize the “connectedness” of a watershed/ part of a
bigger whole
General development considerations:
In developing this interpretive map, the following elements should be included:
 Main North Platte River corridor and major tributaries
 State borders (Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska)
 Prominent mountain ranges in northern Colorado and southern Wyoming
 Names of towns and communities in the three state area
 Topography of the region
 Glendo Reservoir and dam with Park boundary
 Public lands
 Other state parks and historic areas in the watershed
In addition, the specific themes and topics mentioned in Chapter 4 should also be interpreted on
this map. They include:
 Regional physiography (and geology) of the watershed
 Upstream and downstream water uses and benefits
 Water conservation and stewardship of water resources in the West
 Historic droughts/floods
 Water quality
 Dams (Reclamation projects) along the watershed (see photo map below)
77
Text bubbles or narrative coded to numbers or letters on the map should be considered when
developing the interpretation. In addition, a cartoon-like map may be considered (examples
below).
Up to two small reference (inset) maps might also be included to show, (a) the region of the
greater Platte River watershed including the South Platte River, and (b) the western U.S. that
shows the confluence of the Platte River with the Missouri River near Omaha, NE and the
eventual confluence with the Mississippi at St. Louis, MO which flows south to the Gulf of
Mexico. These would be small insets on the larger map offered to help visitors gain a broader
perspective.
Process for developing the map includes the following:
 Research base map (preferably with some topography indication included) with Reclamation,
USGS and/or National Geographic Society.
 Research and write content for interpretive elements.
 Design unique interpretive elements and complete all labeling with the help of a graphic
artist or cartographer.
 Evaluate a prototype of the map with staff and with a sample of Park visitors for attracting
power, engagement, and effectiveness.
 Fabricate in desired formats.
78
Estimated Effort and Material Costs
Task
Content Development
(researching base map
as well as researching
and writing
interpretive narrative
and labels)
Design and Layout
(graphic design and
production files
Fabricate map
Contract
Labor
Interpretive Specialist
$3,000-$5,000 (depends on number of
iterations required and level of project
management needed)
In-house Labor
(position title)
Interpretive
Specialist
Graphic Artist
$2,500-$4,500 (depends on level of
photo acquisition work desired and
number of iterations required)
HPL panel (assumes production ready
files; on-site installation would be
additional)
24”x36” = $700-$900
16”x24” = $400-$500
Graphic Artist
Materials and
Equipment
expense for
electronic copy of
base map and/or
rights to use (as
appropriate)
n/a
Laminated paper copies
11”x17”: color = $.95-$1.45/copy;
B&W = $.14-$.45/copy
8.5”x11”: color = $.35-$.40/copy; B&W
= $.08-$.10/copy
possible costs savings for large lots
and/or for printing vs. copying
Notes:
 Poster size maps could also be considered as a sales item to try and recoup partial costs of development
 The option for a floor version of this map to be placed in group shelters would be approximately $15,000 plus
installation and initial graphic design work. A budget of $20-22K could possibly be raised from members of
the outdoor industry (see Section 3.6) as an independent educational project. The following information and
contacts may be useful if that course is pursued at some point: (a) Map or cartographic work to base map:
Rocky Mountain Wild (http://rockymountainwild.org/); (b) Fabrication Product: floorpix sealed with clear
epoxy (http://www.floorpix.com/) (see photo below). An less expensive alternative might be to develop such
a map as a community or school art project however, project management, interpretive advice, and
fabrication/implementation costs would still have to be considered. Timeliness, efficiency, and
professionalism should also be weighed in making this decision.
www.porticogroup.com
79
1.8. Design and Develop Interpretive Kiosks throughout the Park
Description and Purpose: Similar to the Welcome/Information Kiosk recommended above
(See Recommendation 1.2) the purpose these individual interpretive kiosks would be to provide
visitors information about the Park, but more specifically, to provide focused recreation and
themed interpretive messages specific to each site. Kiosks would all be constructed with hewn
timber similar to the kiosk that is currently at the river site below the dam (see photo in
Recommendation 1.2 above). Each kiosk would be two-bay and two-sided to accommodate
some general orientation and regulatory information but also recreation and interpretive
messaging unique to each area. The table below differentiates the information to be developed
for each of these five kiosks. Themes and main messages for the proposed interpretive material
are provided below the table.
Location
WALROS
Category
General
Information
Outdoor
Recreation
Opportunities
Ethics and
Stewardship
(see proposed
themes and main
messages below
table)
Sandy Beach
Bennett Hill
Dam Overlook
Two Moon
River site below
Campground
Campground
Campground
Dam
Rural
Rural
Rural
Rural
Rural
Developed
Developed
Natural
Developed
Natural
Each kiosk should include the following general information in addition to the unique recreation
and interpretive information described in the rows below: (a) the area name and welcome, (b)
orientation map with ‘you-are-here indicator, (c) emergency contact information, and (d) visitor
messaging/feedback area. At least one locking bulletin case should also be included at each
kiosk.
Watchable
Watchable
Watchable
Watchable
Watchable
Wildlife (shore
Wildlife (shore
Wildlife
Wildlife (song
Wildlife (riparian
birds, deer,
birds)
(raptors)
birds, small
wildlife)
small mammals)
mammals, deer)
Scenic Views
Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking
Hiking/Biking
(Muddy Bay
(Medicine Bow Hiking/Biking
Trails
Trails
and Red
Range and
Trails
Canyon areas)
Laramie Peak)
River Rafting
Boating and
Fishing
Boating and
(reservoir)
Fishing
(reservoir)
Trash and Litter Trash and Litter Trash and Litter Trash and Litter
Trash and Litter
Boating and
Water Safety
Trail Use and
Safety
flora, fauna, and
ecology of a
riparian habitat
Unique
Interpretive
Topic
(see proposed
themes and
major topics
below table)
Table continued on next page…
Boating and
Water Safety
Boating and
Water Safety
fish and fish
ecology of the
watershed
Trail Use and
Safety
dam history and
construction,
recreation as
one benefit of
the reservoir
Trail Use and
Safety
Trail Use and
Safety
flora, fauna and
ecology of
conifer forests
and upland
grasslands
Water Safety
(river)
watershed, power
plant, power,
flood control, and
irrigation benefits
of the reservoir
80
Location
WALROS
Category
Other
Considerations
Sandy Beach
Campground
Rural
Developed
Since there is a fee
booth at this
location, the selfpay fee station
should be moved to
this kiosk location.
Bennett Hill
Campground
Rural
Developed
Dam Overlook
Rural
Natural
Remove all
current signs at
this location
(See
Recommend.
1.1).
Two Moon
Campground
Rural
Developed
River site below
Dam
Rural
Natural
A 3-bay kiosk
already exists at
this location; it
may be desirable to
replace current
interpretive panels
when the new
kiosks are
developed.
Themes, topics, and messages are detailed below for the ethics and unique interpretive material
for each of the five proposed kiosk sites.
Ethics and Stewardship Messaging
1. Trash and Litter
Theme: All Glendo visitors are responsible for (and benefit from) proper trash disposal.
(Possible Tagline: Litterers are nature bullies).
Topics:
 Comparisons of total trash generated at Glendo, in the county, in the state, in the nation;
proportions by household and by person.
 Pre-cycling – what not to bring to the reservoir
 Recycling – how to reuse materials for outdoor recreation; creative re-use
 Tread Lightly! - general descriptions of TL as an ethic, as a campaign, and as a way of life.
 Specific visitor responsibilities for disposing of trash and garbage at Glendo
See Appendix C for online literature review of Trash/Litter education ideas. Topics may differ
slightly for each kiosk depending on specific issues in that location.
2. Boating and Water Safety
Theme: Boating and water safety is everyone’s personal responsibility.
Topics:
 Water safety precautions: How and when to use a Personal Flotation Device (PFD); who has
right-of-way on the water; visibility of and from various sized watercraft; how to be a
courteous boater.
 Weather and water recreation – reading the wind, clouds, temperatures; time, risk, and
emergency strategies in inclement weather
 Consequences of non-compliance with water safety precautions; probabilities of different
types of accidents; probabilities, certainty, and risk
Major Messages (from Tread Lightly!):
 Travel responsibly on designated waterways and launch your watercraft only in designated
areas.
81




Respect the rights of others, including anglers, swimmers, skiers, boaters, divers and others
so they can enjoy their recreational activities undisturbed.
Educate yourself prior to a trip by learning rules and regulations, planning for your trip,
taking recreation skills classes and knowing how to operate your equipment safely.
Avoid sensitive areas and operating your watercraft in shallow waters or near shorelines at
high speeds.
Do your part by modeling appropriate behavior, leaving the area better than you found it,
properly disposing of fuel, oil and waste, avoiding the spread of invasive species, and
restoring degraded areas.
For more detailed Tread Lightly messaging see:
http://www.treadlightly.org/page.php/responsible-waterrec/Responsible-WaterRec.html
For more on Wyoming Boater Education see: http://www.boaterexam.com/usa/wyoming/ or
http://www.boatus.org/onlinecourse/Wyoming.asp
3. Trail Use and Safety
At the three locations where the hiking/biking trail network begins (Sandy Beach, the Dam
overlook, and Two Moon, Whiskey Gulch, Wetlands Trailhead), a “trailhead” function should
also be configured into the kiosk to include:
 An invitation to enjoy the trail network of the Park
 Distances and trail terrain descriptions for the trail network from that location.
 Trail safety, use, and responsibility messaging (see below)
 A sign-in box
The sign-in box at this and other trailhead locations (see Recommendation 2.5 and 2.6 below)
would serve two functions: first, it would serve a safety function for tracking visitors who may
become lost, but also, it would serves as a visitor feedback mechanism to solicit directed
comments from trail users. Particularly in the early years of the trail network, visitors should
feel invited to offer comment about trail condition, trail use by other visitors, wildlife sightings,
and suggestions or questions about the trails.
Theme: Responsible trail use shows respect for both people and nature.
Messages (from Tread Lightly!):
 Travel responsibly on designated roads, trails and areas.
 Respect the rights of others, including private property owners, all recreational trail users,
campers and others so they can enjoy their recreational activities undisturbed.
 Educate yourself prior to your trip by obtaining travel maps and regulations from public
agencies, planning for your trip, taking recreation skills classes and knowing how to operate
your equipment safely.
 Avoid sensitive areas such as meadows, lakeshores, wetlands and streams. Stay on
designated routes.
82

