2009 - USDA Forest Service

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Taino Petroglyphs January 2009 Interpretive and Conservation Education Master Plan Products (non-personal services media) include information and orientation kiosks, interpretive exhibits within facilities or along roads (waysides), sitespecific interpretive plans, electronic media, brochures and other interpretive media such as audio tours, videos, etc. Currently all interpretive structures or facilities are classified in INFRA under the developed recreation module. Programs “Do not try to satisfy your vanity by teaching a great many things. Awaken people’s curiosity. It is enough to open minds; do not overload them. Put there just a spark. If there is some inflammable stuff, it will catch fire.” – Anatole France Even with the introduction of products (non-personal interpretive media) as identified in this plan, there is no substitute for the uniformed “ranger” to communicate National Forest values and policies. A uniformed presence can also deter adverse impacts or inappropriate behaviors in regard to structures and resources. An enthusiastic interpreter can develop visitor support for National Forest philosophies and programs. Training Programs All public contact staff should receive training prior to providing information and/or interpretive services. Although our present El Yunque National Forest Interpretive Staff have been trained and were certified after successfully completing coursework offered by the National Association for Interpretation (NAI), all staff who have contact with visitors should receive training to enhance their communication skills and knowledge of Forest interpretive themes to improve the overall quality of their service to the public. The following is a “short list” of subjects that we believe should be covered if we are to ensure consistent and accurate Forest message: Interpretive staff: • Interpretive Techniques and Communication Skills • Forest Natural History and Conservation themes • USDA Forest Service Mission • Forest Heritage themes • Wilderness Area strategies El Yunque National Forest 54
January 2009 Interpretation and Conservation Education Master Plan Visitor information staff, fee booth operators and concessionaires: • Customer Services of Excellence • USDA Forest Service Mission • EYNF Organization and Operation • Safety procedures • Forest Recreation Site Information • Field training We also stress the importance of evaluating and monitoring these training courses and materials on a regular basis to ensure that they are contributing to a quality of visitor service consistent with the high standards of the USDA Forest Service. Evaluation Strategies In order to determine if an interpretive project and the overall interpretive program is achieving its goals, objectives must be clear and quantifiable. The tables that follow provide a variety of evaluation techniques and the pros and cons of each. See appendix G for current evaluation instruments used at EYNF. 55 El Yunque National Forest Tortugo Prieto
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2009 - USDA Forest Service

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