II. Study Approach a. Survey design and composition The core team designed the survey using an iterative process and incorporating input from cadre members. The survey contained open-ended, categorical, and Likert-scale questions that asked respondents to share how they relate to, use, and value outdoor spaces in the Mountain Loop area. The survey contained seven sections: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)
Relationship with the area Visitation behaviors Favorite places Places with access issues Places of concern Non-visitor information (only for those who have never visited the Mountain Loop area) Socioeconomic and demographic information
The survey was designed to take about 10-20 minutes to complete (though some respondents shared detailed comments and may have taken more time). Washington Trails Association administered the survey online using ESRI’s ArcGIS Survey123, a web-based survey application. The survey instrument used skip logic and loops, which directed respondents through the survey contingent on how they responded to key questions. We had two main tracks. For those familiar with the Mountain Loop area, we asked the full array of questions about places, issues, and access needs, including the mapping components. Those not familiar with the area responded to a series of questions about their interest in outdoor activities and barriers to visitation. We also created a physical version of the survey, in case anyone requested a paper version, though no requests were made (Appendix A).
b. Sampling, recruitment, and distribution The link was distributed through relevant Facebook groups (e.g. local climbing/running/hiking/ biking groups, local community forums, etc.); non-profit/government Facebook pages, Instagram accounts and/or Twitter pages (e.g. WTA Facebook & Instagram pages, USFS Twitter & Facebook, Friends for Public Use Facebook, etc.); newsletters (e.g. local homeowners associations, local recreation newsletters, city communications, etc.), and through local city council meeting agendas. To reach a diverse user base, the link was shared through Facebook groups and organizations with missions to help encourage people of color to participate in outdoor recreation (e.g. Outdoor Asian Washington Facebook, Outdoor Professionals of Color – Seattle Facebook, Latino Outdoors Facebook, POC Native Group Facebook, etc.). A flyer was posted with a link to the survey at trailheads with kiosks in the Mountain Loop area, on bulletin boards at ranger stations in the area, and in select businesses in the Mountain Loop area. The survey opened in late July 2020 and closed in mid-September 2020.
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