Do your part by modeling appropriate behavior, leaving the area better than you found it,
properly disposing of waste, minimizing the use of fire, avoiding the spread of invasive
species and restoring degraded areas.
Natural and Cultural History Messaging (by location)
1. Sandy Beach
Theme: Riparian and lake-side wetland plays an essential role in maintaining ecological
diversity.
Topics:
 The critical role of lakeside/streamside plants in erosion protection and pollution control
 Annual species, which become established in the draw-down areas are frequently non-native
or “increasers”; describe their role, benefits, and negative impacts, if any.
 Wyoming native riparian plants (grasses, shrubs, trees) – identification, historic uses, and
protection
 Wyoming native riparian animals – identification, behaviors, preserving wildlife diversity
 Algae – what it is, where it comes from, how it can affect other plants, animals, and people
 Birding in riparian areas.
2, Bennett Hill
Theme: Fish are fascinating and fun.
Topics:
 Fish species along the watershed (mountain streams to reservoir) – identification, habitats,
and behaviors.
 Fish senses – touch, taste, hearing, smell, sight and balance/motion detection
 Fascinations of fish biology and anatomy – how fish characteristics both help and hinder
fishing
 How to think like a fish when fishing.
3. Dam Overlook
Theme: Historic flooding in the North Platte River watershed necessitated this dam from which
we all benefit.
Topics:
 Construction of the Dam – when, why and how; Bureau of Reclamation
 Parts/structures of the dam
 Purposes of the dam and reservoir - water storage, flood control, irrigation (for agriculture
and ranching), water recreation, silt retention, healthy fishery
 Capacities of the dam - flooding, and ‘pools’ (conservation pool, flood pool, maximum water
surface); acre feet of water – defined and illustrated
 Drawn down seasons – amounts and rationale;
 Dams and dikes along the watershed as historic resources; number and locations of
Reclamation “projects” in the watershed (see photo in Recommendation 1.7 above).
83
The interpretation provided at this kiosk should complement the interpretation at the river
location below the dam (discussed below). The Bureau of Reclamation (Wyoming Office and
Denver Headquarters and Archives) should be contacted for more detailed information and
graphics that help tell these stories.
4. Two Moon
Theme: From tiny tracks to tall timber, Wyoming’s Montane forests host an entire civilization of
critters and construction.
Topics:
 Differentiating coniferous forests of the globe
 How climate and geology affect life forms of the Rocky Mountains and at Glendo
 Different scales in Montane forest ecology: flora (and soil/earth) as the structures + fauna as
inhabitants = distinct habitats from tiny to tall (e.g., nests, burrows, tree cavities, caves)
 Interrelationships here affect one and all
5. River Site below Dam
Note: A 3-bay kiosk already exists at this location, so replacement panels only would have to be
developed for this site once existing panels begin to show age or wear.
Theme: Built decades ago, the Glendo Dam and Powerplant complex continues to provide
significant benefits to area resident and visitors.
Topics:
 Glendo Dam and Power Plant were constructed for flood control, irrigation, power, silt
retention and recreation.
 Controlling erratic regional flooding keeps people safe; historic floods; possible flood photos
and/or maps.
 Irrigation is a primary benefit to ranchers and farmers; secondary benefit in terms of the food
grown in irrigated fields and cattle grazed on irrigated lands; seasonal draw downs.
 Power generated at this dam/power plant (amounts generated and personal consumption
amounts); process of transforming kinetic energy to mechanical energy to electrical energy.
 Capacity of this dam/power plant compared to others - Power capacity, flood control
capacity, irrigation capacity.
 Recreation is a benefit we all enjoy here as a result of this dam/power plant complex
The interpretation provided at this kiosk should complement the interpretation at the Dam
Overlook Kiosk discussed above. And again, Reclamation should be contacted for research
materials and information.
Target Audiences for all Kiosk Sites: Recognizing the large repeat visitor population that
returns to Glendo each year, each of these kiosk is targeted to visitors who frequent these
particular areas. As the table above shows, unique recreation and interpretive messages would
be developed to provide a different experience at each location, while at the same time,
providing essential welcome and Park information for all visitors at these five sites.
84
General Development Considerations:
For each of these kiosk sites, a landscape architect will have to develop a site plan to show the
specific location of each kiosk (preferably in high use area at each location) and how the site
should be configured and landscaped. This person (or team) should take into account the
proximity to campsites, parking, fee booth (e.g., at Sandy Beach), and the fact that visitors may
approach from either side. This person (or team) would also be responsible for developing a
design for the kiosk structure, borrowing heavily from the hewn timber structure that already
exists at the river location below the dam.
In addition, a content development and design team (e.g., interpretive planner/writer and graphic
artist) will be needed to research and develop the various interpretive components and their
overall graphic design (4 sides – 2-bay, 2-sided). Together this team should work to (a) research
and write all interpretive script, (b) locate and acquire all photos, graphics and/or illustrations
needed, (c) design and layout all content in a reasonable configuration for visitor use, and (d)
prepare production files for fabricator. Assuming that the panels will be fabricated in high
pressure laminate (HPL), coordination with a fabricator would also be the responsibility of this
content development and design team.
Thematic Kiosk
Kiosks would then be fabricated and installed by either the landscape architect or by Park staff.
Interpretive panels would likely be fabricated by a different fabricator and so decisions about
panel sizes, framing, mounting, and placement would have to be accomplished in careful
coordination with the kiosk fabricator. Each of the four new kiosks will be 2-bay, 2-sided, and
as such may contain at least one lockable bulletin case. Moreover, some of the interpretive panel
space may be designed as modular space (see photo below) to allow for more nimble changes to
content over time.
85
In some cases, at the Dam Overlook for example, prior approval from the Bureau of Reclamation
for removal of existing signs may be necessary. In addition, appropriate building permits,
cultural clearance and approvals from the Division and/or local officials may also be necessary.
And because some of these permits and approvals take time, money and effort to obtain, it is
recommended that all five kiosks be developed at the same time. The only exception to this
relates to the river site below the dam, where an existing kiosk already exists. Park staff will
need to decide prior to developing the other four kiosks, if the interpretive panels at the river site
should also be redone at the same time.
Estimated Effort and Material Costs:
Task
Site design/planning; kiosk
structure design; project
management (may include some
demolition or site renovation)
Interpretive panel design and
development (includes planning,
research, writing, evaluation, and
graphic design and layout for all
panel components (min 4/kiosk).
Site work, fabrication and
installation of kiosks (with
accompanying interpretive
panels).
Contract
Labor
Landscape Architect and/or
Designer, Project Manager
$2-3K/kiosk location x 5 =
$10-20K
Interpretive Specialist and
Graphic Designer
$4K-5K/kiosk location x 5 =
$15K-$25K
Landscape Architect,
Tradesmen/Installers, Project
Manager
In-house Labor
(position title)
Landscape Architect,
Central Construction
Office Staff
Headquarters’ Field
Support Staff and
Graphic Designer
Central Construction
Office Staff,
Headquarters’ Field
Support Staff
Materials and
Equipment
 Necessary
approvals from
Reclamation
and SPHST
 Various Park
site plans
 Reclamation
Library and
Archives for
research and
writing
$12-15K/kiosk location x 5 =
$70K-80K
Totals
$18-23K/kiosk location x 5 =
$90-115K
Notes: Project management may be conducted by any of the parties contracted (e.g., landscape architect, interpretive
specialist)
86
1.9. Develop Self-Guided eXploration Quests for the Trail System
Description and Purpose: In 2010, the first of a series of non-motorized trails at the Park were
opened to the public and a map of that new trail network was fabricated in 2012. As part of the
launch of this significant recreation effort, a self-guided eXploration quest, as part of SPHST’s
Wyoming Kids eXtreme program is recommended, the goal of which would be to:
 Showcase the trails system and increase its awareness and use among visitors,
 Help visitors learn about the trails in fun and meaningful ways that include exploration,
discovery, and learning,
 In keeping with the goals of the Wyoming Kids eXtreme program, help youth and families
connect with nature in an engaging and interactive ways,
 Initiate a creative educational program focused on natural resources that could be scaled to
other SPHST locations and which might become an icon for the Parks.
A quest is simply a journey. Quests appear throughout history and are recounted in the folklore
of almost every nation. A quest typically has a purpose or goal and can involve travel, adventure,
physical exertion, risks or tests, overcoming obstacles, all accomplished in order to acquire a
reward . A number of recreational and nature-based quest-like activities have been developed in
recent years in an effort to stimulate exploration among outdoor recreationists. For example,
geocaching is a popular questing activity whereby the adventurer uses a GPS device to navigate
a nature trail which leads to a waterproof box in the woods where trinkets are exchanged by
fellow explorers.
Letterboxing is another example. Borrowed from 19th century England, letterboxing combines
elements of orientation, puzzle-solving and art (often rubber-stamping) in a place-based treasurer
hunt. Again, weather-proof boxes are used and clues (often rhyming clues that tell a story) to
finding the box are published on the web or spread by word of mouth. Routes are sometimes
demarked for using compass and maps to find the box(es). Ultimately the end box contains a
unique rubber stamp and a log book. Adventurers trade stamps in their respective logbooks and
share collections of unique stamps with others. See www.letterboxing.org for examples of
letterboxing activities searchable by state.
Nature Questing is also becoming a popular outdoor activity. Like letterboxing, nature questing
is a place-based treasure hunt that focuses on exploration and adventure. Highly developed in
Vermont (see www.vitalcommunities.org/valleyquest) and moving to many other locations of the
country (see www.nps.gov/cuva/planyourvisit/canalway-questing.htm), nature questing requires
minimal equipment (e.g., compass, field guide, paper/pen, binoculars, rubber stamp) and
facilitates closer personal exploration of nature. Unlike geocaching, GPS is not required and no
trinkets are exchanged. Rather, like letterboxing, clues are provide (sometimes in poetry format),
and explorers are expected to follow those clues (sometimes with the help of a map) to find the
destination – a box that contains a unique stamp.
A quest eXploration activity guide for Glendo, to complement other possible Kids eXtreme
eXperiences should be fashioned after already existing quests available around the country (see
websites above). Several published books on questing would also be useful in developing
Glendo-specific quests for the trail network (see Development Considerations below). In any
87
case, the following should be carefully considered in developing specific quest locations and
activities.
 Ensure that all ages, abilities, seasons, and many topic interests are accommodated to
increase the popularity of the quests.
 Provide suggestions for making personal nature stamps to help attract young children to
questing.
 Organize quests by location, duration, special features, trail type/condition, physical
difficulty, needed gear, and season to help questers best match their skills and interest with
available opportunities (see vital communities website above for how Vermont quests are
organized).
Target Audience: All visitors to the Park, although bikers, hikers, scouts, other trail users may
find this activity particularly appealing.
Overarching Theme: Questing is an active, unique and engaging way to explore the
hiking/biking trail network at Glendo State Park.
Desired Visitor Outcomes: Visitor who participate in questing activities at the Park will,
 Enjoy the challenge of a quest and the satisfaction that comes from accomplishing its
associated activities,
 Describe in reasonable specificity the portions of the trail system they explored using the
quest exploration activity(ies),
 Recount specific take-away (educational) messages integrated into the quest eXploration.
General Development Considerations: As described above, the goal of questing at Glendo
would be to offer a fun and engaging activity that would help visitors explore the new trail
system. Borrowing from geocaching and letterboxing, Glendo quests might incorporate any of
the following.
Considerations in developing a questing activity
Types of quests
 Singular goal – one box at the end; all clues lead to that one location
where there is a unique rubber stamp
 Multi-caching – multiple boxes throughout quest; cues lead from one
boxed location to another – questers collect stamps as they go.
Format of clues
 literary (poetry, riddles)
 direct clues (step 1, step 2, step 3)
 treasure map (hand-drawn)
Quest clue format
 paper: brochure, list, poem or map
 electronic: clues in downloadable format
Type of cues
 movement cues – cues that encourage movement from place to place (as
in, along a trail, or through the woods)
 place cues – cues that stimulate closer inspection or interaction with a
particular place or feature
Levels of challenge
 easy – short in distance, easy terrain, simple cues
 intermediate – longer in distance, varied terrain, more complex cues
 advanced – long distances, challenging terrain, very complex cues
Continued…
88
Quest themes and activities
Supplemental materials and
equipment (optional)
 quests can be thematic, for example: What Moves You (scat), History
Speaks to Us (historical resources), Looking up (night skies; climate,
clouds)
 quests can also be activity-driven, for example: making tree bark
rubbing, making an anagram of a specific word from an interpretive
sign, taking a clue from a view, identifying a plant.
 compass
 field guide
 pen, pencil, crayon
 binoculars
 bike
 personal rubber stamp and stamp pad
In any case, there are numerous resources for developing quests that should be consulted as
Glendo quests are developed. They include:
 Questing: A Guide to Creating Community Treasure Hunts, 2006
 Doug Kusak with Cleveland Metroparks at (216) 206-1000
 www.vitalcommunities.org/valleyquest
 www.ohioanderiecanalway.com/Main/Questing.aspx
For Glendo a set of three initial quests is recommended (easy, intermediate, and advanced), each
which explores a different part of the trail network. A waterproof box for each quest would
contain a secured rubber stamp (unique to that quest) and a stamp pad, and would be hidden at
the final location for each quest. An evaluation of proto-type quests is highly recommended
prior to use with visitors. This testing could be done with local volunteers or staff.
Estimated Effort and Material Costs:
Task
Research and develop a
series of three quests for
the Glendo trail
network. Develop
promotional materials
to advertise Quest
organize and post quests
online
Evaluate proto-type
quests
Totals
Contract
Labor
60-100 person hours to
develop four distinct quests
(depends on style and format)
In-house Labor
(position title)
Headquarters’ Field
Support Staff, Nonmotorized Trails
Coordinator
10 person hours/season to
post and date quests (IT
specialist)
up to 20 person hours for
organizing and facilitating
evaluation with volunteers
90-130 hours @ $35/hour =
$3,150 - $4,550
IT Specialist
Headquarters’ Field
Support Staff
Materials and Equipment
books, websites, and
people indicated above;
samples of quests
prototype quests, volunteer
appreciations
89
1.10. Develop a Stewardship Media Kit
Description and Purpose: The Park’s regulatory philosophy is partially grounded in Tread
Lightly! (TL), an international program that promote responsible outdoor recreation through
ethics education and stewardship programs. In general, the fundamental principle of TL is “fair
play”. More specifically, the core principles of Tread Lightly! include:
 Travel Responsibly on land by staying on designated roads, trails and areas. Go over, not
around, obstacles to avoid widening the trails. Cross streams only at designated fords. When
possible, avoid wet, muddy trails. On water, stay on designated waterways and launch your
watercraft in designated areas.
 Respect the Rights of Others including private property owners, all recreational trail users,
campers and others so they can enjoy their recreational activities undisturbed. Leave gates as
you found them. Yield right of way to those passing you or going uphill. On water, respect
anglers, swimmers, skiers, boaters, divers and those on or near shore.
 Educate Yourself prior to your trip by obtaining travel maps and regulations from public
agencies. Plan for your trip, take recreation skills classes and know how to operate your
equipment safely.
 Avoid Sensitive Areas on land such as meadows, lakeshores, wetlands and streams. Stay on
designated routes. This protects wildlife habitats and sensitive soils from damage. Don’t
disturb historical, archeological or paleontological sites. On water, avoid operating your
watercraft in shallow waters or near shorelines at high speeds.
 Do Your Part by modeling appropriate behavior, leaving the area better than you found it,
properly disposing of waste, minimizing the use of fire, avoiding the spread of invasive
species and repairing degraded areas.
This and other ethics programs (e.g., Leave No Trace, Respect Your Rivers, Fishing Etiquette,
Recreation Ethics) exist to educate outdoor recreationists about their responsibilities for
themselves and the environment while recreating. Glendo’s stewardship philosophy assumes
that, in order for visitors to demonstrate stewardship behaviors, they must become aware of,
comprehend, and practice behaviors associated with these ethical expectations. These ideas
provide the framework for the developing of a stewardship media kit for the Park. This kit might
contain, but is not limited to the following:
1. Laminated General Ethics Sheets/Posters. In small format (e.g., 8.5x11”) these to be used
by roving rangers as reference material, or in larger format (e.g.,11 x17” or poster size) to be
posted at interpretive kiosks or in restroom facilities around the Park. These ethic sheets
would be developed specifically for Glendo but would borrow extensively from existing
ethics material (e.g., Tread Lightly and others) to create a hybrid ethics reference guide for
all visitors. The intent would be to describe highly desirable recreation behaviors for the
reservoir, the campgrounds, and the trails.
2. Use-specific Brochure/Flyer Series. Similar to the general ethics sheets, these brochures or
flyers would be specific to the types of recreation uses at the Park and thus would be more
specific about desirable behaviors for those uses. Recreation uses to be addressed in the
series might include, motorized boating, non-motorized boating, fishing, biking, hiking,
wildlife viewing, questing, camping. Designed and developed as a series, the graphic design
would suggest a family of specific ethics. Initially, until which time and funding is available
90
for developing such a series, the Tread Lightly! series could be used and evaluated to inform
eventual decisions for a Glendo- or SPHST-specific series.
3. Viewing and Use Guides. The ethic guides above focus on what is expected of visitors in
terms of the “right (or accepted) way” to behave in the Park. However, a series of viewing or
use guides would focus more on “how to”. For example a Viewing Guide for birding or
watchable wildlife might include a bird or wildlife checklist as well as suggested techniques
for the best nature viewing. Likewise, the “Don’t Move a Mussel” campaign of Wyoming
Game and Fish is a “how to” guide for protecting Wyoming waters from mussels.
Instructional guides for pleasurable and rewarding Park visitors would focus on helping
visitors learn basic skills in outdoor recreation (e.g., orienteering, making a fire, pitching a
tent, catching a fish). In some cases, ethics information about expected behaviors at the Park
may be combined with ’how-to’ information for certain activities.
4. Kid’s Activities. Junior Ranger programs are one of the most popular youth activities for
outdoor recreation areas. In this case, a Junior Ranger program could be developed to focus
on recreation ethics, for example, finding people, places, or situations that comply with the
stated rules and regulations of the park. In this way, youth can serve as both stewards of the
park but also educators for their families.
5. Ethic Flip Flops (for sale). Many visitors wish to take home tangible evidence of their
adventures. Developing a “stamped” form of flip flops that leave impressions in the beach
sand is one creative example of a take-away that also promotes and ethics message. See
http://www.etsy.com/shop/FlipSideFlipFlops?ref=seller_info. Relevant “ethics” phrases for
Glendo might include: “clean camp”, “save water”, “take trash”, or “watch birds” where
each foot embosses one word of the phrase.
6. Let’s Talk Trash Campaign. Continue to distribute the existing “Let’s Talk Trash”
campaign items developed by SPHST but consider creating Glendo-specific embellishments
of that campaign such as interpretive trash receptacles (possible humorous), campground
dumpster contests, and/or interpretive material about trash at the informational kiosks.
Target Audience: All Park visitors from pre-planning (on web and otherwise) to on-site
experience and post-visit reflections; media should be specific to recreation settings, activities
and generations.
Theme: Stewardship is good for people and nature, and it helps us enrich and sustain our
relationship with natural resources.
Desired Visitor Outcomes: Once visitors have encountered stewardship kit materials,
compliance with expected visitors behaviors will gradually increase over a 3-year period (e.g.,
trash disposal costs will decrease 10%/year; overall compliance with boat washing will improve,
ranger reports of trash non-compliance will decrease, boating accidents/incidents will decrease).
This assumes that specific monitoring metrics can be established in Year 1 and then monitored
over time (monthly counts/observations).
General Development Considerations: These recommendations each require slightly different
development. An interpretive specialist and graphic designer would be required for
recommendations #s1-4 above. For efficiency and cost effectiveness, these four elements should
91
be developed at the same time. The content would be researched and written by the interpretive
specialist. The format would then be designed by a graphic artist. Distribution ideas, final
formats, and number of copies should all be anticipated during this planning and design process.
For recommendation #5 above, collaboration with the Marina or local general stores would be
necessary to coordinate order and selling this item. A modest test of sales (e.g., <50 pairs) is
highly recommended prior to ordering larger lots of this item. Discussion between Park staff and
SPHST Division staff should be conducted to inform final decisions about the wording for the
flip flops.
Finally, recommendation #6 above, should be developed in collaboration with SPHST Public
Affairs Office as some materials for this campaign already exist.
Estimated Effort and Material Costs:
Item
Laminated
General Ethics
Sheets/Posters
Kid/Youth
Activities
General Price Estimate
 Content development = $1K/flyer
 Graphic design/layout would be additional =
$500-800/flyer
 Small format printed and laminated = $.35.40/copy color; $.08-$10/copy B&W
 Large format printed and laminated = $95$1.41/copy color; $.14-.45/copy B&W
 Content development = $1,200K/brochure
 Graphic design/layout would be additional =
$800-$1K/brochure
 Unit cost for printing = $18.00/copy (1,000
copies) to $1.50/copy (20K copies)
 Content development = $500/guide
 Graphic design/layout would be additional =
$400/guide (optional)
 Unit cost for copies = $.5/copy - $.40/copy
(depending on color, B&W, and/or
laminate)
Develop Junior Ranger Program = 30-50
hours x $40/hr = $1,050 - $1,750
Ethic Flip Flops
$20-25/pair with personalized message
Let’s Talk Trash
Campaign
TBD in collaboration with SPHST Public
Affairs Office. Interpretive Specialists fees
range from $50-80/hour; Public
Relations/Marketing Specialist fees range
from $60-$120/hour.
Brochure/Flyer
Series
Viewing Guides
Expertise Needed
educator or interpreter; possible
graphic artist; printer or copy shop
educator, interpreter, teacher; Should
be coordinated with SPHST
Volunteer Coordinator and Outreach
Specialist and other youth/school
educational programming
Decision about phrase(s); see
Etsy.com website above; Item could
be sold in Marina store or local
general stores to recoup the cost
Public Relations Specialist,
Marketing Specialist, Interpreter,
and/or Educator
92
5.3. Elaborated Recommendations – Second Priority
Similar to the first priority recommendations, each of the second priority recommendations
(numbered 2.x. below) has been developed below to include: a title, description and purpose,
target audience, theme, desired visitor outcomes, general development considerations, and effort
and cost estimates.
2.1. Re-purpose the Reclamation Concrete Kiosks
Description and Purpose: Soon after the construction of the Dam, Reclamation constructed a
series of concrete kiosks (see photo below). The purpose of these kiosks was to display an area
map and to provide a receptacle for trash (see center area). Currently, there are three of these
kiosks remaining at the Park: Two Moon Campground, Power Plant Overlook, at the overlook,
east of Two Moon, across from Power Plant Road.
Although these kiosks are solidly constructed, over time they have started to show signs of wear
and they are no longer used for visitor information although some visitors surely view them as a
novelty. This interpretive plan is aimed at upgrading and modernizing visitor contacts with the
Park, and so at least three options are possible.
 Option A. Remove these kiosks along with other sign removal work proposed in
Recommendation 1.1
 Option B. Create an enclosed diorama as an outdoor exhibit. Such a diorama would
maximize the use the 18” depth of structure to show, behind plexi-glass, either the soil
column of nearby soils or water column in the reservoir. If for example, the exhibit showed
the soil column, the cross-section diorama would include roots of various plants, burrows of
small animals, insects that regenerate the soil, and so forth. If the exhibit was the water
column, it might show various fish, water plants or plankton, macro-invertebrates on or in the
water, and perhaps human trash in the water. In either case, corresponding interpretive
messages about soil or water would be included in the diorama.
93

