Online Survey Summary - Carnegie SVRA General Plan

Online Survey Results
®
General Plan Revision Summary and Key Findings
March 2013
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section
Page
ONLINE SURVEY RESULTS: SUMMARY AND KEY FINDINGS .............................................................................. 1-1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 1-1 Survey Goals ............................................................................................................................................. 1-1 Survey Questions ....................................................................................................................................... 1-2 Demographics............................................................................................................................... 1-2 Visitor Experience ........................................................................................................................ 1-2 Possible Improvements................................................................................................................. 1-3 Survey Summary ....................................................................................................................................... 1-3 Survey Results ........................................................................................................................................... 1-3 Demographics............................................................................................................................... 1-3 Visitor Experience ........................................................................................................................ 1-7 Possible Improvements............................................................................................................... 1-11 Figures
Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 10 Figure 11 Figure 12 Figure 13 Figure 14 Figure 15 Figure 16 Figure 17 Map Showing Respondents’ Home Zip Codes and Distances from Carnegie SVRA ........................ 1-4 Distances from Survey Respondents’ Homes to the Carnegie SVRA................................................ 1-5 Number of Visits to the Carnegie SVRA in the Last 12 Months ....................................................... 1-5 Years of Experience at the Carnegie SVRA ....................................................................................... 1-6 Age Ranges of Respondents ............................................................................................................... 1-6 Age Ranges of Children Visiting the Carnegie SVRA ....................................................................... 1-7 Reasons to Visit the Carnegie SVRA ................................................................................................. 1-7 Favorite Facilities ............................................................................................................................... 1-8 Qualities of Favorite Facilities ........................................................................................................... 1-8 Popularity of Carnegie SVRA Facilities ............................................................................................ 1-9 Problems with Facilities ................................................................................................................... 1-10 “Other” Reasons that Visitors Dislike Certain SVRA Facilities ...................................................... 1-10 Reasons that Visitors Choose the Carnegie SVRA .......................................................................... 1-11 Other Off-Highway Vehicle Areas Visited by Respondents ............................................................ 1-12 What Visitors Believe the Carnegie SVRA is Lacking .................................................................... 1-12 Ways to Improve the Carnegie SVRA ............................................................................................. 1-13 Interest in Educational Opportunities at the Carnegie SVRA .......................................................... 1-14 Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area
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Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area
Online Survey Results: Summary and Key Findings
1
ONLINE SURVEY RESULTS: SUMMARY AND KEY FINDINGS
1.1
INTRODUCTION
This document provides information about the goals, contents, and results of an online survey conducted by the
Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) General Plan team (planning team) in support of preparation
of a general plan and environmental impact report for Carnegie SVRA. The survey was administered through the
General Plan web site: http://www.CarnegieGeneralPlan.com. This web site was specifically created in support of
the planning effort and serves as the main portal for all communication related to Carnegie SVRA General Plan.
The online survey was available to anyone who visited the web site between May 22 and October 12, 2012.
Participation in the survey was solicited and encouraged through direct e-mail invites, invitations extended to
visitors and stakeholders in person, and distribution of planning materials such as fact sheets.
This report includes the following sections:
►
Survey Goals lists the motivating factors for conducting the survey.
►
Survey Questions presents the specific questions that were used to conduct the survey. The survey was
automated to use follow-up questions to determine why the respondent gave a certain response to the previous
question.
►
Survey Summary provides an overview of the key findings of the survey.
►
Survey Results summarizes the analysis completed for each topic addressed in the survey. The intent of this
section is to broadly depict current conditions at the SVRA—what is going well and what could be improved.
The detailed answers provided by each survey participant are stored in a database and not included in this
report.
1.2
SURVEY GOALS
The goals of the survey were as follows:
►
Enable current and potential visitors to Carnegie SVRA to provide feedback to the planning team on specific
topics related to the planning effort.
►
Provide the planning team with a greater understanding of visitor demographics, the reasons why riders do or
do not currently visit Carnegie SVRA, what they like about it, and what they would like to see at the SVRA
in the future.
►
Solicit input into the planning process from individuals who may not be interested in providing individual
comments, attending a meeting, or otherwise getting involved, but who are willing to provide insight into
their opinions and preferences briefly, on a one-time basis.
Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area
Online Survey Results: Summary and Key Findings
1-1
1.3
SURVEY QUESTIONS
The survey comprised a series of 15 questions. If a respondent indicated that he or she had not visited Carnegie
SVRA, the survey mechanism skipped the questions pertaining to visitor experiences at the SVRA. The questions
fell into three categories:
►
Demographics of the respondents and their companions
►
Visitor experiences
►
Possible improvements to the visitor experience at Carnegie SVRA
The following are the questions that were asked in each category.
1.3.1
DEMOGRAPHICS
1. Please enter your zip code.
2. How many times did you visit Carnegie in the last 12 months?
3. How long have you been visiting Carnegie? (Skipped if respondent never visited Carnegie SVRA)
4. What is your age range?
5. If you bring children to Carnegie, how many and what age(s) are they? (Skipped if respondent never
visited the SVRA)
1.3.2
VISITOR EXPERIENCE
1. What is your primary reason for visiting Carnegie? (Skipped if respondent never visited the SVRA)
2. What are your top three favorite places and/or routes in Carnegie? (Skipped if respondent never visited the
SVRA)
3. What is the main reason these places and/or routes are your favorites? (Skipped if respondent never visited
the SVRA)
4. What are your three least favorite places and/or routes in Carnegie? (Skipped if respondent never visited
the SVRA)
5. What is the main reason these places and/or routes are your least favorites? (Skipped if respondent never
visited the SVRA)
6. Why do you choose to visit Carnegie SVRA instead of other recreation areas? (Skipped if respondent
never visited the SVRA)
7. What other off-highway vehicle areas do you visit?
1-2
Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area
Online Survey Results: Summary and Key Findings
1.3.3
POSSIBLE IMPROVEMENTS
1. What would make you want to visit Carnegie?
2. What uses, services, or facilities should be expanded or added?
3. What educational opportunities would you participate in if they were offered?
1.4
SURVEY SUMMARY
A total of 934 individuals participated in the survey. The majority of the participants were regular visitors to
Carnegie SVRA who live within 31 miles of the park (59%), and are between the ages of 36 and 55 (61%). If
visitors brought children, the children were most often between the ages of 10 and 17.
The main attraction of the SVRA is its dirt bike trails. Of the many facilities offered at Carnegie SVRA, the dirt
bike trails are preferred over other facilities such as the all-terrain vehicle (ATV) track or 4x4 area. The park’s
location close to home and the presence of dirt biking trails are what led respondents to choose Carnegie SVRA
over other off-highway vehicle (OHV) areas available to them.
Park visitors prefer the places and/or routes that are more challenging with steep climbs, and that offer good
scenery. The survey respondents’ least favorite places or routes, such as Lower Juniper Trail, are considered not
challenging enough and do not offer exciting scenery. Other concerns raised regarding places or routes include the
level of safety, the solitude, and the amount of fencing. The number one place besides Carnegie SVRA that
survey respondents visit for OHV recreation is the Hollister Hills SVRA, followed by the U.S. Department of
Agriculture’s Foresthill OHV Area.
Participants would like to see the expansion of dirt biking trails and an increase in the number of campsites to draw
more visitors to Carnegie SVRA. If the California Department of Parks and Recreation were to adopt new
educational programs at the SVRA, respondents would be most interested in learning about OHV riding skills.
1.5
SURVEY RESULTS
The following discussion summarizes the survey results for each category.
1.5.1
1.5.1.1
DEMOGRAPHICS
DISTANCE LIVED FROM CARNEGIE SVRA
Respondents’ zip codes were obtained to indicate the distances that visitors are willing to travel to visit Carnegie
SVRA (Figure 1). The median distance traveled is 31 miles, but the range is broad. Two respondents live in the
same zip code as the SVRA and three respondents live more than 1,500 miles away.
Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area
Online Survey Results: Summary and Key Findings
1-3
Source: AECOM 2012
Figure 1
1-4
Map Showing Respondents’ Home Zip Codes and Distances from Carnegie SVRA
Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area
Online Survey Results: Summary and Key Findings
Figure 1 shows the zip codes throughout California and beyond. The dots indicate the zip codes in which
respondents reside and the orange lines show the distance from these locations to the SVRA. More than 400 of the
934 respondents travel a distance of 25–50 miles to visit Carnegie SVRA (Figure 2). Fewer than 200 respondents
drive less than 10 miles or more than 100 miles to visit the park. The visitors who live at the greatest distance
from the SVRA seem to correlate with those who indicate that their main reason for coming to Carnegie was that
a race or special event was being held there.
Pecentage of Respondents
Distance from Survey Respondents' Homes to the Carnegie SVRA
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
10 miles or less
10‐25 miles
26‐50 miles
51‐100 miles
101‐300 miles
Over 301 miles
Miles from Home to the SVRA
Figure 2
1.5.1.2
Distances from Survey Respondents’ Homes to Carnegie SVRA
NUMBER OF VISITS TO CARNEGIE SVRA IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS
Many respondents to the survey are frequent visitors to Carnegie SVRA (Figure 3). More than 50% of those who
have visited the SVRA have come at least six times in the last 12 months. Only 7% of the respondents have never
visited the SVRA.
Number of Visits to the Carnegie SVRA in the Last 12 Months
Number of Visits
More than 10 times
6 to 10 times
1 to 5 times
0, but I've visited Carnegie SVRA before
I've never visited Carnegie SVRA
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
Number of Respondents
Figure 3
Number of Visits to Carnegie SVRA in the Last 12 Months
Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area
Online Survey Results: Summary and Key Findings
1-5
1.5.1.3
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AT CARNEGIE SVRA
Visitors to Carnegie SVRA tend to have a long history of recreating at the SVRA (Figure 4). Sixty percent of
visitors have been coming to the SVRA for more than 10 years. Very few have been visiting for less than 1 year;
however, 20% of those visitors have come six or more times. Close to 40% of those who have been visiting for
more than 10 years come more than 10 times a year, and more than 60% come more than six times a year.
Years Visiting Carnegie
Years of Experience at the Carnegie SVRA
10 or more years
5 to 10 years
1 to 5 years
1 year or less
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
Number of Visitors
Figure 4
Years of Experience at Carnegie SVRA
1.5.1.4
AGES OF VISITORS AND POTENTIAL VISITORS
Most people who took the online survey, including those who have never visited Carnegie SVRA, were more than
46 years old (Figure 5). When looking at the data in more detail, several other observations were evident. Of the
respondents younger than 18, the majority (58%) have been visiting Carnegie SVRA for more than 5 years,
indicating a strong generational link to the SVRA. The majority of those younger than 36 have been visiting for
more than 5 years (67%), while those older than 36 have been visiting for 10 years or more (58%).
Age Ranges of Respondents
66 +
Age Ranges
56 ‐ 65
46 ‐ 55
36 ‐ 45
26 ‐ 35
18 ‐ 25
Under 18
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
Number of Respondents
Figure 5
1-6
Age Ranges of Respondents
Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area
Online Survey Results: Summary and Key Findings
1.5.1.5
AGE OF CHILDREN VISITING
Close to 60% of the visitors to Carnegie SVRA say that they bring children with them regularly. These visitors
bring an average of two children each. Most children who visit are between the ages of 14 and 17, with more than
60% older than 10 years. Visitors in the 36–45 and 46–55 age groups are most likely to bring children with them;
64% and 60%, respectively, bring children. Figure 6 shows the age ranges of the children visitors bring with them
to the SVRA.
Age Ranges of Children Visiting the Carnegie SVRA
Age Ranges
14 ‐ 17
10 ‐ 13
6 ‐ 9
2 ‐5
Under 2
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
450
Number of Children
Figure 6
1.5.2
1.5.2.1
Age Ranges of Children Visiting Carnegie SVRA
VISITOR EXPERIENCE
PRIMARY REASONS TO VISIT CARNEGIE SVRA
Overwhelmingly, respondents visit Carnegie SVRA to ride dirt bikes (Figure 7).
