Climate change impacts on National Park visitors

2023-2027
US Geological Survey
US National Park Service Climate Change Response Program

The goal of this project was to improve the understanding of climate change impacts on visitor experience and visitor behavior in US National Park units. The incorporation of climate change considerations into visitor use management planning will better prepare the park managers to provide positive experiences for park visitors and the public in a changing climate. The study focused focused on identifying the scientific information required to assess how climate change is affecting visitation patterns, visitor behavior, and visitor experience in National Parks. Project activities included a literature review and novel empirical research on the effects of climate change on park visitation, visitor behavior, and visitor experience.

Additional Information

• A review of the effects of climate change on visitor use in US public lands and waters. Science Report NPS/SR—2025/231.
• Adapting visitor use management under a changing climate across the US National Park System. Journal of Environmental Management.
• National Park Service staff perspectives on how climate change affects visitor use (forthcoming). People & Nature.