Option C. Create a diorama in the concrete structure at Two Moon, but demolish and
remove the other two structures because they are not in frequently visited areas of the Park.
Criteria for making the decision about the disposition of these kiosks should include:
 Cost to remove versus cost to reuse.
 Time, expertise, and materials needed to reasonably reframe their use into an interpretive
diorama or other use.
The remainder of this recommendation assumes an Option C decision.
Target Audience: Recreationists who walk/drive by the concrete structure in Two Moon
Campground.
Theme (for the soil column diorama): The soil beneath your feet is teeming with life and is
essential to the sustainability of this region.
Desired Visitor Outcomes: Visitors who encounter the soil diorama will
 realize the complexity of soil
 tell others about the features of the soil column
 describe the value of soil (“dirt”) to human existence
General Development Considerations: Working with an exhibit developer would be required
to design and develop a sustainable diorama. This person would likely team with an interpretive
specialist and graphic designer to design and develop a diorama that would attract and hold
visitor attention and, at the same time, withstand elements of the weather over the years. Tasks
for completing this work are outlined in the table below.
Estimated Effort and Material Costs:
Task
Schematic Phase – draft ideas for
approval, refine budget and identify
resources needed
Design-Development Phase – refine
diorama design, research topic; write
interpretive narrative, propose final
design (assumes 1-2 iterations
throughout process and perhaps some
visitor evaluation of concepts prior to
final design).
Fabrication and Installation Phase –
fabricate the diorama and the interpretive
material that accompanies it. Install
diorama.
Totals
Demolish and dispose of 2 concrete
structures
Contract
Labor
$800 - $1.5K
In-house Labor
(position title)
n/a
$2.5K - $4k
possibly
involvement by
Headquarters’
Field Support
Staff
TBD in Schematic phase
– depends on materials
proposed
possible
involvement by
Central
Construction
Office Staff
TBD
~ $1K-$2K (assumes ~1624 person hours of effort)
Materials and
Equipment
Park Maintenance
Staff
backhoe or small
tractor, dump
truck
Note: there may be some cost savings if this demolition and disposal was done at the same time as work for
Recommendation 1.1 above.
94
2.2. Develop an Interpretive Presentation Series
Description and Purpose: Although there is currently no staff position dedicated to
interpretation at the Park, there is growing awareness among park officials about the role that
interpretation and education can play in helping visitors have safe and satisfying visits.
Enhancing communication with visitors and adopting engaging and positive approaches to law
enforcement and education is an integral part of effective resource management. Thus, a series of
mini-presentations on a variety of topics is recommended. These mini-presentations would be
presented to visitors in the group shelters as evening programs, early morning talks/walks, brown
bag discussions, and family/group events or activities. Until which time a professional interpreter
or education staff person can be hired (see Recommendation 3.1) invited educators or contract
interpreters from the community or the region would offer these programs. Public educators,
including those from universities, community colleges, and local schools, agency resource
specialists (BOR, BLM, WGF, SPCR-SHPO, etc.) and/or Wyoming members of the National
Association for Interpretation are the most obvious cache for qualified presenters.
Program topics might include, but are not limited to the topics described in Section 4.1 of this
plan (see examples below). Then, based on any number of topics, a thematic, engaging, and
perhaps interactive program could be developed for presentation in the group shelters of the Park
during busy times.
Among the advantages of interpretive presentations are that they (a) afford 2-way interaction
between the Park and visitors, (b) are often more appealing to visitors – many recreationists still
value personal communication, (c) can be tailored to individual group interests and responsive to
their reactions, and (d) can be cost-effective during peak visitation periods. Of-course the down
side of live interpretation is that it requires training, supervision, and quality assurance.
Ultimately, this Park should strongly consider interpretive staff (Recommendation 3.1) to ensure
a quality and consistent program of both personal and non-personal interpretation.
In the interim, there are numerous resources for helping the Park implement a series of
interpretive presentations, not the least of which is the SPHST Interpretive Services Program
(2012) and the National Association for Interpretation in Fort Collins, Colorado. In addition,
perhaps one of the most useful printed resources on interpretive presentations is: The
Interpreter’s Guidebook: Techniques for Programs and Presentations by Kathleen Regnier,
Michael, Gross, and Ron Zimmerman. Though slightly dated (1994), this book is part of an
Interpreter’s Handbook Series which would be an ideal start to an interpretive library at the Park.
The Handbook series is published by the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Foundation
Press.
Target Audience: All visitors interested in voluntary learning opportunities and personal
contact with Park staff
Themes and Desired Visitor Outcomes: Themes and visitor outcomes for these presentations
would have to be developed by the interpretive specialist or presenter based on visitor interest
and available resources. However, borrowing from Chapter 4 of this plan, the following
example themes may be considered as a start to building a series of presentations for the Park:
95

Outfitting yourself properly for outdoor recreation can be a lesson in both safety and style
(humorous presentation of available outdoor recreation clothing and gear)
 Paying attention to nature is both fun and interesting. (Possible title: I’m watching you
watch him!) (Serious program about how to focus on nature to learn about ecology and
natural systems)
 Following your drinking water from snow melt to tap is a long and interesting journey.
(serious or humorous presentation that describes/shows North Platte water’s journey from
Colorado to Nebraska)
 Our trash today is tomorrow’s archeological remains (how what humans leave behind speaks
to our cultural history – then and now)
Section 4.1 of this plan provides additional topic ideas that can be developed into dozens of
additional presentation themes.
General Development Considerations:
Ideally, some front-end evaluation with visitors would be conducted prior to developing the first
set of 3-4 presentations. Seasonal or intern interpretive specialists could observe visitors and
have casual conversations to solicit their interest in specific topics.
Next, each reasonable topic would need to be researched in order to develop a reasonable and
informative presentation. Various presentation formats should also be considered. These might
range from an interpretive talk to puppet show to living history or role-playing activity with
participants. Most interpretive specialists will have several ideas about the variety of possible
formats. They should also be aware of how best to develop an interpretive presentation (for
example, developing a theme and outline first, then writing the conclusion, and finally backing
into the body and introduction) and what materials or supplies are needed to create and deliver a
program (e.g., handouts, cue cards, mock costumes, props).
Then, a schedule of programs with their times and locations should be posted in highly visited
locations around the park (e.g., the thematic interpretive kiosks, headquarters, trailheads, or fee
booth area, restrooms). All programs should be evaluated to better understand how they were
received by the audience. This might range from simple observation (were people laughing,
paying attention, falling asleep?) to informal verbal evaluation (asking for audience feedback at
the end) to more formal paper/pencil comment cards. In any case, tracking the success or failure
of programs is critical to their long-term sustainability.
Estimated Effort and Material Costs:
Task
Plan, research, and
develop interpretive
talk
Conduct and
evaluate interpretive
talk
Totals
Contract
Labor
~5-10 hours/talk depending
on topic, format, and
available research materials
In-house Labor (position
title)
Headquarters’ Field
Support Staff (seasonal,
intern, or FTE interpretive
specialist)
Materials and Equipment
might include copies,
books/guides, props
(cones, leaves skins),
costumes, etc.
~1-2 hours
5-12 hrs. @ $15/hour or
$75-$180 per program
contracted.
96
2.3. Develop a Visitor Monitoring and Feedback Process
Description and Purpose: The Park conducts a Visitor Survey approximately every 5 years that
captures descriptive data about visitors, information about their recreational behaviors, their
general perceptions about management activities, and other unsolicited comments (see Section
3.2). And indeed, these surveys are useful for this Park but also for comparing across parks.
However, this twice-a-decade snapshot could be enhanced with other visitor monitoring and
feedback that would help paint a more Park-specific and immediate picture of visitor experiences
at Glendo. The following are recommended to complement the occasional surveys and the road
counter data that is currently collected by the Park:

Encourage staff to record in writing (and perhaps collect in a central location at headquarters)
visitor’s frequently asked questions (FAQs) at fee booth, in law enforcement encounters,
from phone calls, in roving interpretation encounters, and so forth. Analyze the volume and
type of questions by day of week and type of question for an entire year. Data summaries
and possibly charts of questions should be made readily available to all staff, particularly
new staff as they are trained. (See Section 3.2.4 for example analysis categories – patterns in
questions types or topics will emerge as enough questions are captured and similarities can
be discerned.)

Initiate a visitor feedback mechanism (on the website, for social media, and/or on-site) for
actively soliciting (and analyzing) visitor perceptions, questions, complaints, and interests
related to their experiences at the Park. This will be ongoing data collection using a short
form (like a suggestion form) that is readily available to all visitors that, once completed,
would be posted at the Welcome kiosk after the staff have taken time to provide a response.
This way both visitors and management views are transparent to the public. Posted comments
would represent a spectrum of relevant issues, concerns, and/or complements, and could
further be analyzed over time by season, use type, type of concern, and so forth.

Consider the uses of social media (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, web apps) for getting quick
feedback from visitors about the Park or their experiences in it. Help from a social media or
IT professional would be needed here.

Develop a trail monitoring program, particularly in the early years of the trail system. Trail
use measures should at least consider number of users but could also consider trail wear, and
occasional qualitative inquiry with visitors to determine satisfaction, interests, and questions
related to the trail network. Recreation staff with some social science background should be
able to devise a system for monitoring trail use over the short-term. Eventually, interpretive
staff with some training in visitor studies should be able to develop a longer-term monitoring
program to include analysis strategies for management use and decision-making
(Recommendation 3.1).

Re-evaluate the survey questions for the 5-year Visitor Surveys to remove those that don’t
render useful data (or change them to render more useful data) and add new questions that
might provide useful data.

Design and implement a staff training session to help staff develop these recommendations
but also to learn how to evaluate and test select interpretive media as it is developed.
97
Target Audience: staff (fee booth, law enforcement, interpreters, and trails crew)
Desired Visitor Outcomes: Once implemented, a visitor-centric monitoring program will
 Keep staff informed and current with regard to visitor use of facilities as well as visitor
questions, concerns, and comments.
 Suggest trends over time in visitor use and visitor perceptions (when qualitative data is also
captured)
 Gradually help the Park become more visitor-centric to better align management decisions
with current visitor concerns.
General Development Considerations: The process of initiating and sustaining a visitor
monitoring program would involve,
 Training staff or hiring evaluation consultant(s) to design and manage visitor monitoring
program. Contracting a visitor studies specialist to conduct training and help set up
mechanism may be a helpful compromise.
 Initiating on-site data collection mechanisms with all staff.
 Organizing, analyzing and managing data systems over time so information is correlated to
decision-making over the long term.
Estimated Effort and Material Costs:
Task
Develop and coordinate a visitor monitoring
program like that described here:
 staff recording process (~4-5 hrs)
 visitor feedback mechanisms (including
social media) (~20-25 hrs)
 monitoring system for trails (~10-14 hrs)
 survey questions for 5-yr survey (~ 5-8
hrs)
 staff training (~ 10-20 hrs)
Totals
Contract
Labor
Evaluation or Visitor
Studies Specialist @
$100/hour
$4K - $7K
In-house Labor
(position title)
n/a
Materials and
Equipment
transportation costs
meeting/training
materials (copies)
< $400
2.4. Add a Weather Station to Existing Webcam
Description and Purpose: A webcam is currently positioned between the Park headquarters
building and Two-Moon Campground. For the most part, this webcam is positioned to show
views of the reservoir’s water level. Though not interpretive per se, a webcam can be used as an
interpretive device to show various features of the Park and in this case, help answer some of the
most frequently asked visitor questions related to reservoir levels (see Section 3.3.2). A weather
station is recommended to enhance the educational possibilities of the webcam. A pairing of the
webcam and a weather station could further answer visitor questions about current weather
conditions and reservoir levels. In fact, remote weather stations are increasingly being uses to
supplement weather education (see http://www.weatherhawk.com/education). Currently,
Wyoming Department of Transportation (WHDOT) has an atmospheric sensor at Coleman
(Milepost 99; Glendo is at Milepost 100) which reports air temperature, relative humidity, dew
point, wind gust, average wind speed, and wind direction. In addition, Reclamation reports
98
reservoir pool data (see SPHST home page). Partnering with these agencies may be useful in
coordinating this weather station effort.
Pairing live webcam views and weather information on the website would provide the Park with
an educational opportunity for communicating with visitors. Capturing temperature, wind speed,
wind direction, relative humidity, barometric pressure, solar radiation, and rain totals enhances
recreationist’s ability to plan their visit but also provides a backdrop of weather education.
Borrowing from any of several available weather curricula (for example, see
http://school.discoveryeducation.com/curriculumcenter/weather/) the Park should include an
enhanced page on the Glendo website dedicated to the webcam and weather station and
addressing topics such as:
 Weather on the front range of the Rocky Mountains – how mountains effect weather on the
plains.
 Water levels at Glendo – how pull-downs for irrigation effect farmers and recreationists
 Clouds – what can you tell about the weather from clouds.
 What happens in those big clouds – how precipitation forms.
 What is the difference between weather and climate?
These and other topics could be developed for the website but also for school groups who may
eventually use the park as a learning laboratory.
Finally, the Park may want to change the webcam focus occasionally to feature different
characteristics of the Park, for example, views of the new trails network (above Slide Hill for
example) or nearby bird (raptor) nests are views that may be of interest to visitors. Periodically
updating the website weather page to contain corresponding educational messages is strongly
encouraged.
Target Audience: Visitors planning their visit to Glendo who are interested in water levels
and/or weather conditions; recreationists interested in weather education related to southeast
Wyoming.
Desired Visitor Outcomes: Visitors who visit the website or use a cell phone app to access
webcam/weather station information will,
 Quickly access relevant images and data for on-site conditions (reservoir levels and weather)
at Glendo to answer their planning or expectation questions;
 Pose wonder questions related to weather and climate at Glendo and for southeast Wyoming.
General Development Considerations: Purchasing and installing a professional weather station
is the major consideration for this recommendation. Several websites for this equipment are
provided at the end of the table below.
99
Estimated Effort and Material Costs:
Task
Contract
Labor
In-house Labor (position
Materials and
title)
Equipment
purchase and install a
n/a
construction or
$500-$2,000
professional weather
maintenance staff (~4-6
station
person hours)
design and develop weather see Recommendation 1.3 above (approximately 8-12
education portion of
person hours of effort to research and develop; does not
website
include periodic IT time to maintain)
Useful websites for professional weather equipment:
 http://www.weatherhawk.com/weather-stations
 http://www.davisnet.com/weather/products/professional-home-weather-stations.asp
 http://www.weathershack.com/professional-weather-stations.html
 Don Day of Day Weather (Cheyenne) may be helpful with installation and/or implementation
2.5. Upgrade the Self-Guided Wetland Trail
Description and Purpose: The interpretive trailhead at the wetland location below the dam was
installed by the Bureau of Reclamation many years ago. This trailhead is now unsightly and in
disrepair (see photos). Developing a new, self-contained trailhead that is consistent with the new
graphic standard (Recommendation 1.5) and with the construction of other facilities at the Park
(see thematic kiosks – see Recommendation 1.8) is strongly recommended.
100
First the new trailhead should be constructed of hewn timber like all the other proposed
structures of this plan. An upright construction is recommended (see schematic below) to draw
visitor attention as they approach this area. Components to be included at this trailhead should
include:
 The name of the site
 A map of the self-guided wetland trail as well as the biking/hiking trail network with lengths
and terrain descriptions
 Appropriate rules and regulations for trail use (that differentiate walking-only from
hiking/biking trails) with a sign-in box
 An interpretive introduction to ‘wetlands’
Trailhead Option A
Trailhead Option B
101
The sign-in box at this and other trailhead locations would serve two functions: first, it can be a
source for sharing information among visitors but also, it can serve as an evaluation tool for
soliciting visitor feedback from trail users. Particularly in the early years of the trail network,
visitor should feel invited to offer comment about trail condition, trail use by other visitors,
wildlife sightings, and/or suggestions/questions about the trails.
Currently, a series of metal interpretive signs initially installed by Reclamation comprise the selfguided trail. Retaining these signs for the present time is advised as it will save money and allow
for the execution of other higher priority interpretive structures. However, eventually, these
signs should be replaced, and at that time, the content re-examined by an interpretive specialist to
upgrade the overall interpretive approach as well as sign content. At that time, determination can
also be made about the most appropriate materials for fabrication to maintain consistency with
other interpretive features of the Park.
Target Audience: Visitors who drive the Park road to locations below the dam; visitors
interested in day hiking and/or wetland ecology
Theme: Wetlands are much more than just a muddy place – they filter water, control erosion,
hold flood waters, and provide homes and migration stops for wildlife.
Desired Visitor Outcomes: Once visitors have encountered and used this trail, they will
 Feel welcomed to the area and informed about the opportunities available here – wetland
walking trail as well as a start to the hiking/biking trail network.
 Feel confident in finding their way around the wetland trail and the trails network below the
dam and judging trail characteristics for their own abilities and interests.
 Describe the benefits of wetlands in general and recount the unique characteristics of this
particular wetland.
General Development Considerations:
For the trailhead location, a landscape architect would have to develop a site plan showing how
the site could be configured and landscaped. This person (or team) would also be responsible for
developing an upright trailhead design with a sign-in box component, borrowing from the hewn
timber structure that is proposed for other major interpretive features.
In addition, a content development team (e.g., interpretive planner/writer and graphic artist would
(a) research and write all interpretive script, (b) locate and acquire all photos, graphics and/or
illustrations needed, (c) design and layout all content for the trailhead in a reasonable
configuration for visitor use, and (d) prepare production files for fabricator. Assuming that the
trailhead panels will be fabricated in high pressure laminate (HPL), coordination with a
fabricator would also be the responsibility of this content development person or team.
Trailhead structure would then be fabricated and installed by either the landscape architect or by
Central Construction Office Staff. Interpretive panels would likely be fabricated by a different
fabricator and so decisions about panel sizes, framing, mounting, and placement would be
accomplished in careful coordination with the trailhead fabricator.
102
Estimated Effort and Material Costs:
Task
Contract
In-house Labor (position
Labor
title)
Design and prepare trailhead
landscape architect
Landscape Architect
location
$1K-2K
Research, writing and graphic
interpretive specialist, graphic
Headquarters’ Field Support
design for all trailhead
artist
Staff, Graphic Designer
components
$2K-3K
Fabrication and installation of
$1K-3K (depending on level of Engineer/Landscape Architect
trailhead.
site work needed for
installation)
Project management to
included in either landscape
Landscape Architect or
coordinate all tasks above
architect or interpretive
Headquarters’ Field Support
specialist contract.
Staff
Totals
$4-8K
Note: does not include costs for upgrading or re-designing self-guided interpretive posts or self-guided interpretive
brochure to be developed as some later time.
2.6. Design and Develop a Trailhead at Whiskey Gulch
Description and Purpose: The new Trail Network at Glendo travels from Sandy Beach in the
northeast part of the Park south across Narrows Bluff to Slide Hill, down to the area below the
Dam and finally from Two Moon Campground to Whiskey Gulch campground. Trailheads for
accessing this trail network are planned at Sandy Beach, the Dam Overlook, Two Moon
Campground, the Wetlands Trail, and Whiskey Gulch. The trail head function for all but the last
two locations is folded into the Information Kiosk planned at those locations (see
Recommendation 1.8 above). At the Wetland Trail is discussed in Recommendation 2.6 above,
but an additional trailhead is recommended at Whiskey Gulch as the farthest southwest terminus
of the trail network.
The specific location for this trailhead has not been determined but should be located near the
intersection of Glendo Park Road and Lake Shore Drive where the trail start is proposed for
construction in 2013 or thereafter. At this location, visitors to the southern edge of the reservoir
(i.e., Whiskey Gulch, Sagebrush, and Shelter Point) as well as visitors to the southwestern border
(e.g., Colter Bay, Custer Cove, Reno Cove) would all benefit from orienting and stating the trail
system at this location.
Similar to the trailhead proposed for the Wetland Trail, this trailhead should be constructed of
hewn timber in an upright construction to draw visitor attention as they approach this area (see
schematic in Recommendation 2.6 above). Components to be included at this trailhead should
include:
 The name of the site
 A map biking/hiking trail network with mileages and terrain descriptions.
 Appropriate rules and regulations for trail use with a trail sign-in box.
Similar to the Wetland trailhead, the sign-in box would serve two functions: first, as a safety
measure for tracking visitors who may become lost, but also, as a visitor feedback mechanism to
103
solicit directed comments from trail users. In the early years of the trail network, visitor should
feel comfortable in and encouraged to offer comments about the trail network.
Target Audience: Visitors who wish to get on the trail network from the areas surround
Whiskey Gulch.
Theme: The Glendo trail network provides diverse opportunities for visitors who like to walk,
hike, bike and enjoy nature.
Desired Visitor Outcomes: Once visitors have encountered and used this trailhead, they will
 Feel welcomed to the area and informed about the trail opportunities available from this
location.
 Feel confident in finding their way around the trail network judging it’s characteristics for
their own abilities and interests.
 Appreciate the benefits of this unique trail network.
General Development Considerations and Costs:
See development considerations and costs for Recommendation 2.6 above as development of the
Wetland Trailhead would be nearly identical to that trailhead.
5.4. Elaborated Recommendations – Third Priority
Each of the third priority recommendations (numbered 3.x. below) has been developed below to
include a brief description and general development considerations.
3.1. Hire Interpretive Staff
Brief Description: Glendo has traditionally been a boating and fishing park and as such has
hosted a dedicated cohort of water recreationists totaling approximately 200K visitors per year.
In 2012 the development of a new trails system expanded recreation opportunities at the Park.
This trail network will introduces new visitors to the Park and will spread recreation use over a
greater proportion of the Park. To meet both the enjoyment and safety needs of an expanding
visitation, hiring interpretive staff within the next five years is strongly recommended.
Interpretive staff would develop, implement, and manage an interpretation/education (I/E)
program for the Park. Responsibilities and qualifications for both FTE and seasonal staff are
outlined below.
1. Interpretation/Education Supervisor (FTE)
Responsibilities of this position:
 Create and maintain a creative and realistic vision for the Park’s I/E program over time;
 Oversee/supervise the implementation of the Master Interpretative Plan and as appropriate,
produce additional interpretive plans for the future;
 Advocate for the visitor experience in staff meetings and Park management activities;
 Suggest, design, and facilitate I/E training for Park staff including law enforcement rangers,
interns, volunteers;
104