Reasons to Visit Carnegie SVRA
Reasons
Ride dirt bikes
Operate recreation utility vehicles/side‐by‐sides
Drive 4‐wheel drive
Attend a race/special event
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
Percent of Visitors
Figure 7
1.5.2.2
Reasons to Visit Carnegie SVRA
FAVORITE FACILITIES
There are many attractions at Carnegie SVRA, and this question aimed to identify the most successful and
popular areas or trails. Respondents were asked to list their three favorite areas or trails. The most popular facility
Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area
Online Survey Results: Summary and Key Findings
1-7
was the Happiness Valley Trail, followed closely by the motocross track (Figure 8). The ATV track and 4x4 area
were among the least popular places, mainly because most respondents come to the SVRA to ride dirt bikes and
do not own ATVs and 4x4s.
Number of Respondents
Favorite Facilities
250
200
150
100
50
0
Facilities
Figure 8
Favorite Facilities
The main reason that respondents chose the area or trail that they did was that it was a challenge; this reason
accounted for 43% of responses. Other popular reasons included limited fencing, safety, scenery, solitude, and
steep terrain. The next most popular reason was scenery at 19%.
Other
7%
Qualities of Favorite Facilities
Steep terrain
9%
Solitude
6%
Challenge
43%
Scenery
19%
Safety
10%
Limited use of fencing
6%
Figure 9
1-8
Qualities of Favorite Facilities
Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area
Online Survey Results: Summary and Key Findings
1.5.2.3
POPULARITY OF ROUTES AND TRAILS
Figure 10 shows the total number of respondents who viewed an area or trail as one of their least preferred
facilities versus the total number of respondents who viewed it as one of their favorites. The motocross trail is the
favorite of some, while it is less popular with others because it is not safe enough or too challenging. The
Happiness Valley Trail is a favorite, with few indicating that it is one of their least preferred facilities. The least
popular facilities are the 4x4 area, ATV track, and beginners’ area.
Facilities
Popularity of Carnegie SVRA Facilities
Lower Juniper Trail
Middle Track
ATV Track
Trials Area
Bunkhouse Trail
4x4 Area
Beginners' Area
Serpentine
Kids' Track
Carrol Climb
SRI Loop
Golden Eagle Trail
Pottery Loop Trail
Juniper Trail
Los Osos
Carrol Canyon
Kiln Canyon Trail
Dead Cow Canyon
Ridge Trail
Franciscan Loop Trail
Motocross
Happiness Valley Trail
Least Popular
Most Popular
300
200
100
0
100
200
300
Number of Responses
Figure 10
Popularity of Carnegie SVRA Facilities
The responses to the question asking why a facility was the least preferred range a great deal more than those to
the question asking why an area or trail was someone’s favorite. One of the most common concerns provided was
that the area or trail was not enough of a challenge for the rider (Figure 11). Limited fencing was also a concern of
some respondents, as were safety, scenery, solitude, and steep terrain. However, most of the responses shown in
Figure 11 are categorized as “other.”
Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area
Online Survey Results: Summary and Key Findings
1-9
Number of Responses
Problems with Facilities
1000
800
600
400
200
0
Not Limited use challenging of fencing
Lack of safety
Scenery
Solitude
Steep terrain No problems
Other
Reasons
Figure 11
Problems with Facilities
For the problems with facilities that are categorized as “other,” respondents provided individual explanations of
why they dislike a particular area or trail. Figure 12 provides a breakdown of the individual reasons provided by
the respondents. Many times a respondent stated that he or she did not like the area or trail because it was an ATV
or 4x4 area, while the respondent does not ride these pieces of equipment. Respondents also stated that the shared
tracks can be dangerous and collisions can occur. Others said that a location was his or her least preferred because
it was poorly maintained or too boring.
Number of Responses
“Other” Reasons that Visitors Dislike Certain SVRA Facilities
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
Reasons
Figure 12
1-10
“Other” Reasons that Visitors Dislike Certain SVRA Facilities
Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area
Online Survey Results: Summary and Key Findings
1.5.2.4
WHY CARNEGIE SVRA IS MORE APPEALING THAN OTHER OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE
AREAS
The majority of respondents (60%) visit Carnegie SVRA because it is the closest OHV recreation area to their
homes. Other popular responses to this question were that Carnegie SVRA has unique and varied terrain and that
respondents enjoy specific SVRA facilities. Very few respondents choose Carnegie SVRA because it is
considered less crowded than other recreation areas.
