Guide Interview

Appendix D: Guide Interview

Introductory Script for Guide Interview

Hello. I am __________ (name) and am working for the University of Montana in cooperation with Yellowstone National Park. We are doing a survey of individuals working as winter guides in Yellowstone National Park. Would you be willing to answer some questions?

Is it okay if I record this interview? This will allow me to be sure that I accurately report the responses of everyone who takes part in the survey.

If YES, Thank you very much. If you want me to turn off the recorder at any time, please tell me.

If NO, that’s fine, I’ll write your answers down as we go through the interview.

The Paperwork Reduction Act requires approval of all federal government surveys by the Office of Management and Budget. This survey has been approved under this Act. The Office of Management and Budget control number and expiration date is available at your request. Additional information about this survey and its approval is available at your request.* The questions on this survey will take about 20 minutes to complete. All of your answers are voluntary and anonymous.

Thank you.

*Additional Information Provided upon Request.

OMB Approval number:

Expiration Date:

Person Collecting and Analyzing Information: Dr. Wayne Freimund

Department of Society and Conservation

College of Forestry and Conservation

University of Montana

Missoula, MT 59812

(406) 243-5184

16 U.S.C. 1a-7 authorizes collection of this information. This information will be used by park managers to better serve the public. Response to this request is voluntary and anonymous. No action may be taken against you for refusing to supply the information requested. No personal data will be recorded.

You may direct comments on the number of minutes required to respond, or on any other aspect of this survey to:

John Sacklin

Yellowstone National Park

307-344-2020

John_Sacklin@nps.gov

GUIDE INTERVIEW

1. How long have you been guiding during the winter?

2. Do you guide with only snowmobile or snowcoach? Or both?

3. How would you characterize the general visitor experience here in the park now that clean-quiet technology is required?

   1. If you guided in the park before the requirement, have the changes been for better or worse?

4. Have your clients commented on the impact of clean-quiet technology?

   1. If so, how do you think it has impacted their experience?

   2. Do you think it has changed conditions for wildlife in the park?

5. How would you characterize the general visitor experience here in the park now that guides are required?

   1. If you guided in the park before the requirement, have the changes been for better or worse? For visitors? How about for wildlife?

6. Have your clients commented on the impact of requiring guides on their experience?

   1. If so, how do you think it has impacted their experience?

   2. Do you have a different type of client now due to the changes?

7. How would you characterize the general visitor experience here in the park now that group sizes are limited?

   1. If you guided in the park before the requirement, have the changes been for better or worse?

8. Have your clients commented on the group size limits?

   1. If so, how do you think it has impacted their experience?

   2. Do you think it has improved conditions for wildlife?

9. What suggestions do you have for the park management relative to the new regulations in Yellowstone? For example, how could their implementation be improved?