Date of Award

8-2026

Degree Type

Report

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning

Committee Chair(s)

Ole Sleipness

Committee

Ole Sleipness

Committee

Roslynn McCann

Committee

David Anderson

Abstract

Goblin Valley State Park contains rare and highly fragile geological formations that are increasingly impacted through visitor-caused damage. While the park’s open-range management approach enhances recreational freedom and the visitor experience, it also leaves vulnerable hoodoo formations susceptible to vandalism and damage by visitor behavior and exploration. Balancing public access with landscape preservation remains a persistent challenge, particularly in large, protected areas where staffing, enforcement, and management resources are limited. This thesis reviews the effectiveness of management strategies, particularly education-based strategies such as signage and visitor messaging, in reducing depreciative visitor behaviors in national and state parks and other protected landscapes. This thesis conducts site observations, interviews with Goblin Valley State Park and other protected lands management staff, and a literature review synthesizing research from lands and recreation management, environmental psychology, and visitor behavior studies. It then examines how communication strategies influence depreciative visitor behaviors and visitor compliance. Findings indicate that visitor behavior is influenced less by environmental knowledge alone and more by social norms, perceived responsibility, emotional engagement, and situational context. The research shows that informational signage can reduce harmful behaviors when messages are strategically framed and placed at key decision points. Normative and emotionally engaging messaging approaches were generally found to be more effective than punitive messaging, while combining signage with personal contact and subtle physical design interventions produced the strongest behavioral outcomes. The thesis concludes that integrated management strategies incorporating norm-based, education-focused, and specific, targeted messaging provide the most practical and effective approach for reducing visitor-caused damage while maintaining Goblin Valley State Park’s open-range experience. It contributes evidence-based recommendations for protected land management that enhance visitor awareness, strengthen stewardship ethics, and support the long-term preservation of fragile geological landscapes.

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