Reasons that Visitors Choose the Carnegie SVRA
Less Crowded
Events Reasons
Camping
More Open Areas
Landscape/Scenery
Specific Trails
Variety of Terrain
Location
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
Number of Responses
Figure 13
1.5.3
1.5.3.1
Reasons that Visitors Choose Carnegie SVRA
POSSIBLE IMPROVEMENTS
OTHER POPULAR OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE AREAS
Survey respondents visit other OHV areas besides Carnegie SVRA. Some of the areas other than Carnegie that
respondents said they visit included Foresthill, Cow Mountain, Clear Creek, Frank Raines, Georgetown, Hollister
Hills, Hungry Valley, Mammoth Bar, Metcalf, Prairie City, Pi Pi Valley, Oceano Dunes, and Stonyford. The
number of respondents who indicated that they visit each of these areas is shown in Figure 14. The most
respondents visit Hollister Hills SVRA when choosing another OHV recreation area. One person stated that
Hollister Hills SVRA has the best 4x4 tracks. Of those respondents who have never visited Carnegie SVRA, 40%
do not visit any OHV areas, more than 20% visit other SVRAs like Ocotillo Wells and Prairie City, and the
remainder visit a wide variety of OHV areas.
Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area
Online Survey Results: Summary and Key Findings
1-11
OHV Areas
Other Off‐Highway Vehicle Areas Visited by Respondents
Hungry Valley
Stonyford
Prairie City
Oceano Dunes
Pi Pi Valley
Metcalf
Mammoth Bar
Hollister Hills
Georgetown
Frank Raines
Foresthill
Cow Mountain
Clear Creek
California (non‐specific)
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
Number of Votes
Figure 14
1.5.3.2
Other Off-Highway Vehicle Areas Visited by Respondents
WAYS TO ATTRACT PEOPLE WHO HAVE NEVER VISITED CARNEGIE SVRA
Respondents who had never visited Carnegie SVRA stated that they would be more likely to visit if the SVRA
had larger facilities, more riding opportunities, more frequent events, hiking opportunities, a horse riding section,
more 4x4 trails, more educational opportunities, safer areas, and quiet areas. The respondents are especially
interested in more riding opportunities (Figure 15).
Number of Respondents
What Visitors Believe Carnegie SVRA is Lacking
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
More riding opportunities
More frequent events
More educational Nothing; "I just opportunities
haven't had a chance to visit"
Other
Suggested Improvements
Figure 15
1-12
What Visitors Believe Carnegie SVRA is Lacking
Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area
Online Survey Results: Summary and Key Findings
1.5.3.3
POSSIBLE IMPROVEMENTS TO CARNEGIE SVRA
The respondents who visit Carnegie SVRA for its dirt bike riding are interested primarily in the expansion of
these trails (Figure 16). Respondents would also like to see an expansion of camping, hill climbing areas,
restrooms, and scenic trails for 4x4 vehicles.
Possible Improvements
Ways to Improve Carnegie SVRA
Other
Nothing
Habitat Restoration
Signage
Restrooms
Camping
Educational Opportunities
Scenic Trails for 4WD Vehicles
Quad Riding Trails
Dirt Bike Riding Trails
Additional Hill Climb Areas
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
Nunber of Responses
Figure 16
Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area
Online Survey Results: Summary and Key Findings
Ways to Improve Carnegie SVRA
1-13
1.5.3.4
MORE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
When asked what educational opportunities respondents would like to see at Carnegie SVRA, respondents were
interested in a wide range. No particular topic stood out as the one preferred program (Figure 17). Similarly, no
programs stood out to participants as being uninteresting. The respondents are particularly interested in OHV
riding skills, the history of the area, and the wildlife at Carnegie SVRA. The programs in which respondents were
the least interested were camping skills and plant life.
Interest in Educational Opportunities
Other
Educatonal Opportunities
Camping Skills
Plants
Campfire Programs in the Campground
Navigation
Environmental Awareness
Geology
Nature
Wildlife
History
OHV Riding Skills
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
Number of Responses
Figure 17
1-14
Interest in Educational Opportunities at Carnegie SVRA
Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area
Online Survey Results: Summary and Key Findings