Collaborate with Headquarters’ Field Support Staff on marketing and promotion of visitorrelated materials;
Research and track current educational, interpretive, informal learning, visitor studies research
and information that may affect the content and/or quality of programs/media at the Park;
Provide I/E input for all strategic plans, general management plans, annual work plans,
staffing plans, and other planning initiatives of the Park;
Develop and coordinate a visitor studies and evaluation agenda for tracking and monitoring
visitor experiences at the Park over time (see Recommendation 2.3 above);
Facilitate the design and development of non-personal media; serve as project manager and/or
Park’s representative on all fabrication and installation of non-personal media and
implementation of all I/E programs;
Design and develop (or contract) I/E programs or media as needed;
Prepare and/or deliver personal programs as needed including roving interpretation, campfire
programs, mini-presentations in group shelters, etc. (See Recommendations 2.2 and 3.3);
Eventually, coordinate, train, and supervise I/E staff, interns, and volunteers.
Qualifications for this position:
 4 year degree (minimum) plus post graduate work (master’s degree desirable) in education,
interpretation, communications, recreation, or related discipline.
 Demonstrated experience (2 years minimum) in leadership, supervision, and planning related
to education, recreation and parks, museums, or interpretation.
 Demonstrated experience in visitor studies or evaluation is a plus.
 Coursework (minor or specialized training) in botany, ecology, natural resources, or related
topics.
 Demonstrated experience in supervision (staff, interns, volunteers) and administration
 Experience in local, state, or federal public park(s) is highly desirable.
 Excellent communication skills (oral and written)
 Demonstrated professionalism in working with staff, administrators, public officials, and
visitors.
2. Education Assistant or I/E Intern or Seasonal Employee
Job responsibilities for this position:
 Design, develop, and deliver thematic interpretive programs;
 Design, develop, and deliver school programs;
 Collaborate with Park management on special events that involve education or interpretation;
 Aid I/E Supervisor with planning for personal programs as needed (i.e., providing research
help, organizing materials, participating in discussion groups, administering evaluations, etc.);
 Aid in the development of non-personal media as needed;
 May involve some volunteer supervision or coordination.
Qualifications for this position:
 At least 2 years of college experience in education, interpretation, communications, recreation
or related discipline. Working toward a 4-year year degree in one or more of these areas is
highly desirable.
 One year experience (minimum) in public speaking, public presentations and/or designing and
conducting interpretive programs or school programs.
105



Coursework or specialized training in botany, ecology, natural resources, recreation or related
topics.
Excellent communication skills both oral (mandatory) and written (expected)
Demonstrated professionalism in working with staff, visitors, and volunteers
General Development Considerations: The following should be considered in hiring an
interpretive specialist.
 Seek necessary approvals from SPHST for hiring FTE (or part-time, seasonal, or intern)
employees.
 Initiative funding for FTE (or part-time, seasonal, or intern) position.
 Convene a search committee to refine and post the job description for this position.
 Review candidate applications and set up interviews with at least 2-3 qualified candidates.
 Hire and train successful candidate.
Cost estimate for an FTE Interpretive Specialist = $30-45K/year plus benefits depending on
experience. Alternatively, a part-time or seasonal interpretive specialist may be desirable until
which time an FTE position becomes feasible. Costs estimate for a part-time or seasonal
interpretive specialist ranges from $12 to $18/hour depending on experience and qualifications.
3.2. Develop Educational Activities Guides for K-12 Field Trips.
Brief Description: At-large, SPHST facilitates relationships between schools and proximal
Parks and Historic Sites in the state. Depending on the Park and its local community(ies), this
includes providing ranger programs in the schools as well as working with teachers to correlate
Park themes and messages to grade level curriculum and respective state standards.
In the Glendo area however, only a very modest relationship with the schools currently exists
although there are 13 schools (approximately 2,000 K-12 students) in Platte County School
Districts and just over that number in Converse County Schools (See Section 2.2 of this plan).
As staffing and funding allows, an enhanced relationship between these school districts and the
Park is recommended, particularly in light of the national movement to get children outside and
to increase their level of physical activity in general (see www.childrenandnature.org). This
effort assumes that a full-time or seasonal interpretive specialist is on board to help manage this
effort (see Recommendation 3.1. above), and assumes coordination with the SPHST
headquarters Field Support staff.
Collaboration with local schools might include:
 Hosted field trips at the Park for school groups with age/grade-specific programs or
activities.
 Teacher-only tours of the Park with discussion of ideas for teacher-guided field trips; might
include a state standards and curriculum discussion about classroom ideas that relate to park
resources.
 Teacher-only workshops for helping teachers learn how to connect kids to nature (in
curricular areas and on school grounds).
 Local parent and/or child-care provider workshops for helping parents/educators learn how to
connect kids and nature.
106


