Research-Driven Design for Yellowstone's Northeast Corridor: A Transdisciplinary, Spatial Perspective on Visitor Behavior and Wildlife Interaction
Open Access
- Author:
- Krum, Olivia
- Area of Honors:
- Interdisciplinary in Landscape Architecture and Recreation, Park and Tourism Management
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Landscape Architecture
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Larry James Gorenflo, Thesis Supervisor
Larry James Gorenflo, Thesis Honors Advisor
Andrew Justin Mowen, Thesis Honors Advisor
Peter Newman, Faculty Reader - Keywords:
- landscape architecture
national parks
human-wildlife interaction
wildlife approach
picturesque
Nudge Theory
human wildlife conflict - Abstract:
- In Yellowstone National Park in the United States, escalating visitation and instances of human-wildlife conflicts pose a growing concern for both wildlife and visitors (National Park Service, 2020c). The first phase of the thesis is a preliminary study that aims to (1) evaluate the existing visitor behaviors, and conditions of infrastructure of the Northeast Corridor of Yellowstone National Park, and (2) determine if existing park infrastructure is associated with wildlife viewing behaviors. This topic has been largely unexplored in academic literature and may yield practical implications for future infrastructure design. The results of the study indicate that the infrastructure is heavily used and varied across study sites, and there is a statistically significant association in wildlife approach behavior between two of the four barrier types. It is important to note that, while the analysis demonstrates a statistical association, it is inconclusive regarding whether the barrier type itself was the sole variable influencing visitor behavior Future research on this topic may consider utilizing a more comprehensive study design that includes survey methodology and qualitative interviews to determine if types of barriers have a significant effect on visitor behavior concerning approaching wildlife in Yellowstone National Park. The data collected in the study was analyzed through a design lens to develop practical design strategies that may nudge visitor behavior to comply with park regulations. The sixth chapter of the thesis suggests infrastructural design typologies and strategies for nudging visitors to partake in positive wildlife viewing behaviors through a framework called “Cues to Social Conduct” focusing on the study site, Fossil Forest, as a practical application.