Ironton — Visitors to Lake Vesuvius and other parts of the Wayne National Forest are likely to run into a new species during the next 12 months.
Call it the orange-vested interviewer and feel free to approach and make friends.
The U.S. Forest Service is dispatching its own and contract employees to survey the public in a study of recreation trends at its recreation sites.
The study will tell the forest service and Congress what visitors do while they’re in the forest and how they spend their money on forest recreation, said recreation program manager Chad Wilberger.
In turn, it will help Congress and decide how to spend money on the national forest, Wilberger said.
Interviewers will pop up from time to time at various recreation sites in the forest. In the Ironton district they’ll be dispatched to Lake Vesuvius, its campgrounds and picnic areas and the Hanging Rock all-terrain vehicle trail system, Wilberger said. They’ll also survey at more remote areas, including Timber Ridge Lake and horse trailheads.
Interviewers wearing bright orange vests will be stationed near “Traffic Survey Ahead” signs. Information collected on the voluntary surveys is confidential.
Basic interviews last about eight minutes with some visitors being asked additional questions.
Some of the interviewers will be forest service employees. Ohio University Southern students also have contracted to help with the study.
Some of the students are communications and recreation management majors who signed up for the project largely for the experience they’ll get, said OUS director of travel and tourism Steve Call. “They see it as a springboard to other employment opportunities,” he said.
The survey also will use automated counters to measure traffic into recreation areas.
The last survey was in 2004 and that one was skewed in the Ironton district because Lake Vesuvius had been drained for repairs to the dam, Wilberger said.
MIKE JAMES can be reached at mjames@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2652.
Local News
Recreation survey under way in forest
- Local News
-
-
Search for new ACTC president to begin soon
A national search will begin soon to replace Ashland Community and Technical College President Gregory D. Adkins, who is retiring.
-
Red Tails recommended
With sincere appreciation to their hosts, local military veterans whose service spanned World War II to Iraq and Afghanistan gathered at Kyova 10 Theatre late Tuesday afternoon for a screening of the film “Red Tails.”
-
More updates coming to Boyd jail
While a nonfunctional fire alarm system has been fixed, the Boyd County Detention Center is now dealing with problems in another of its security systems.
-
APD probes early morning stabbing
Ashland police are investigating a stabbing in the area of 30th Street and Greenup Avenue early Tuesday morning.
-
Local briefs: 2/8/12
A Carter County man was killed Monday in an all-terrain vehicle accident.
-
3 indicted in grave-marker thefts
A Carter County grand jury has indicted three in connection with the December theft of metal markers from the graves of World War II veterans.
-
Boyd to save money with refinancing
The Boyd County Fiscal Court is planning to save money by refinancing a bond issued for work on the county’s jail and sewer system.
-
White-nose syndrome found in more Kentucky caves
The mysterious and deadly disease that has been killing bats for several years in the United States has reached more caves in Kentucky.
-
A haunted hunt for a hidden hundred
On the heels of a tremendously popular effort in Louisa, “the Scare Crew” from the Fallsburg Haunted House will begin its next Haunted Hunt for Cash in Ashland this week, starting with a clue on the organization’s Facebook page.
-
Minton asks for additional funding
With several circuit clerks seated behind him, Kentucky’s Chief Justice of the Supreme Court told a legislative budget subcommittee Tuesday the court system can’t retain entry-level employees because as soon as they are trained they’re hired away by the executive branch.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Search for new ACTC president to begin soon
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