Collaboration with select teachers for developing a Glendo-specific Junior Ranger Program.
Developing an Educational Activity Guide to provide educators with site-specific activities
for use before, during, and after a fieldtrip to Glendo State Park
General Development Considerations: Although the ideas above are very low cost, they do
require organization and management effort so that gains made with local teachers will be
sustained over the long-term. As stated above, this would require at least a seasonal interpretive
specialist and ideally a FTE interpretive specialist at the Park. Given this level of staffing, the
following tips might help move this recommendation along.
 Conduct a series of 3-4 focus groups with local teachers to better understand their needs,
available resources, and interest in Park collaboration.
 Be mindful of teacher time, curriculum standards, and logistical constraints in setting up all
meetings and communication for Park collaboration.
 Develop a brief education packet for teachers that summarize Park resources and
opportunities, invites them to engage with the Park on educational initiatives, and includes a
beginning list of what that engagement or collaboration might entail (see possible ideas
bulleted above under ‘Brief Description’.
 Follow-up consistently with teachers before and after all communication and meetings to
reassure them that the Park is consistent in its willingness to collaborate.
Cost for this recommendation is minimal outside the staff time of a seasonal or full-time
interpretive specialist. Modest transportation and/or meetings cost (e.g., copies, snacks, meeting
space) occasionally is all that would be required.
3.3. Initiate a Roving Interpretation Program
Brief Description: Depending on available staff and interpretive capabilities (see Section 5.3.1.
in plan and Recommendation 3.1) develop a roving interpretive program whereby an interpretive
ranger is scheduled during heavy use times to circulate on foot or bike (preferably not in a
vehicle) to campgrounds, beaches, boat launches, and trails to answer questions, engage visitors,
and distribute information. The purpose of roving interpretation is to prevent law enforcement
encounters in cases where information or personal contact can be a deterrent to inappropriate
behaviors. Furthermore a roving interpreter can help educate visitors about the rationale behind
rules and regulations and can customize various messages to the specific needs of visitors.
One of the advantages of roving interpretation is that virtually any topic can be addressed while
in the Park, including but not limited to, rules and regulations, expected behaviors on water or
trails, directions and wayshowing, and facts, figures, and information about local flora, fauna,
geology, water, weather, seasons, and history. Toward that end, compiling a visitor contact
notebook that contains Park-specific information about natural and cultural topics (see Section
2.3 of this plan for more on the natural and cultural features of the Park), frequently asked visitor
questions (see Section 3.3.2.), rules and regulations, maps, and basic information about the Park
is strongly encouraged. This can be the responsibility of a full-time or seasonal interpretive
specialist.
107
General Development Considerations: Law Enforcement Rangers and Interpretive staff
should both participate in roving interpretation and therefore should be provided with the same
training in customer service, interpretation, visitor behavior, and so forth (See Recommendation
1.4). Cost for roving interpretation is very low as costs are limited to training and creating
transportable interpretive materials (e.g., visitor contact notebook describe above).
3.4. Develop Interpretive Waysides for Biking/Hiking Trails
Brief Description: In a few years, as the trail network becomes fully developed and used, a
series of trail waysides is recommended. The purpose of these waysides would be to inform
visitors on various natural or cultural history topics relevant to the area, but also perhaps to aid in
the eXploration questing proposed in Recommendation 1.9, and/or reinforce stewardship and
ethical use of the Park resources (Recommendation 1.10).
An initial proto-type set of waysides is recommended for the following locations on the Narrow
Bluffs Trail:
 Near Hytrek Draw traveling south from Sandy Beach
 At the Portage and Resting Bench further south on that same trail
 Near the lookout platform and bench at Sunset Point
Based on proto-type evaluation of these first three waysides, additional waysides could easily be
added to the trail system based on feedback from visitors during the first years of trail system use
(see Recommendation 2.3 and discussion of sign-in boxes for Trailhead locations
(Recommendations 1.8, 2.5 and 2.6).
General Development Considerations:
Design for these modest waysides would again, incorporate the hewn timber construction of
other Park facilities, but would also incorporate a partial cairn (stone) structure, possibly a
viewing tube, and a small interpretive sign (see schematics). In the case of Option B (below), the
rock cairn portion of the wayside would be fabricated such that shorter visitors (youth) could use
the rocks to reach and use the viewing tubes.
108
Interpretive Wayside Option A
Interpretive Wayside Option B (with viewing tube)
109
The interpretive sign portion of the wayside would include a single interpretive message about a
relevant natural or cultural feature at or seen from that location. Topics and themes for these
signs would be decided in collaboration with the staff and informed by visitor feedback about the
Park and under the direction and aid of an FTE interpretive specialist (Recommendation 3.1).
Approximate costs for each wayside might range from $2K-$4K each depending on final design.
There may be some economy of scale if at least a few (3-6) waysides can be planned, developed,
and fabricated at one time. Working with a landscape architect and an interpretive specialist in
collaboration with Trails staff, will be important to implement this recommendations.
3.5. Build a Visitor Center at the Entrance to the Park
Brief Description: One long-term goal of the Park is to have a modest visitor center which
would replace the current administrative space (offices) and would provide a staffed visitor
contact station for visitors throughout most of the year. A new facility is recommended for the
long term (5-10 years) which would be located closer to the entrance of the Park.
General Development Considerations: The location of this facility would be contingent on
available and appropriate land parcels near the entrance to the Park and on available funding. As
appropriate, LEED certification of some level should be considered at a time when this
recommendation becomes feasible. In addition, at least the following building features should be
considered:
 Adequate and reasonable office space for FTE and seasonal staff
 Adequate and reasonable meeting space for all anticipated Park group meetings and
trainings. Depending on the legal implications, rental of meeting space to affinity groups in
the local community may be a possibility for some resource recovery.
 Site planning and HVAC should consider wind, solar, and other LEED options.
 Visitor contact area should provide sufficient space for small group meetings, trip planning
(tables with chairs), and bathrooms. Fabricating tables with large area/regional maps for trip
planning is strongly recommended. As well, providing a small library of field guides, maps,
ethics material, and resource-related books is advised. Even providing a small lending library
would likely be appreciated by visitors.
 A resource room/work space should be allocated for rangers (including law enforcement,
trail, and interpretive rangers)
Costs for such a facility might range from $300K to $2+ million depending on size and scope of
project. A separate Visitor Center planning process would have to be completed in order to
exact a more specific cost for development and to provide thorough design ideas and
specifications. Such a planning and design process that involves an architect, landscape
architect, interpretive specialist, and park staff might range from $25K-$80K.
110
5.5 Sequencing Calendar
Below is a preliminary sequencing calendar that arrays all recommendations across a 5-year time
span.
2013
Jan
R#
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
1.9
1.10.
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
Q1
2014
2015
2016
2017
Apr
Jul
Oct
Jan
Apr
Jul
Oct
Jan
Apr
Jul
Oct
Jan
Apr
Jul
Oct
Jan
Apr
Jul
Oct
Q2
Q3
Q4
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Signs
Plan and Design Entry
Fab and Install
Upgrade Website
Plan T rain Eval
T rain
T rain
T rain
T rain
Graphic Standard
Brochure
Watershed Map
Plan and Design Kiosks
Quests
Eval
Fab and Install
Revise
Media Kit
Concrete Kiosk
Develop
Present
Present
Present
Visitor M
Weather Stn
Plan T H
Fab and Install T H
Plan T H
Fab and Install T H
Hire Interp
Plan K-12
Plan
Plan Waysides
Roving Interp
Eval Revise/Fab Install
Plan VC
111
Appendix A. References
Adelman, L., Dierking, L., Haley-Goldman, K., Coulson, J., Falk, J. and Adams, M. 2001.
Baseline Impact Study: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Conservation Station. Technical report.
Annapolis, MD: Institute for Learning Innovation.
Carlzon, J. 1987. Moments of Truth, Pensacola, FL: Ballinger Publishing Company.
Kordell, K.H. 2008. The Latest Trends in Nature-Based Outdoor Recreation. Forest History
Today, Spring, 2008.
Kordell, K.H., Betz, C.H., Green, G. T. and Hou, S.H. 2008. Outdoor Recreation Activity
Trends: What’s Growing, What’s Slowing. A Recreation Research in the IRIS Series,
September 2008.
Pergams, O.R. W. and Zaradic, P.A. 2008. Evidence for fundamental and pervasive shift away
from nature-based recreation. Environmental Sciences. Vol 105: No.7: 2295-2300.
Tilden, F. 1957. Interpreting our Heritage. Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina
Press.
UNESCO. 1978. Tblisi Declaration. http://www.gdrc.org/uem/ee/tbilisi.html
USDI. 2004. Glendo Reservoir Finding of No Significant Impact and Resource Management
Plan/Glendo State Park Master Plan and Environmental Assessment. Prepared by Bureau of
Reclamation – Great Plains Region (Wyoming Area Office, WSPHST, and Glendo State Park.
September 2004.
Wallace, G. 1990. Law Enforcement and the “Authority of the Resource”. Legacy. Vol 1: No.2
Wells, M., Butler, B., and Koke, J. 2012 (In Press). Interpretive Planning for Museums:
Integrating Visitor Perspectives in Decision-Making. Walnut Creek, CA: LeftCoast Press.
Wells, M. 2000. The Effectiveness of Non-personal Media Used in Interpretation and Informal
Education: An Annotated Bibliography. National Association for Interpretation.
WSPHST. 2008. Wyoming Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, 2009-2013.
Prepared by the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources.
WSPHST. 2009. Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites Visitor Survies – Summer 2009 and
Winter 2009-10.
WSPHST. 2011. SOAR 2021: Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites, and Trails Strategic Plan.
WSPHST. 2012. Interpretive Services Guidelines.
WSPHST. 2012. Interpretive Services Program.
112
Appendix B. Brief Literature Review on Positive Approaches to Behavior
Modification
This appendix contains the results of a modest on-line search related to positive approaches to
behavior modification. The findings are not provided in any particular order. A website is
provided for most entries and abridged content is included for the purposes of this plan. Yellow
highlights are provided for content that may have particular relevance to interpretation and
education about this topic for Glendo State Park. (Red indicates comments from the planner.)
1. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports- New Hampshire (PBIS-NH) is
improving the learning environment for many New Hampshire students.
http://www.rivier.edu/journal/RCOAJ-Fall-2006/BRYAR-PBIS-NH.pdf
Walk into virtually any preschool or elementary school today and you’re likely to see posters and whole bulletin
boards devoted to messages about ‘responsibility,’ ‘respect,’ and ‘caring,’ among other ideals.
“We started with the knowledge that punishment is not the answer to changing problem behavior in schools,” says
Muscott, explaining, “PBIS is a systematic, positive, and preventive approach that helps schools to become safe,
caring, respectful environments for learning.
Muscott says PBIS is a process, not a curriculum. “It does not have a ‘one size fits all’ answer to
creating a positive school environment and is not a top down initiative, but rather allows each school to set it owns
expectations.”
Once teachers and administrators have reached a consensus and established three to five
schoolwide expectations, teams are created to influence behavior at three key levels: universal, targeted, and
intensive. The universal team works with the 80 to 90 percent of all students who do not have serious behavior
problems; a targeted team focuses its efforts on the estimated 5-15% of students who are at-risk for problem
behavior; and the intensive team works with approximately one to seven percent of students who have
chronic/intense behavior problems.
“With at-risk students, we recommend a specialized group intervention and when it comes to those with chronic and
serious behavior problems, we advocate for individual interventions,” explains Muscott. According to Etchells,
schoolwide goals at Thornton’s Ferry are “Respect,” “Responsibility,” and “Safety.” A related behavior matrix
defines expectations for students in all areas of the school, including classrooms, the cafeteria, hallways, bathrooms,
and the playground. Responsible behavior on the playground, for example, includes returning all play equipment to
its proper place.
Etchells says a valuable part of the program is that each expectation needs to be observable and
stated in positive language. “At Thorntons Ferry, it forced teachers to come together to define acceptable student
behaviors and to hold students accountable.” Brian Bowden, a guidance counselor at Kingswood Regional High
School in Wolfeboro, N.H., says that prior to adopting PBIS in 2004, his school “did not have clear and concise
behavioral expectations that all faculty and administrators agreed upon.” The result was a feeling of frustration
among students and staff. “If students don’t have clear and consistent boundaries,” he says, “they will constantly test
authority and their environment.” PBIS has the potential to change all of that, according to Bowden.
With the program only in its second year of implementation at Kingswood, Bowden acknowledges there are many
challenges ahead. “High school teachers interact with far more students on a daily basis than elementary teachers, so
it’s going to take some time.” Still, Bowden says, “Using the PBIS system, we were able to reduce “tardies” by
approximately 70 percent from one month to the next.”
“One reason for the impressive success of the project,” says NH CEBIS Co-Director Eric Mann, “is the advance
commitment the Center requires for participation in the initiative. Schools must have an administrator committed to
PBIS and then 80 percent of faculty are required to give their approval before training can begin.” Those involved
with PBIS-NH say another big difference between this and other behavior modification programs is that PBIS
113
provides measurable data. When a school adopts the program, they agree to use data for decision making, according
to Muscott. Most institutions choose to track office discipline referrals using the Schoolwide Information System
(SWIS) database, developed by the Positive Behavior Support Center at the University of Oregon.
“Before PBIS, we really had no data on how often certain undesirable behaviors were occurring
and no systematic way of dealing with them,” says Etchells. Now Thornton’s Ferry teachers document student
behaviors using referral slips and describe the action taken. With those referrals tracked daily, “We’re able to look at
our problem areas and our successes and do more of what is working.” One of the successes at Thorntons Ferry has
been curbing physical aggression on the playground. Etchells says when she and other members of the target team
talked individually with the offending students, they realized the children were bored and didn’t know how to play
outdoor games. “So we taught them how to play four square and other games.” The result was a measurable
decrease in pushing and shoving on the playground and “more time spent learning in the classroom instead of sitting
in the principal’s office.”
Planner Comments: This is a reminder about the importance of buy-in from staff, specific targeted goals, and a
matrix of defined and measureable expectations. It was also interesting that they had three tiers of staffing, one team
for the 80-90% of those without serious problems, one team for the 15% of at-risk, and one team for the 1-7% of
those with chronic problems—specialist if you will. What this suggests only a fraction of the people may be causing
most of the problems. Not everyone exhibits poor behavior. As it stands, there is no Park-specific data which
summarizes the extent and specifics of on-site problems or issues. Tracking issues/problems will help determine if
problems, for example, are rooted in large groups, all male groups, RV campers, fishermen, etc. Data would also
help us set specific goals and desired outcomes, and set a strategy for evaluating their success.
2. Influencing Public Behaviour to Improve Health and Wellbeing
http://www.roadsafetygb.org.uk/misc/fckeditorFiles/file/downloads/dh_111694.pdf
The question I was asked to address in this report was what is known about what works in changing behaviour. To
answer the question we looked at insights coming from the many fields concerned with behaviour – from
commercial advertising to the latest academic insights from behavioural psychology. It was soon clear that this is as
much an art or craft as it is a science. There are many promising ideas, and there are some success stories. However
the evidence base is thin. Behaviours can change in fundamental ways – but usually through the interaction of
incentives, information, peer pressures and changes to the environment, rather than because of any one set of
measures.
Some of the lessons suggest the need to shift direction. For example, we are increasingly learning about the
importance of networks in shaping how people behave (whether its obesity or smoking), and how behaviour can be
changed. Who you know shapes how you act. This suggests the potential for much more targeted action rather than
mass advertising. Other lessons are about the tone that communications should adopt. Sometimes very stark
messages are unavoidable. But against a backdrop of huge volumes of communication, it’s important to be
economical, and often more can be achieved by positive messages, that emphasise personal wellbeing rather than
just stoking fears.
What Can We Learn From Behavioural Psychology and Economics?
There are several main insights from this body of work which are now widely accepted, even if the experts differ on
the precise mechanisms (the range of views is described in more detail in Annex B). All of these show why
traditional public information campaigns rarely succeed on their own.
i. The first is that people use rules of thumb (‘heuristics’) to help them make decisions, which are not strictly
rational.
ii. People also tend to over discount the future – for example, putting too much weight on the pleasures of
excessive drinking now, against the risk of the potential health problems that could result later in life (or even the
risk of being injured in a fight or accident on the way home from the pub).
iii. In addition, we tend to pay more attention to potential losses than gains. As a result, for example, we are
more likely to change a behaviour if told of the increased risk which would result if we fail to act, than if told of the
114
reduction in risk that would result from change. As with rules of thumb and overdiscounting, it’s very difficult to go
against the grain of this natural tendency.
iv. People make decisions using both their rational conscious brain and their ‘automatic processing system’, the
parts of the brain that make decisions unconsciously or subconsciously. The most powerful interventions address
both.
v. How we behave is influenced by contexts and by ‘choice architectures’. A teenager may know about
contraception but push that knowledge to one side when drunk. When trying to change habits, such as smoking or
excessive drinking, people often need personalized plans that help them think through how to deal with difficult
situations, e.g. social occasions, where they are used to smoking or drinking excessively. Similarly, the precise
context in which choices are made can be important – people can be ‘nudged’ towards better choices through
everything from portion sizes in cafeterias to making particular kinds of pension the default option.
vi. Behaviours are bound up with identities. If being able to ‘hold your drink’ is part of someone’s social identity,
they will need an equally powerful identity, with which they can strongly identify, to replace it if they are to change
their behaviour (e.g. perhaps as a responsible father).
vii. There is now strong evidence that phenomena such as obesity are heavily influenced by networks and
relationships: who you know shapes how you behave. Behaviours can spread rather like viruses. Equally, we’re
more likely to change if we think it matters to someone who matters to us, or if there is a group to help us (like an
Alcoholics Anonymous group for example).
viii. For all the above reasons, what works with one group won’t with another. Segmentation and targeting are allimportant. Methods for changing behaviour need to be aligned with cultures, cognitive styles, social contexts etc. In
relation to alcohol, for example, some groups may be most influenced by messages about long-term harm, while
others may be more influenced by self-image and the perceptions of others.
ix. Changing the environment in which people live and work is often the most powerful way of influencing their
behaviours. For example, where the social norm is to smoke, it is harder to be a non-smoker. Banning smoking,
however, obviously has a big impact.
Planner Comments: This is a reminder that we are dealing with “group” behaviors which are not necessarily
congruent with what an individual knows and believes. People selectively choose what to do, based on their social
situation at the time, peers, etc. It suggests that targeting the group “leaders” before they get to the park to enlist an
“insider” (role model; significant personality of relevance to visitors, someone who’s respected by the group) to help
change the group’s behavior at the park may be appropriate. This involves audience segmentation…describing the
group affiliations (or segments) and working them from the inside…appealing to their innate sense of responsibility
(that may already exist but gets shoved away once in the “group”) to help change the group’s behavior. Instead of
defaulting to depreciative behaviors, interpretation might be used to educated segments upfront regarding the park’s
goals and some positive steps their group can take to help upgrade the park’s cleanliness and overall appeal.
3. Guidelines on Ensuring Positive Guidance in Work Zones
http://www.workzonesafety.org/node/10858
Abstract:
This document describes the importance of ensuring good positive guidance when implementing a work zone
traffic control plan. Four key concepts are emphasized: ensuring that all driver information needs are met to
allow them to navigate safely through the work zone, standardizing the information provided to drivers to meet
their expectations, ensuring that information is spread out through the approach and work area to avoid
driver overload, and ensuring that all work zone hazards are identifiable and visible to the motorist.
Planner: These are important basics….meet the needs of the campers, standardize the info they receive (basic
marketing rules say we have to see the same message X number of times before it sinks in; and we need to be
115
succinct and consistent. Spreading out the information to avoid overload…too much info packed into one space or
one time period may make the brain and/or eye glaze over and reduce the net impact. Identifiable and visible
images, content, and graphic elements should be used throughout the park and in all published materials – from
website to reservation confirmation to trash receptacles. .
Takeaways about Positive Guidance
1. Highways use information boards (when not in use for emergencies) to post courtesy messages along the lines
of “leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you” or “use your turn signal when changing
lanes” or “help us keep your highways safe…anonymously report inappropriate driving to xxxxxx” The point
being that while you’re driving you’re reminded of courteous behaviors and you’re encouraged to become part
of the solution to safe driving conditions.
2. Highways use rumble strips to alert drivers and jar them into a more current reality—helping them focus on
signs alerting them to what’s new (perhaps rumble strips entering the Park - to suggest a change a change…
slowing down, welcome to Glendo, we’re glad you’re here.
3. Suggest positive behaviors that yield the wanted end result (in this case safety) signs that say “RR Crossing…
Approach with Caution” or “Look Both Ways” etc.
4. Offering choices—when either is an acceptable outcome “you can put your trash here or in the bins at the
parking lot”
4. Marketing of Protected Areas as a Tool to Influence Visitors’ Pre-visit Decisions
By Mike Reid, Stephen Wearing and Glen Croy
http://www.sustainabletourismonline.com/159/pre-visit-communication/marketing-of-protectedareas-as-a-tool-to-influence-visitors-pre-visit-decisions
This report focuses on the issues salient to developing and implementing pre-visit communications in the context of
protected area marketing and management. Establishing experience and behavioural expectations prior to visiting a
protected area is central to ultimate visitor satisfaction as well as environmental protection. In designing pre-visit
communication that promotes park and protected area visitation, as well as shapes behavioural expectations,
managers must have a framework with which to both plan and implement effective pre-visit communication
strategies.
Pre-Visit Communication
Pre-visit communication has become an essential part of visitor demand management and managing visitor
expectations of national parks and protected areas.
Managers need to consider how tourism and recreation opportunities in national parks should be communicated to
people. This requires managers to consider changing recreation demands and visitor expectations upfront and
integrating marketing strategies into communication and interpretation to promote parks effectively and to achieve
more realistic expectations of what visitors can expect.
Marketing, as visitor and stakeholder communication, especially pre-visit communication, can be influential in a
visitor’s decision regarding where to go and what to do. Strategic and tactical communication can also influence
how visitors behave by providing information in a manner that reinforces desired onsite behaviours.
Establishing experience and behavioural expectations prior to visiting a protected area is central to ultimate visitor
satisfaction as well as environmental protection. In designing pre-visit communication that promotes park and
protected area visitation, as well as shapes behavioural expectations, managers must have a framework with which
to both plan and implement effective pre-visit communication strategies. A visitor communication framework
116
should be based on the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) so that interpretation and communication material
is relevant to the management settings and experiences being sought by the visitor.
Recent research by the STCRC highlights the importance of using a robust segmentation strategy in order to
understand visitors and potential visitors and the experiences they seek. Visitor segmentation using a ROS based
approach enables managers to better manage demand for parks and better manage visitor expectations about the
experiences they can have. It is suggested that protected area managers would benefit from the development of a
more robust approach to segmentation and to adopt a ROS based approach to understanding the interaction between
visitor segments and available parks and park related experiences.
This research provides a number of recommendations for integrated pre-visit communication management (IPCM)
including:
 Institute a regular IPCM audit;
 Refine pre-visit communication roles and responsibilities within the organisation and refine and clarify the roles
and responsibilities of individuals and departmental groups within protected area agencies with regard to
planning and implementing a pre-visit communication strategy and activities;
 Strengthen relationships with state and regional tourism organisations and develop a clear brand vision and
brand identity;
 Improve the integration of visitor data into strategy development and campaign planning;
 Improve the clarity of objectives regarding which visitor segments to target and products (parks and protected
areas) to market;
 Institute a more systematic and data driven pre-visit communication planning process;
 Improve the resourcing of pre-visit communication management and activities.
 Utilise the supply and demand visitor experience segment matrix to develop a product/segment portfolio matrix
based on experiences sought by visitors.
 Undertake specific visitor segment level pre-visit decision-making research.
 Include information source and experience sought questions in visitor surveys.
 Determine the usefulness and effectiveness of park websites in facilitating visitor decision-making.
Planner Comments: Takeaways from this include (a) Consider pre-visit (web visit and/or tourism information) as
essential for establishing brand and expectations, and (b) Visitor data is essential for “marketing” (interpreting) Park
messages and content.
5a. Promoting Persuasion in Protected Areas
By Sam H Ham, Terry J Brown, Jim Curtis, Betty Weiler, Michael Hughes, Mark Poll
http://www.sustainabletourismonline.com/159/pre-visit-communication/promoting-persuasionin-protected-areas-a-guide-for-managers-who-want-to-use-strategic-communication-toinfluence-visitor-behaviour
5b. Asking Visitors to Help (also see the downloaded PDF article attached)
117
http://www.sustainabletourismonline.com/161/strategic-communication/asking-visitors-to-helpresearch-to-guide-strategic-communication-for-protected-area-management
By Sam H. Ham, Betty Weiler, Michael Hughes, Terry Brown, Jim Curtis and Mark Poll
5c. Best Practice Interpretation Research For Sustainable Tourism
By Stephen Wearing, David Archer, Gianna Moscardo and Stephen Schweinsberg
http://www.sustainabletourismonline.com/43/visitor-information-interpretation/best-practiceinterpretation-research-for-sustainable-tourism-framework-for-a-new-research-agenda
Planner Comments: Borrowing from the item descriptions for 5 a, b, and c above, the purpose of these publications
is to help protected area managers make better decisions and to achieve greater success in their use of
communication to influence visitor behaviour. Many managers, and some tourism operators, see this as an
important part of their job… to produce a sharper understanding of the value of strategic communication in
protected area management, and to develop and disseminate research methods and results that enhance the ways
protected area staff use communication to influence onsite visitor behaviour. The third volume above, outlines the
development of a framework for a new interpretation research agenda relating to sustainable tourism. It proposes a
classification system for evaluating research and includes selected case studies. Four main research areas – to
mitigate visitor impacts, to enhance tourists' experiences and satisfaction, to encourage positive attitudes toward
nature conservation, and to link outcomes to corporate/strategic objectives – have been identified and are
accompanied by a number of questions and recommendations to direct future research. (Note: These are lengthy
handbooks that appear to have some useful material. I will look at them more closely to identify relevant ideas.)
6. What Are Your Signs Really Saying?
http://www.rversonline.org/ArtSubliminal.html
by Tom Gonser (Revised 07/2011)
When we think of RV park characteristics that create positive first impressions on RV guests, many are obvious: A
neat, clean, and well maintained park with an attractive office, facilities and common areas. Of course this includes a
friendly, customer-oriented staff to confirm that positive first visual impression. But there are more subtle
"messages" that RV parks routinely send -- and these messages are sometimes not the ones an RV park either wants
or intends to convey.
Probably the most overlooked "message" is the collection of signs posted all over your park. How often we've been
in parks having signs posted everywhere that start with "NO", or "DON'T'", or which contain the word "MUST". All
too often these words are in capital letters, and frequently in a type style which provides emphasis to the message
conveyed. It's a bit like "shouting". The purposes are usually legitimate: You don't want unregistered guests
wandering into the park. You don't want your guests to be disturbed by unsupervised pets, loud, or late night noise.
You don't want your plumbing clogged with debris. You may want unused lights turned off when not in use. And
you may have good reason not to have guests walking in certain areas.
118
So what do you do? The unfortunate response of some parks it to post signs to address every conceivable "evil" your
experience indicates might be encountered. Unfortunately, too often there is neither a sense of "Please do not'" do
something, nor the hint that the request is "For the enjoyment of all our RV guests'" -- even though in many cases
such is the case. Sometimes the pure volume of posted messages can create a sort of "sign overkill". Some parks
have countless posted directives on virtually every possible option for human behavior. What this tells your valued
customers is that your park's clientele is not the type of RVer community they'd want to be with very long -- or ever
again.
What's needed, of course, is a thoughtful and coordinated scheme for using those signs which you find you most
need. On rare occasion we find an RV park that has recognized the unfortunate consequence that countless negative
and prohibitive signs will convey. Sometimes signs are combined with a light, cartoon-like image which softens the
negative words. Sometimes the "Don'ts" follow a few words of explanation of why the request is made.
An especially sensitive issue is that which pertains to the monitoring and control of pets. The goal should be to make
your park attractive to RV guests who do not have pets; but also to make your park attractive to those who do. They
both are valued guests. While it's probably impossible to avoid the occasional thougtless RVer who does not clean
up after the pet, there is much that you can do to get pet owners on your side. We find that invariably those parks
which state their policy firmly but nicely, and follow up by providing either a potti station (with baggies) or an
enclosed pet exercise area, get uniformly high compliance with the pet rules. By providing an obvious method for
compliance with the pet rules, your message comes through loud and clear: the pet rules will be enforced. We think
pet "policies" require careful consideration, because a lax policy will drive off both non-pet owners, and responsible
pet owners. And rules and signs which go beyond being reasonable will make your park "pet unfriendly" to
responsible pet owners.
Keep in mind there are signs which can convey a positive impression. We occasionally visit a wonderful small park
along the Salmon River in Idaho where all sites are on a well-manicured lawn. There are few obvious interior roads,
but guests can't reach the well manicured grassy sites without driving on the lawn. The owners have taken advantage
of this circumstance by posting a sign at the entrance saying "Please drive on the grass. It's there for your
enjoyment". What a wonderful first impression!
None of this is to suggest that RV parks shouldn't have -- and enforce -- reasonable rules designed to provide for the
enjoyment of all guests, and for the common sense care and protection of the premises. No one objects to
registration materials that contain a set of "house rules". However, these, too, need to be presented in a thoughtful
manner, indicating that the rules are to ensure the enjoyment of all your valued guests. We think it's completely
appropriate for your registration materials to call attention to the rules you've adopted, and make it clear that for the
enjoyment of all park guests the rules will be enforced. Properly presented, your guests will conclude that the "house
rules" are reasonable, and were established to ensure their stay will be an enjoyable one.
In summary, we find most park owners are extremely sensitive to the "messages" they are sending by having clean,
well maintained facilities, and a friendly, helpful staff. But the "messages" they are posting throughout their parks
are often sending a conflicting signal, sometimes creating a negative feeling which may not be intended -- but which
can result in guests choosing their future stops in locations that offer a more welcoming environment.
7. Humorous Signs
(a) http://www.dnv.org/article.asp?c=740
119
120
(b) http://www.dnv.org/article.asp?a=3213
We are trying to keep the park signs as fresh as possible.
Our philosophy is to use humor to create signs that will attract the eye and deliver the message without
pointing a finger. If laughter is the best medicine then we are doing something healthy for the
community. You can see more of our sign installations on our other web pages. Be sure to
visit Ashdown Park or Signs Shop or Parks Entrance signs. Thank you for driving with care and watching
out for wildlife.
121
8. How to safely inject humor into PR
by Andrew on OCTOBER 14, 2009
http://www.newsvetter.com/2009/10/14/how-to-inject-humor-into-pr/
Big risk, big reward
One common theme that surfaced was risk. Humor is very tricky. Just because you and your co-workers think
you’re funny doesn’t necessarily mean it will resonate with the outside world where sensitive and influential groups
can quickly turn a campaign on its head.
David Murdico (@DavidMurdico), Executive Creative Director of Supercool Creative an ad agency based in Los
Angeles, wrote: “One thing about humor, and the reason why a creative shop may be more qualified, is that so much
of humor is subjective. Where comedy writers and ad creatives excel is in their ability to package what most people
will find funny or better yet, what a targeted segment of people will find funny, together with a brand, product or
service’s message. This can be a tough balancing act. Too much funny and the message is lost, too much message
and the funny won’t spread. They also have a learned and often innate sense of “what will play on Broadway” as
they are typically keen observers of what gets laughs and what doesn’t as well as of social and cultural trends.”
122
But for those willing to brave the risk, humor can propel your client or company to new heights. Elasticity’s
campaign for the American Mustache Institute captured the “attention of hundreds of media for millions of media
impressions,” said Cross. “And the latest voting of the Robert Goulet Mustached American of the Year award has
gathered several hundred media hits in the last two weeks.”
How to safely inject humor into your PR program
While there’s no clear recipe for success, most agreed that PR people should at least consider these safety tips before
using humor:

