RSG has developed a nationally recognized practice in the field of public lands planning and management. A primary focus of this practice is to support decisions about how to reconcile tensions that often exist between accommodating public demand for outdoor recreation on public lands and protecting the natural and cultural resources of these areas and the quality of visitors’ experiences.
We have conducted studies throughout the United States, addressing nationally significant issues such as user capacity planning, scenic air tour management, and alternative transportation planning. We work closely with public lands agency officials to translate research results into meaningful strategies for on-the-ground management and planning.
Our work in public lands planning and management is supported through a variety of funding sources, including the Federal Transit Administration’s Transit in Parks program, the National Park Service’s (NPS) Natural Sounds Program, the Federal Aviation Administration, the NPS Natural Resources Protection Program, and individual national park units.
Areas of Expertise
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User capacity planning and management studies
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Visitor use computer simulation modeling
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Alternative transportation planning studies
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Acoustic and social science research for managing park soundscapes
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On-site, mail, and Internet survey research
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Traffic monitoring, analysis, and microsimulation modeling
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Transportation facility design and transit operations planning
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Policy development and scenario planning and analysis
