FOR OFFICIAL FOREST SERVICE USE ONLY
Forest Service Technology & Development Program
/ Date:Project Proposal
/Submitted by: Jan Spencer
Unit: TEAMS Enterprise UnitProject Name/Title:
Outdoor Hospitality Training for Concessionaires and Outfitter Guides / Address: PO Box 1888
Jackson, WY
83001
Phone: 307-734-1432
E-mail:
OVERALL PROBLEM/OBJECTIVE STATEMENT (Describe the problem, how the work is currently being done, and why improvement is needed):
The Forest Service should be a leader in providing high quality outdoor hospitality. We need to take this concept as seriously as others in the outdoor hospitality industry. The National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds has taken customer service in outdoor hospitality to the level of developing a Park Operator Certification Program. This certification demonstrates the campground and RV park operators and managers efforts in improving themselves, their parks, and their services for the betterment of the camping and RVing industry while enhancing the consumer's experience.
Most Forests have concessionaires and outfitter guides that provide services to our visitors. While performing their duties, concessionaires and outfitter guides act as Forest Service representatives with the public. From time to time, situations occur where the interactions are less than positive, and may cause the visitor to not return to the Forest. Training is necessary to assist the public in having a great outdoor experience.
PROPOSED TECHNOLOGY & DEVELOPMENT WORK (Describe your concept of the end product, such as a new equipment design, a PowerPoint presentation, a video, a handbook, Web site, CD, etc.):
Develop a corporate training package, directed to concessionaires and outfitter guides, that will help identify and provide best management practices in outdoor hospitably and interactions with the public. The training could be done in a variety of ways, including but not limited to: Classroom sessions, webinars, regional conferences, etc. This effort could be done in collaboration with other agencies such as the Park Service, or BLM.
POTENTIAL BENEFITS (Describe how this project will reduce cost, save time, improve safety, increase efficiency, or improve resource management):
The training session will help the Forest Service to be recognized as a leader in outdoor hospitably. It will also help in providing a consistent message to our representatives about how we need them to interact with the public to make it a positive experience for all.
Two focus areas of the Sustainable Recreation Framework tie to this proposal. The first area, “Forge Strategic Partnerships”, promotes positive partnerships in providing services and information to our visitors to enhance their outdoor recreation experiences. The other focus area this relates to is “Providing the Right Information”. The public and the Forest Service rely on concessionaires and outfitter guides to provide the right information, especially regarding visitor safety.
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