Know your audience – You may know your target audience but you probably don’t know what they will find
funny. Do some humor-specific research especially if you’re not sure how people will respond to your
particular brand of humor. For example, look at what has worked or failed for similar companies. If you’re still
drawing a blank, consider using less formal communication tools like blogs, Twitter and Facebook to test out
some of your concepts.

Have a Plan B - The web is riddled with “humor fail.” You must accept the possibility that your humor might
bomb so plan accordingly. Ask yourself: What will we do and say if the prevailing opinion is negative?

Know your company or client’s funny bone – This is critical. Make sure you know the scope and limits of your
company or client’s humor. Start with asking them what movies or comedians they find funny and go from
there.

Know thyself – If you are funny, chances are you know you are. But when you’re spending other people’s
money, it wouldn’t hurt to get some third-party validation from your co-workers and/or people outside the
company. If you carry the “class clown” title, that’s probably a good sign.

Tailor the delivery - Decide the best format(s) for delivering your humor. This could be a press release, phone
and email pitch, tweet, video, Facebook fan page or all of the above. Tailor the humor in way that makes sense
for the recipient. And whatever you do, do not attempt to deliver humor in a format you’re not familiar with.

Choose your timing wisely – Keep an eye out for the latest trends or hot topics in your particular industry and
then try to build your humor campaign around it. But be wary of going too far. As Jeremy Toeman (@jtoeman)
a Partner at Stage Two Consulting, advises: “Don’t use humor when it’s a situation that needs a “grown up”
response. That said, don’t be afraid to use humor even in a “serious” situation.”
In conclusion, PR should not overlook humor as an effective communications strategy. Just because the content isn’t
serious doesn’t mean that it can’t achieve serious business results. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be looking into
some specific case studies. If you have a good one, be sure to let me know.
Jason Falls (@jasonfalls): “The biggest consideration is whether or not your audience is ready for it. If/when you
dive into humor, your audience will have a variety of reactions. I’ve joked in blog posts before and gotten hammered
in the comments because my main mechanism of communication is normally serious/business related. The humor
has to be pervasive, the campaign or over-arching strategy one that is light and festive to butter the audience up and
put them in a laughable zone. If you smack them in the face with even the best joke and they’re not expecting it,
they’ll turn on you.”
Nick Lawhead (@DesautelHege): “I think that humor can go both ways – it can really support PR efforts or it can
detract and become a distraction. Like many things, it requires professionalism and common sense to find the
balance between the two. I think humor is appropriate in public relations if it is reflective of the client or project that
we are working with.”
Jeremy Pepper (@jspepper): “Humor is an ice breaking technique. It is used to defuse tense situations (pretty much
all of PR) and to get a point across. If the PR person has a sense of humor, and can work it in seamlessly where it is
not forced, humor could and should be used.”
Peter Shankman (@skydiver): “We have to throw humor into what we do. It’s required. The majority of agencies
understand that, and use it sparingly, when it matters. Humor for agencies, is not unlike salt. Too much makes it
unusable.”
123
Jeremy Toeman (@jtoeman): “I candidly think the lines between agency & PR are blurring due to the impact of
social media, and as a result a great “PR firm” needs to be able to think as creatively as a creative agency
does. Now, selfishly, this is exactly where my firm sits, so one might consider me biased in that statement. But I
think it’s become obvious that the “old ways of PR” are failing, and as PR firms attempt to reinvent themselves, this
seems like an obvious place for it. In the era where “anyone” is a journalist, we can inherently assume that humor is
an essential part of a “pitch”, since most people enjoy a little funny in their days.”
Planner Comment: this suggests that humor is a good thing if used judiciously.
124
Appendix C. Literature Search on Trash and Litter and Education and
Interpretation
This appendix contains the results of a fairly extensive on-line search about litter, trash, and nonlittering behaviors. Some of the items are creative ad campaigns, others are research articles, and
still others are community websites with creative ideas for reducing littering behaviors. The
findings are not provided in any particular order. A website is provided for each entry for
additional information as the content reported here is abridged for the purposes of this plan.
Yellow highlights are provided for content that may have particular relevance to interpretation
and education about this topic for Glendo State Park. (Red indicates comments from planner)
1. Littering Behavior in America: Results of a National Study Prepared for Keep America
Beautiful, January 2009
http://www.kab.org/site/DocServer/KAB_Report_Final_2.pdf?docID=4581
(abridged relevant content)
This report summarizes the findings from a nationwide study of littering behavior. Our goals were three‐fold:
 To conduct a landmark study that could serve as a platform for the next generation of litter prevention activities,
 Develop a valid and reliable set of methodologies that could be replicated over time and in different locations,
 Utilize a multi‐method approach, including both self‐report and behavioral observations, in ways that would
allow for conclusions about litter at a national level.
Our statistical analyses revealed that 15% of the variance in general littering behavior was due to contextual
demands, and the remaining 85% resulted from the individual. That is, while some types of contexts invited more
litter, there was a large amount of variability in the behaviors of individuals within a site. This finding has
implications for programs designed to reduce littering
behavior: the most effective strategy will include both contextual efforts (like clean‐ups, improving waste collection
infrastructure, or beautification) and efforts to increase individual motivation to properly dispose.
Preventing Litter. A third area of research on litter has focused on strategies for reducing litter.
A. Litter begets litter. One of the largest factors affecting a person’s decision to litter is the condition of the physical
surroundings. Individuals are substantially more likely to litter into dirty or already littered environments than into
clean ones (Cialdini, Kallgren, & Reno, 1991; Geller, Witmer, & Tuso, 1977; Herberlein, 1971; Reiter & Samual,
1980). The difference is often as much as 2‐3 times as much litter in dirty environments.
B. Littering follows the norm. Numerous studies have shown that social norms play a powerful role in an
individual’s decision to litter. Survey data suggests that personal norms about littering have changed considerably
over the last 50 years, from a moderate level of concern for littering in the 1950s, to a strong feeling of personal
obligation to not litter by the early 2000s (cf. Grasmick, Bursik, & Kinsey,1991; Kallgren, Reno, & Cialdini, 2000).
As social sanctions against littering grew, studies showed that activating norms about littering could substantially
increase or decrease one’s own littering decisions. For example, seeing a person litter, seeing a pile of swept litter, or
seeing a person or group pick up litter, can all activate norms and mobilize behavior. These situations activate a
person’s normative beliefs, and the resulting feelings of shame (violating a social norm) and guilt (violating a
personal norm) have been incorporated into Public Service Announcements with documented success (Cialdini,
2003; Cialdini et al., 2005).
C. The convenient truth: A third established finding is that littering rates decrease as the convenience of using a
proper receptacle increases (Cope, Huffman, Alred, & Grossnickle, 1993; Geller, Brasted, & Mann, 1980; Geller,
Winett, & Everett,1982). As a general rule, more trash receptacles reduce litter, including cigarettebutts.
Furthermore, the salience of the receptacle can also decrease litter rates. A brightly colored, themed, or decorated
receptacle attracts considerably more trash than does a plain or ordinary appearing receptacle.
125
D. Programs: Programs through organizations such as KAB and Adopt‐a‐Highway have worked to reduce litter.
Studies have shown that sites where KAB and Adopt‐a‐Highway programs were present were cleaner and had less
litter than sites where these programs were not present (R.W. Beck, 2007).
E. Sanctions. While threats of fines and punishment are commonplace in litter prevention programs, there are few
systematic evaluations of their efficacy. In fact, research by Sansone and Harackiewicz (2000) suggests that threat
can undermine intrinsic motivation (e.g., the motivation to do something based on enjoyment). As a result, any
change in behavior that results from threats or sanctions is likely to be specific to the behavior at hand, limited to
instances where such threats of punishment are enforceable, limited in the ability to generate long‐term results, and
not generalized across situations. In addition, the way a threat of enforcement is worded may also play a part in
whether or not it is effective, such that just mentioning the undesirable behavior can act as a prime. Recent
psychological research has suggested that priming a behavioral category increases the probability that it will occur
(Aarts & Dijksterhuis, 2003; Bargh & Chartrand, 1999). Thus, enforcement may not only be specific to the extrinsic
motivations mentioned above, but it may also trigger the wrong effect and produce more littering in areas where
enforcement is used.
2. Justifiability of Littering: An Empirical Investigation
http://qut.academia.edu/AlisonMacintyre/Papers/563078/Justifiability_of_Littering_An_Empiric
al_Investigation
Planner Comments: Abstract and Conclusions of this 2008 European study may be useful. This study seems to
agree that fines and strict law enforcement doesn’t yield great success. They also cite that men are more apt to litter
than women, and younger people are more inclined to litter than older—as does the above article. They also site a
higher probability of littering in places where litter is already present compared to clean areas (pg 6)…as does the
above article. There is an interesting debate presented on pg 7 about litter inspires more litter vs. what Crump et all
(1977) says about rubbish found at forested picnic sites being picked up by people…instead of choosing to add to it.
3. Keep America Beautiful (KAB)
http://www.kab.org/site/PageServer?pagename=focus_litter_prevention#STOP
How to Put a Stop to Littering
To eliminate litter, KAB research shows we have to address both littering behavior and changing the
environment. According to KAB’s 2009 Littering Behavior in America study:
 About 85% of littering is the result of individual attitudes. Changing individual behavior is key to preventing
litter.
 Nearly one in five, or 17%, of all disposals observed in public spaces were littering. The remainder (83%) was
properly discarded in a trash or recycling receptacle.
 A strong contributor to littering is the prevalence of existing litter. About 15% of littering is affected by the
environment. Litter on the ground begets more litter.
Attitude Change Process
For over 30 years, KAB has successfully pursued a behavioral approach to reduce littering and increase
beautification and waste reduction and recycling. The five-step KAB Attitude Change System, developed through
research and field-testing, was designed for KAB with Dr. Robert F. Allen of the Human Resources Institute. Dr.
Allen and his team of behavioral scientists identified the need to change behavior as the only effective way to
achieve lasting, sustainable improvement in community quality of life. KAB teaches this five-step attitude change
process as a primary tool for the development and implementation of culture changing programs and projects.
1.
Get the Facts
2.
Involve the People
3.
Develop a Plan
4.
Focus on Results
126
5.
Provide Positive Reinforcement
KAB’s “Pressure Points” for Behavior Change
Traditional approaches to litter, most particularly clean-up projects, work only to remove the litter and do litter to
prevent its recurrence. KAB attempts to deal with the root cause of the problem—littering behavior. Changing
attitudes and influencing behavior are brought about most effectively using a combination of methods:

Education – Education and awareness are bedrock tools of behavior change. Think broadly in your
approach. Consider tie-ins with public education conducted through youth programs, civic clubs,
Chambers of Commerce, businesses, and government agencies.

Ordinances – Changing public policy through codes, laws, or ordinances is one way to change behaviors
around quality of life and environmental issues.

Enforcement – Consistent and effective enforcement of existing codes, laws, and ordinances helps change
behavior and reinforce the commitment to a cleaner, greener community. Work closely with local law
enforcement, and be sure citizens are aware of the laws.

Tools and Resources – This can include such tangible things as a litter pick up tools, sanitation collection
vehicles, graffiti removal equipment, litter or ash receptacles, recycling bins, or a pocket ashtray. It also
includes strategies that encourage individuals to make different long-term choices, blending knowledge
from social marketing with behavior change tools.
4. Keep America Beautiful 2011 Stop Littering Campaign
http://greenbuildingelements.com/2011/06/13/keep-america-beautiful-launches-new-stoplittering-campaign/
The new campaign calls attention to the inappropriate act of littering and is targeted at young adults ages 18–34,
which KAB research pinpointed as most likely to litter as well as be motivated by a public education campaign. It
links littering with other undeniable—and often humorous—wrongdoings, such as eating “gas station sushi,”
“texting during surgery,” or giving a kid “sugar at bedtime.”
“This campaign is not only attention-getting, it demands interaction and involvement,” said Matt McKenna,
president and chief executive officer of Keep America Beautiful Inc. “Littering isn’t top-of-mind for most people. We
need to first get people talking and, in the process, begin establishing the social norm that littering is a socially
unacceptable behavior.”
5. Don’t Mess With Texas Campaign Against Litter
http://dontmesswithtexas.org/view-ads/view-all-ads/
Planner Comments: 2011 Texas celebrated its 25th anniversary of the most successful litter campaign ever. They
have a “Trash Off” photo context, e-Cards, Celebrity radio/TV commercials, billboards, etc. Some very creative and
apparently, very effective strategies are included on this website.
127
6. S.L.O.B (Stop Littering Our Beaches)
http://www.facebook.com/StopLitteringOurBeaches
Eight teams braved a stiff onshore breezes to finish the 5th Annual Rockwater relay race from mountain to ocean, on
March 24, 2012. The teams raced down the Santa Ana River Watershed, collecting trash and raising awareness
about how the watershed carries our trash from far inland, all the way to the ocean.
Planner Comments: Great acronym – holds possibilities for trash project at Glendo Titles might include: The Great
SLOB Fest, The SLOBs ‘R US Weekend, Be a SLOB This Weekend, The SLOB Bins…all the trash receptacles are
painted like slobs…be a SLOB at the Annual SLOB Bin Painting Event, the SLOB Trash Mashing Contest, SLOB
Action Needed!, Desperate for SLOBs! The Sunday Morning SLOB Trash Chucking at the Chuck and Duck
Station, etc.
7. The Development of Anti-Litter Behavior in a Forest Campground
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1310718/pdf/jaba00067-0003.pdf
This study evaluates the effectiveness of an incentive procedure designed to induce litter
collection in a large forest campground. Children in the campground were offered
their choice of a variety of reinforcers for picking up and properly disposing of litter.
The procedure resulted in a sharp decline in four types of litter planted in the campground.
8. Persuasive Communications and the Boomerang Effect: Some Limiting Conditions to
the Effectiveness of Positive Influence Attempts
http://www.acrwebsite.org/volumes/display.asp?id=6216
Note: This research was conducted in a shopping mall. Content is abridged from original article.
All advertisers attempt to persuade consumers to buy their products. The theory of psychological reactance (Brehm
1966) specifies the conditions under which persuasive attempts are likely to be effective, and when such strategies
may actually boomerang. The present investigation is concerned with the special case of litter control. The results
demonstrate that the combination of different positive influence strategies can create the "boomerang" effect and
decrease the amount of appropriate disposal of waste (a by-product of every purchase a consumer makes).
An understanding of the dynamic relationship between compliance and resistance due to reactance is necessary, if
one wishes to create persuasive communications of maximum effectiveness. The purpose of the present study was to
explore this relationship in the context of effective litter control. Specifically, the effects of multiple positive
influence attempts, their specificity, strength, and the difficulty of complying was systematically investigated in a
field experiment.
….However, to the degree that people feel free to do what they want with waste, these persuasion attempts may
arouse reactance, and boomerang. For example, in a movie theater (Geller 1973), where people may feel that the
right to litter is included in the price of a ticket, simply politely specifying a trash can's location appeared to arouse
reactance. However, in a grocery store (Geller, Witmer, and Orebaugh 1976) or a public swimming pool (Reich and
Robertson 1979), where people may attach less importance to the freedom to litter (or may not even feel free to
litter), only much stronger persuasive communications ("You must..." and "Don't you dare litter.") caused the
boomerang. A reactance theory interpretation of these unexpected findings suggests that the establishment and
importance of the freedom to do what one wants with waste may be affected by the environment.
…Eighteen experimental conditions were created by different combinations of three independent variables: (1) Use
of a regular or an obtrusive anti-litter trash can designs (2) type (specificity and coerciveness) of prompt and (3)
distance required to use a trash receptacle specified by a written prompt. Conceptually, each of the first two
128
variables was designed to create positive influence. Specifically, obtrusive anti-litter trash can designs or specific
coercive prompts were expected to increase compliance. Reactance theory suggests that the reactance motive (i.e.,
the force to resist) is a function of the strength of the influence attempt. The third variable was intended to affect the
importance of the freedom not to comply with the anti-litter message. Reactance theory predicts that threats to
important freedoms will arouse more reactance motivation than threats to freedoms of less importance (e.g., Brehm
and Cole 1966, Brehm and Mann 1975).
H1: From previous research (Geller 1973, 1975) it was expected that a polite written prompt specifying the location
of a trash receptacle will be more effective (i.e., lead- to more litter being disposed in the specified receptacle) than a
general written prompt asking people not to litter.
Results: This hypothesis was supported. This finding provides further evidence for the notion that the identification
of appropriate disposal locations is more effective than making a polite, though nonspecific, plea.
H2: From previous research (e.g., Geller, Brasted, and Mann 1979) it was expected that an obtrusive (beautified)
trash receptacle will generally lead to more appropriate litter disposal than an unobtrusive trash receptacle; however,
reactance theory suggests that strongly worded (demand) anti-litter prompts distributed in the presence of an
obtrusive trash receptacle will arouse reactance motivation and decrease the effectiveness of the obtrusive
receptacle. Thus, a demand request in the presence of the obtrusive receptacle was expected to significantly decrease
compliance as compared to a polite request in the presence of the obtrusive receptacle. This effect was not expected
when the demand prompt was presented in the presence of an unobtrusive receptacle.
Results: The significant main effect for trash can design supports this hypothesis. It was found that the obtrusive
(beautiful) receptacle was generally more effective than an unobtrusive can. From reactance theory it was
furthermore predicted that in the presence of the obtrusive receptacle a demand/specific prompt would be less
effective than a polite/specific prompt. Both predictions were supported
H3: A strongly worded (demand) prompt specifying a distant trash receptacle was expected to arouse more
reactance (i.e., induce less compliance) than a polite prompt specifying a distant receptacle. Therefore, it was
predicted that the demand prompt specifying a distant receptacle would lead to less litter being deposited in the
specified receptacle than a polite prompt specifying the distant receptacle.
Results: Hypothesis 3 examined the relationship between the difficulty to comply with the prompt and the type of
prompt. The distance required in order to comply with a request to use a specified disposal point was expected to
increase the importance of the freedom not to comply. Hypothesis 3 invoked reactance theory to predict that the
demand/specific prompt would be more likely to decrease compliance (as compared to a polite/specific prompt)
when specifying a distant receptacle. This hypothesis was partially supported. Only when the obtrusive can was
placed at Location 4 (in the middle of the mall) was the demand/specific prompt less effective than the
polite/specific prompt. However, this hypothesis gained further support from the results concerning the average
number of prompts recovered from the receptacle at Location 4. As mentioned in the result section, subjects who
entered the mall at Heironimus (i.e., furthest away from the specified Location 1) were most likely to use the
obtrusive receptacle in Location 4 when handed a demand/specific prompt. This finding is consistent with reactance
theory because the greatest amount of reactance motivation was expected in this condition. If subjects saw the
obtrusive bird can at Location 4 as a way to restore their freedom not to comply with the demand/specific anti-litter
prompt, then one would expect increased disposal of these prompts in the bird can at Location 4. When the regular
can was placed at Location 4 subjects were probably less likely to notice the receptacle.
In summary, the hypotheses derived from reactance theory reliably predicted the specific conditions under which
common litter control techniques were effective. However, it may often be difficult to exactly specify the conditions
under which boomerang effects can be expected. This casts some doubt on the usefulness of the reactance theory
perspective in predicting the effectiveness of persuasive communications. Nevertheless, it is important to realize that
different methods for persuasion may not additively combine in their effectiveness. Future research should
investigate the combined effects of persuasive techniques in different contexts. For example, the combination of
incentives and foot-in-the-door techniques may actually reduce compliance
129
9. Litter Lasts This Long
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Litter-Lasts-This-Long.jpg
Sign posted by the U.S. Forest Service at the Reyes Creek campground in the Los Padres
National Forest
10. Prospect Park Litter Mob
http://littermob.blogspot.ca/2011/09/sign-up-for-litter-mob-10_12.html
Because of the nature of the litter we collect, some of the photos on this blog are graphic in nature. They are posted
less for shock value than to show the contrast between the beauty of the woods and the squalor upon which are we
trying to improve.
The Prospect Park Litter Mob is a small group of volunteers that meets every two weeks to clean up and care for the
woods on the eastern edge of Prospect Park, known as the Midwood. It is the last forest in Brooklyn, where some of
the trees predate Olmsted's creation of the park.
Starting in early May 2011 we have met every two weeks to pick up trash and to perform woodland restoration. This
includes including planting perennials, erecting temporary fences across informal paths to protect the compacted
forest floor from trampling, pruning, and clearing fallen limbs.
This is a special place. It should be treated with the respect it deserves, both by the city whose chronic underfunding
contributes to its deterioration, and by the people who use the woods, mostly for sex, without giving a thought to the
environment that their litter and behavior degrades. While we are making progress, I do not see volunteering as a
solution to this complex problem.
On the one hand, littering is a symptom of complex social and institutional problems: apathy, neglect, poor morale,
disenfranchisement, ignorance. On the other hand, it is just bad behavior.
130
11. Cost Effectiveness of Solar Powered Trash Compactors
http://bigbellysolar.com/files/CaseStudy-Phila-Full-06-09.pdf
Executive Summary
On April 30, 2009, Mayor Michael Nutter unveiled the first of 500 solar‐powered trash compactors and 210
companion single‐stream recycling units to be installed throughout Center City Philadelphia. The City had been
making 17 trips each week to empty 700 wire baskets throughout Center City, at an annual cost of about $2.3
million. After replacing those 700 receptacles with 500 solar‐powered compactors and 210 recycling units, the City
collects only 5 times a week, at an annual operating cost of about $720,000 – representing a 70% savings.
Performing those 17 collections each week required 33 workers on 3 shifts, while performing the 5 collections per
week under the new program requires only 9 workers on a single shift. The other workers have been re‐assigned to
other, more productive tasks.
The deployment plan was a comprehensive package including a 3‐year financing program, a 4‐year extended
warranty and service plan, and a wireless monitoring system on all 500 units.
Highlights of the program include:
 Immediate savings: By entering into a 3‐year financing arrangement, the City has no up‐front capital cost and
will realize collection cost savings in the first year of approximately $850,000.
 Ongoing savings: The City will save nearly $13 million in cumulative collection cost savings over the next 10
years, net of the equipment cost.
 Annual operating cost reduction of 70 percent: compaction reduces collection demand, which
directly reduces operating costs and associated vehicle fuel use and emissions.
Before
After
Savings
Collection frequency
17/week 5/week
12/week (70%)
Annual operating cost $2,300,000 $720,000 $1,580,000 (70%)
Cumulative 10‐year cost $23 million $10 million $13 million (70%)
12. Cartoonstock: Litterbugs
http://www.cartoonstock.com/directory/l/litterbug.asp
Set of litterbug cartoons.
13. Clean Sweep USA…a Keep America Beautiful Community
http://www.cleansweepusa.org/
Comics on littering
14. Removing trash cans a subway cure for litter?
By Benjamin Kabak
http://secondavenuesagas.com/2012/02/21/removing-trash-cans-a-subway-cure-for-litter/
Removal of trash cans resulted in less litter to be picked up. Talks about total removal or consolidation of trash
receptacles.
131
15. Discussion Paper - Litter Abatement in Western Australia
http://portal.environment.wa.gov.au/pls/portal/docs/PAGE/DOE_ADMIN/DISCUSSION_PAPE
R_REPOSITORY/KABC_LITTERABATEMENT_0307.PDF
The amount of litter in our environment is caused by a number of factors, including:
• a lack of understanding of the environmental consequences of littering
• a community tolerance of irresponsible behaviour by a relatively small percentage of the population
• an inadequate distribution of bins
• a lack of recycling infrastructure in public places and at public events
• ineffective street and public place cleaning standards and regimes
• inappropriate products or product materials ie excess packaging
• a preference for cleaning up litter rather than preventing it
• a lack of effective litter monitoring
• an inadequate adherence to, or enforcement of, litter laws
• uncoordinated or under-resourced litter education initiatives.
16. Australia & Litter
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/warr/litter.htm
So who litters?
There is no known gender, age or class differentiation in littering behaviour (although young men are more likely to
admit to littering).
Littering behavior is affected by...
 people thinking the item is not litter (cigarettes, food scraps)
 people not being willing to look for a bin
 lack of social pressure to do the right thing
 absence of realistic penalties or consistent enforcement
 social rebellion
 lack of knowledge of the environmental effects of littering
 poor packaging design
 amount of litter already present at a particular site
 presence and wording of signs referring to litter
 number/placement and appearance of bins at/near the site.
Litter stereotypes
Research has found that people think of litterers as disgusting, disrespectful, lazy, ignorant, careless, dirty and
unclean. Stereotypes exist for those who litter...
 Young people - "it's the ones in packs on their skateboards"
 Poorly educated - "some people never were taught & now can't learn"
 Males - "it's men that tend to do it, you know the ones too busy to care about anything but themselves and what
they're doing"
 Singles - "it's not until you have responsibility that you think about these things"
 Those with a poor self image - " they don't care about themselves, how could they care about litter"
 The image conscious superficial - "she'd be a litterer, not when anyone's looking but when they weren't, she's so
fake".
132
In reality, the community ranges from those who collect other people's litter to those who willfully litter. In the
middle are those who don't care enough to overcome the inconvenience of finding a bin. Caring enough seems to be
driven by...
 knowledge and awareness
 how much they care about the environment
 positive self-image
 attitudes to life (ie happy and content)
 sense of community and an empathy with the needs of others
 ease of disposal
 context they are in
 type of litter
 if they can get away with it (either in terms of being observed or fined).
The EPA has identified five types of people with respect to litter...
 Non litterers - environmentally conscious, don't litter and usually pick up litter of others
 Inconvenients - too hard, too much trouble, someone else's problem
 Ignorants - these people are simply unaware of a link between the environment and their litter behavior
 Willful Arrogants - usually litter in a context ie "it's OK to litter in urban areas but not in the bush"
 Anti-establishments - make a statement with purposeful littering
Smokers and litter
 Many smokers do not believe that littering their cigarette butts has an environmental impact or is inappropriate
behaviour
 Many smokers blame their littering behavior on a lack of well-placed bins for cigarette butts
 Over 80% of smokers said they would bin their butts if suitable bins were available (three key areas for more
bins were alongside every ordinary litter bin, at entrances to large city buildings and at bus stops).
 Over half of smokers said they would change their behaviour if they were more aware of the issue and their
potential environmental impact.
Environmental impacts of litter
Litter is a problem throughout New South Wales, particularly in urban areas and in the more populated areas of
Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong.
Litter is an environmental priority because it:
 reduces the aesthetic appeal of public places including streets, parks and waterways
 can kill aquatic life directly (eg. through choking) and indirectly through its impacts on water quality
 can cause blockages of the drainage system and flooding (costing councils millions of dollars to repair)
 can be dangerous to people particularly when it involves items such as broken glass, needles and syringes
 may be a fire hazard (lit cigarettes being thrown from vehicles)
 costs the community huge sums of money to clean up every year
 can decrease oxygen levels when it decays in water.
Where do people litter?
Areas where people litter include beach/coastal sites, other waterways, national parks, urban areas, roadways,
coming into towns, major visitor spots and major sporting venues.
A lack of bins is not a major factor in littering - most littering occurs within 5 metres of a bin. Bin use is most
common between 11am and 2pm. Littering is most common about 4pm. Site factors are also powerful determinants
of behavior - the more litter present, the more people are inclined to litter.
The environmental setting has an impact on people's behavior. For example littering at places like cinema
complexes, football grounds and theatres may be seen as acceptable sites as someone is paid to clean up.
133
17. Environmental interpretation: a practical guide for people with big ideas ...
By Sam H. Ham
Just Say No to Litter…Untraditional Signing Supported by Enlightened Regulation in a Costa Rican National Park
They used a giant Spider web sculpture woven with pieces of trash and the statement “Don’t Dirty My Home.”
They also made a large sign that simply said “Contamination”.
18. "Lend and Hand – Care for the Land"
http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2007/releases/09/lands.shtml
Today’s slogan for Woodsy Owl instead of Give a Hoot Don’t Pollute.
The U.S. Forest Service will join the public and roll up their sleeves for the largest hands-on volunteer effort to
preserve America’s public lands. The 14th annual National Public Lands Day, sponsored by the National
Environmental Education Foundation with support of nine federal agencies, is celebrated on Saturday and focuses
on educating the public about natural resources.
“National Public Lands Day is a great opportunity to do our best to ensure that people across America have the
opportunity to personally experience the great outdoors, whether it is in remote wilderness or in a spot of nature
created and protected in the heart of our cities,” said Forest Service Chief Abigail Kimbell. “This unique learning
experience of spending time in nature can instill an appreciation of natural resources that can last a lifetime.”
In recognition of the day, fees will be waived at hundreds of public lands recreation sites nationwide. The Forest
Service will conduct workshops and recreational activities at 50 sites across the country.
19. National Public Lands Day
http://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/conservationeducation/about/educationthemes/water/?cid=STELPRDB5107763&width=full
National Public Lands Day
Through a partnership with National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), Conservation Education
participates in the annual National Public Lands Day (NPLD). As the largest volunteer effort nationally, NPLD
attracts over 100,000 volunteers to more than 1,000 public land sites. Participants are involved in an array of
projects including planting trees, removing waste, identifying and eliminating invasive species, and building bridges
and trails. Most important, however, are the lessons each participant takes home at the end of the day.
This annual event educates Americans about various environmental issues and teaches the importance of
maintaining our natural resources through community service activities. Participants also learn interesting facts
about different tree species, the amount of pollution in their communities, and the water quality of surrounding lakes
and streams.
134
20. Potamic Trash Summit
http://trashsummit.org
Planner Comment: This is a very organized website has several interesting ideas related to trash and litter including:
 Trash Treaty: http://trashsummit.org/trash_initiative/trashtreaty_currentSECURE.pdf

Photo Contest: http://trashsummit.org/trash_initiative/rc_photocontest2.shtml - campers can send in photos of
piles of trash they collected and disposed of…

Trash-a Thon: http://trashsummit.org/trash_initiative/trashathon.shtml - volunteers working toward a trash free
watershed after which they post results (http://trashsummit.org/trash_initiative/rc_results11.shtml)
135
Appendix D. Critical Appraisal of Glendo State Park Website
This appendix contains the more complete critical appraisal conducted by an impartial evaluator
who had never visited Glendo State Park and was given the task, “Explore the web as if you were
going to plan a trip to Glendo State Park. You may find it helpful to use Glendo State Park,
Wyoming State Parks, and/or Bureau of Reclamation as search terms.” Comments made by
evaluator are included in purple text; evaluator has also highlighted of some text is in yellow
where website content is relevant to evaluation comments.
Google Search: Glendo State Park
Top four results:
1. Glendo State Park - Wyoming Businesses - Wyoming Travel and ...
www.wyomingtourism.org/overview/Glendo-State-Park/3102
A recreational paradise where boaters, fishermen and water sport enthusiasts can all enjoy its sandy
beaches and clear waters.
Glendo State Park is one of southern Wyoming’s most popular boating parks. It offers visitors waterskiing, fishing and other water-based activities. Day-use and overnight facilities feature improved
campsites, sanitary facilities, tables and grills. A commercial concession at the reservoir provides visitors
with complete marina services, motel units and fishing equipment.
Glendo State Park is located in one of the state’s most historic areas. Spanish Diggings, which suggest a
large area of aboriginal activity, lie just a few miles east of the reservoir. Sand dunes that stretch from the
Great Divide Basin and the Green River to the sand hills of Nebraska rise from the reservoir’s east side.
Native American artifacts can still be found at the park and the surrounding area.
Details
Contact Information: wyoparks.state.wy.us
397 Glendo Park Rd Glendo WY 82213-9704
(P) 307-735-4433 (E) [email protected]
2. Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites & Trails - Glendo State Park
wyoparks.state.wy.us/Site/SiteInfo.aspx?siteID=6
About Glendo State Park
Glendo State Park is one of southern Wyoming’s most popular boating parks. It offers visitors waterskiing, fishing and other water- based activities. Fishing is so good that Glendo has several fish records.
Day-use and overnight facilities feature improved campsites, comfort stations, tables and grills. A
commercial concession at the reservoir provides visitors with complete marina services, motel units and
fishing equipment.
Evaluator Notes: Nice intro…I want to go there. I get to water ski, catch record size fish, boat, camp,
(maybe swim??). I can stay at a motel and buy gas for my boat…and buy my fishing equipment. So how
do I contact this motel to make a reservation? What’s the name of it? I wonder what the hours are at the
marina? What date does it open/close?
Evaluator Notes: Next are Campsite descriptions. Nothing makes me want to go there…it sounds pretty
bad.
136
Red Hills and Waters Point: Camping areas have some shade trees and close access to the lake with a
rock and gravel shoreline. There is a protected bay for tying boats. Grounds are not very level, and sites
are exposed to the wind. Approximately 45 sites.
Reno Cove: Boat launching area has limited camping area and a few shade trees. Close access to lake
with a rock and mud shoreline. There is a protected bay for tying boats. Grounds are not level, and sites
are exposed to wind. Approximately 30 sites.
Custer Cove, Soldier Rock and Colter Bay: Camping areas have shade trees and close access to lake
with a mud and rock shoreline. The bay is protected for tying boats. Some level sites offer fair protection
from the wind. Approximately 40 sites.
Whiskey Gulch and Sagebrush: Large camping areas along the south side of a large bay with good
access to the shoreline of mud and gravel. There are shade trees and lots of grass. Level sites with good
wind protection and some protected areas for tying boats. Approximately 100 sites.
Two Moon: Our largest and best camping area has many pine trees for shade and wind protection. It’s
located on a bluff overlooking the lake with no access to the shoreline by foot. Most sites are level with
paved roads through the area. Approximately 200 sites.
Sandy Beach:This area is large with many trees above the high waterline. There are approximately two
miles of sandy beach for swimming, waterskiing, etc. However, all vehicles, including campers, are no
longer allowed on the beach. There are a limited number of reservable campsites. New camping areas
were recently built away from the shoreline. No protection for tying boats. Room enough here for
hundreds, sometimes crowds in the thousands. This campground was completely renovated between
2005-2007.
Elk Horn: The boat launching area has limited camping spaces with some shade trees. Close access to
lake with a mud shoreline. The boat ramp is a short season ramp normally unusable in early July due to
receding water levels. Approximately 20 sites.
Evaluator Notes: OK…so I’m looking forward to wind, muddy rocky uneven shores, receding water
levels, short season boat ramps, a campground that’s paved so far away from the beach that I can’t walk
there, limited opportunity to make a campground reservation, and one beach with room for hundreds
that’s sometimes has crowds in the thousands. Not such a great promotional piece…though it may be
factual. I’m guessing there is more good to be had than is being presented.
“History of Glendo Dam” is poorly written. I didn’t even know there was a dam. I don’t want to know
about water rights, I want to know that the lake is there because of a dam that was build in 19XX on the
XX river, flooding XX acres, burying whatever to create the lake with XX miles of shoreline blah blah…
that we know and love today as Glendo.
Next is “Camping at Glendo State Park” section (green bar). There had been descriptions of camping
areas above. I clicked on Reserve Now…first step is for me to download a park brochure. The
campgrounds have different names than I just read about on their front page of the website describing
camping. Grrrrr. Now I can’t correlate the places I want to avoid to this list. Oops….I get it now. It said
Glendo State Park…then under that, it said Download a Park Brochure. So I assumed I was downloading
a Glendo Park brochure that will give me details about Glendo. Wrong! It is actually a brochure about
Parks…plural…the list is of different parks accepting reservations. But I didn’t recognize the names
(Guernsey, Keyhole, Seminoe) as parks…I thought they were campgrounds within Glendo State Park that
were designated to accept reservations.
In the same green Camping at Glendo State Park bar is the “Events” section. I clicked on Park Events
and the calendar is entirely empty.
137
Next green bar section is “Amenities/Activities”. Lots of things are listed…beach, drinking water, marina,
swimming, mountain biking, trails, campsites*…but none of them hot linked. The * tells me to call the
individual site for questions regarding RV lengths. Hmmm…wonder where the phone numbers are.
Maybe I’d like to know more about swimming—I have preschoolers…I’m a worried parent…I need to
know what to expect. Will it be safe? Boats screaming by?
Next green bar section is “Location/Contact”…so I finally get an address for the park. I guess I’ll have to
Mapquest it because I’ve only heard of this park…I don’t know if it’s next to Yellowstone or Cheyenne.
Oh and now I see that I should call Dusty Humphries, the superintendant to ask my questions about RV
length. Ahh, here is a link to a Brochure/Map….and it’s actually for Glendo! Has anyone read this
brochure lately? Please!!! The opening header is:
History
Glendo State Park is found in one of Wyoming’s most historic areas. (Where might that be?) Spanish
Diggings, (Is this a place??) suggesting a large area of aboriginal activity, (Spanish Diggings suggest
aboriginal activity??) lie just a few miles east of the reservoir. Tipi rings and a variety of cultural artifacts
from the Arapaho, Cheyenne, Oglala and Brule Sioux tribes can still be found at Glendo State
Park and the surrounding area. Remember though, removing artifacts is unlawful. (We’re going to bore
you to death and remind you not to break the rules). Glendo Dam construction began in 1954. The
dam was completed in 1957 and the power plant in 1958. The dam is an earth fill structure 2,096 feet long
and 167 feet high.
Evaluator Notes: So, is there any water here? Is there anything to do? Why did they build this thing?
Is this the most appropriate introduction to a Park? I picked up or downloaded this brochure to go there to
DO something!! The next section is “Camping”…which is the same stuff verbatim that is on the front
page of the website…listing all the features of their campgrounds like muddy rocky beaches, no wind
protection, no beach access and 1000s of people crowded on the one sandy beach. The next section is
“Fees”… The final section is “Park Rules”. A bit of marketing or interpretive skills need to be employed
on this section!
Next green bar is “Fees and Restrictions”. Again, there are no hot links. I can’t find out what the
restrictions are other than “Basic rules and regulations” … that’s what it says.
Last green bar is “Video”. This video is the first time I was excited about wanting to go there! However,
it left me with a bunch of questions…and no indication of how to plan my trip. It was touted as a boaters
paradise. But since I don’t have a boat I wonder if I should go there…is there anything for me to do?
Last, I clicked on “Wyoming Trails Program” at the very bottom under “Parks, Sites & Trails” thinking I
might find hiking trails but I found snowmobiling info and was apparently off the Park site.
3. Welcome to Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites & Trails
wyoparks.state.wy.us/
Sierra Trading Post, Curt Gowdy State Park event series begins April 7 ... Glendo State Park, Granger
Stage Station Historic Site, Guernsey State Park, Hawk ...
Evaluator Notes: Nothing on this home page appears to be about Glendo. When I select Glendo in the
drop down menu it take be to the page reviewed in #2 above.
138
4. Glendo State Park, a Wyoming State Park
www.stateparks.com/glendo_state_park_in_wyoming.html
Glendo State Park is found in one of Wyoming's most historic areas. Spanish Diggings, suggesting a
large area of aboriginal activity, lie just a few miles east of ...
Evaluator: This appears to be an attempt at rewriting the Glendo brochure. It is still poorly written. It
starts out with the same “History” blurb, only longer and more in detail. It has the same campground
descriptions critiqued above.
It does have map! It does have address and contact info and a toll-free reservation number! It does have
reviews…some of which seemed “overly positive” but many are crabby about the apparently new
“group” rules. People seem to want to be able to have their large groups (of more than 10) around a
campfire. I’m wondering what the “group” camping options are??
There are still no indications of what to do or how to plan my trip.
There is an ad for “Area Accomodation”…The Historic Elk Mountain Hotel in Elk Mountain, WY. Since
Elk Mountain, WY isn’t on the map I have no idea if it’s close to Glendo. Still there is no further
mention about lodging at the motel at the marina…or mention of the marina for that matter on this site.
No amenities are listed either.
Google Search: Bureau of Reclamation Glendo Reservoir
1. Current Data for Glendo Reservoir, WY - Bureau of Reclamation
www.usbr.gov/gp-bin/arcweb_gler.pl
Bureau of Reclamation Current Reservoir Data for Glendo Reservoir, WY. Teacup Image of Glendo
Reservoir. Image Map for the State of Wyoming ...
2. Dam details - Glendo Dam - Bureau of Reclamation
www.usbr.gov/projects/Facility.jsp?fac_Name=Glendo%20Dam
2 Feb 2012 – Glendo Dam is a zoned earthfill structure on the North Platte River about 4.5 miles
southeast of Glendo. The embankment has a structural ...
3. Powerplant details - Glendo Powerplant - Bureau of Reclamation
www.usbr.gov/projects/Powerplant.jsp?fac_Name=Glendo...
30+ items – Bureau of Reclamation - Glendo Powerplant.
Region Facilities in Great Plains | Great Plains Home Page
Facts Glendo Dam is a zoned earthfill structure on the North Platte River. The ...
4. Glendo Reservoir - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glendo_Dam
Glendo Reservoir. Glendo Dam in the Glendo State Park(2002) ... "Glendo Dam". U.S. Bureau of
Reclamation. http://www.usbr.gov/projects/Facility.jsp?
5. Glendo Dam---Bureau of Reclamation Historic Dams and Water ...
www.cr.nps.gov/.../ReclamationDamsAndWaterProjects/Glendo_Da...
Discover Our Shared Heritage Travel Itinerary Bureau of Reclamation Historic Dams and Water
Projects Managing Water in the West. Glendo Dam Wyoming ...
139
6. Wyoming Area Reservoir Conditions – North Platte River Basin 16 ...
www.waterchat.com/News/State/10/Q2/state_100617-03.htm
16 Jun 2010 – Releases from Glendo Reservoir will be as directed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
in collaboration with the Bureau of Reclamation while ...
7. Bureau of Reclamation | FWEE | Page 2
fwee.org/owner/bureau-of-reclamation/page/2/
10+ items – ... Contact Us. Results for Owner: Bureau of Reclamation.
Glendo: North Platte River, WY FWEE Member, Hydroelectric Projects, NW ...
Keswick: Sacramento River, CA California Hydroelectric Projects, FWEE ...
8. Glendo State Park - Government Agency - Glendo, WY | Facebook
www.facebook.com/pages/Glendo-State-Park/149839511750679
Fishing is so good that Glendo has several fish records. ...Glendo Dam---Bureau of
Reclamation Historic Dams and Water Projects--Managing Water in the West ...
9. Recreation.gov recreation area details - Glendo Reservoir ...
www.recreation.gov/recAreaDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO...
Block all www.recreation.gov results
Glendo Dam and reservoir are features of the Pick Sloan Missouri Basin Project - Glendo Unit.
Recreation is managed for the Bureau of Reclamation by ...
Evaluator: None of these (1-9) related to me planning a trip to the park. They seem to focus on the dam
and stats about the reservoir…not about public use or enjoyment of the reservoir or surrounding areas.
10. Reclamation: Major Recreation Sites in Wyoming - Bureau of ...
www.usbr.gov/gp/recreation/wyoming_recreation.cfm
Block all www.usbr.gov results
28 Jul 2011 – Glendo State Park, P.O. Box 398, Glendo, WY 82213; (307) 735-4433. Recreation is
managed for the Bureau of Reclamation by Wyoming State ...
Evaluator Notes: On home page had to scroll down past other reservoirs to Glendo to get this:
Glendo Reservoir:
Glendo State Park, P.O. Box 398, Glendo, WY 82213; (307) 735-4433. Recreation is managed for the
Bureau of Reclamation by Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites. Located on the North Platte River, 6
miles southeast of the town of Glendo, in Platte County. Access from I-25 via County Rd. 17 (Glendo
Park Road). Glendo State Park has 7 campgrounds, 6 boat ramps, and a marina concession. Available
species include walleye, yellow perch, and channel catfish. Channel catfish are stocked in the reservoir.
Brown trout, rainbow trout, and channel catfish are stocked in the river above the reservoir. Below the
dam, the river is stocked with brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout. Plans to stock the river immediately
below the dam with largemouth bass and channel catfish. Scenic overlooks and three interpretive nature
trails. The Glendo Dam Wetlands Trail, located along the river, just below the dam, features two
fishing/observation piers. The Muddy Bay Wetlands Interpretive Nature Trail is located on the east side
of Muddy Bay. Glendo Dam Overlook Trail is located north of Glendo Dam. Across from Glando
Powerplant below the dam there is a boat ramp giving access to the North Platte River. Click here for
specific public facilities for this site. For more information regarding Current Reservoir Data, click here.
This has some good detail…location details, contact, who it’s run by. Good park overview and good
fishing information. First mention of hiking trails!! Yay, I can go hiking and on one trail there will be an
140
observation pier. I don’t know where the trails are or how long they are, and there are no links for me to
find out that info…but at least now I know there are trails.
Evaluator Notes: Clicking on the first Click here link above repeats the same introduction paragraph
then lists some stats and amenities for the park. It has a “dining” icon, but no link to find out what that
means. Same for lodging, etc.
11. Recreation - Glendo Reservoir Facilities - Bureau of Reclamation
www.usbr.gov/gp/recreation/glerrec.htm
Glendo State Park, P.O. Box 398, Glendo, WY 82213; (307) 735-4433. Recreation is managed for
the Bureau of Reclamation by Wyoming State Parks and ...
Evaluator Note: This is the page that the Click Here link went to in #10 above.
12. Bureau of Reclamation News: Public Comments Sought for the Draft ...
www.usbr.gov/newsroom/newsrelease/detail.cfm?RecordID=695
30 Mar 2004 – The Bureau of Reclamation and the Wyoming Division of State Parks ... draft Glendo
Reservoir Resource Management Plan/Glendo State Park ...
13. Guernsey State Park - Attractions/Things to Do - Guernsey, WY ...
www.facebook.com/pages/Guernsey-State-Park/116850675067278
To interact with Guernsey State Park you need to sign up for Facebook first. Sign Up ... Guernsey Dam--Bureau of Reclamation Historic Dams and Water ...
14. Guernsey Dam---Bureau of Reclamation ... - National Park Service
www.cr.nps.gov/.../ReclamationDamsAndWaterProjects/Guernsey_D...
The park was one of the first two joint endeavors by the Bureau of Reclamation, National Park Service
and CCC. In 1997, LakeGuernsey State Park District was ...
Evaluator Note: #12, 13, and 14 above were not helpful for planning.
15. Campgrounds - Wyoming State Water Plan
waterplan.state.wy.us/.../guernsey/guernsey_recreational_campgroun...
The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources manages the recreational facilities
at GuernseyReservoir for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
Evaluator: Shows very limited overview of amenities in chart form comparing it to other camping areas:
Public recreational use facilities at major reservoirs and sites in the Platte River Basin
Reservoir/Site
Campgrounds/Sites
Potable water
Picnic sites
Boat launches
6/NA
No
6
8
Curt Gowdy
136
Yes
9
2
Edness Wilkins
State Park
NA
Yes
28
1
22/262
Yes
9
9
Yes
No
No
Yes
Alcova
Glendo
Grayrocks
141
16. [PDF] State readies for flooding at Glendo State Park
www.warws.com/.../StatereadiesforfloodingatGlendoStatePark.pdf
File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat - Quick View
15 Apr 2011 – CHEYENNE – Preliminary reports by the U.S.Bureau of
Reclamation have state employees at Glendo State. Park preparing for a second year ...
17. Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources- Digital Collections
wyoshpo.state.wy.us/westerntrails/stateparks.html
Guernsey State Park is one of the most significant Depression Era Three CCC ... venture between
the Bureau of Reclamation, the National Park Service and the ...
18. U.S. Bureau Of Reclamation - Casper Star-Tribune
trib.com/.../topic/?...%20bureau%20of%20reclamation%22...
U.s. Bureau Of Reclamation. Glendo prepares for another year of flooding. ARTICLE: Glendo State
Park will likely experience flooding for the second ...
Evaluator Note: #16, 17, and 18 above were not useful for planning.
142
Appendix E. Site Map Options for Website Upgrade
Option A: Possible Site Map
Home Page
 Welcome to Glendo State Park with new brand/logo/slogan and front and center box of changing
photos showing boating, camping, hiking, mountain biking, campfires, sunsets, fishing, a Wyoming
map showing Park locations.
 Tabs for each of the following categories (underlined) with drop-down menu or pop-ups that allow
navigation to more detailed information as needed.
 Hotlinks between pages or to related webpages accordingly
How to Get Here
About the Park and Surrounding Area
 State Parks
 Dam
 Reservoir
 History
 Lodging
 Marina
 Towns/amenities
 Entrance fees
 Dates/hours of operation
 Location - hotlinkws to How to Get Here
Campground Reservations
 Contact number
 Campgrounds available for small groups hotlink (X number of people or less)
 Campgrounds available for large groups hotlink (X from X number to X number)
 Fees
 Other campgrounds that are not included in the reservation system (hotlink to Camping)
Outdoor Recreation at the Park - each category below would include an overview, specifics, a hotlink to
calendar of events that highlights the events that match

Camping (each category below might look something like this)
o Description of all campgrounds with a sorting mechanism to find what campgrounds will
work best for me (beachfront, large group, small group, reservations/or not, and whatever
other attributes I might want to know about access or amenities)
o Fees
o Camping Reservations (hot link to reservations page for contact number)
o Campground activities-ranger led (link to calendar of events)
o Tips and Guidelines




Boating and Water Sports
Fishing
Hiking
Mountain biking
143

Nature Appreciation (Photography, Watchable Wildlife, Painting, Drawing, Journaling)
Calendar of events
FAQ with answers
Contact Us
 Campground Reservations (link to reservations)
 In case of Emergency
 Administrative Contacts
Other
Option B: Possible Site Map
Welcome to Glendo
What is this place?
Glendo Dam and Reservoir
Town of Glendo
North Platte River Watershed
Platte River Watershed
Where is this place (and how do I find my way there)?
Narrative Directions
Maps
Wyoming State
Southeast Wyoming
Douglas to Chugwater (and community maps
Glendo area (and Glendo community map)
What is there to do there?
Water Activities
Fishing
Types of Fish
Fishing from Shore
Fishing from boats (motorized)
Finishing from boats (non-motorized)
Fishing tournaments
Boating
Motorized boating
Non-motorized boating – canoeing, kayaking, rafting
Waterskiing
Swimming
Land Activities
Hiking
Trails
Biking
144
Trails
Camping
Picnicking
Hunting
Big Game
Small Game
Watching Wildlife
Area Wildlife
Big Mammals
Small Mammals
Waterfowl
Migratory Birds
Song Birds
Reptiles and Amphibians
Insects
Birding
Nature Photography
Nature Observation
Animals (link to Area Wildlife)
Plants
Geology
Where can I…
Sleep – info and links
Eat – info and links
Play – info and links (including to recreation above)
Buy stuff – info and links
What else do I need to know about this place?
Climate/Weather
Geology
Who managers this place?
Wyoming State parks
Bureau of Land Management
You
What are the expectations at this place?
Fishing Rules and Regulations
Camping Rules and Regulations
Hunting Rules and Regulation
Trash/Waste Rules and Regulations
What if… (link to Facebook page)
I have kids
I/we want to recreation in a group
I have a large motorized boat
I like non-motorized boating like kayaking, tubing, canoeing
I want to fish from shore
I want to swim from a sandy beach
I want to tent camp
145
Acknowledgements
Funding for the development of this Interpretive Master Plan was provided by the United States
Bureau of Reclamation. Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites, and Trails (SPHS&T) wishes to
thank the Bureau of Reclamation for their support of this effort and for their staff participation.
Additionally, SPHS&T would like to thank Renee and John Hall for their participation in the
plan development process and Glendo State Park staff members Phil Martindale and Tracey Sea
for their valuable contributions to the plan development.
146