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Ecotourism at Big Bone Lick State Park,
Kentucky: A Service-Learning Project
2009-10
Applied Environmental Anthropology Research Group at Northern Kentucky University
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Prepared and published by the Applied Environmental Anthropology Research Group
at Northern Kentucky University on July 7, 2010.
Douglas W. Hume, Ph.D., Director
228 Landrum Academic Center
Highland Heights, KY 41099
humed1@nku.edu
859.572.5702
http://aearg.nku.edu/
An independent study by Michael Washburn from the summer 2009 to summer 2010.
Printing was funded by the Sociology, Anthropology and Philosophy Department, Northern
Kentucky University.
Applied
Environmental
Anthropology
Research
Group
Northern
Kentucky
University
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Table of Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1
Methods ........................................................................................................................................... 1
Findings ........................................................................................................................................... 1
Demographics ...................................................................................................................... 1
Why people come to Big Bone Lick .................................................................................... 2
What people like about Big Bone Lick ............................................................................... 2
What the people would like at Big Bone Lick .................................................................... 2
What is conservation? ........................................................................................................ 2
What is nature? ................................................................................................................... 3
Recommendations .......................................................................................................................... 4
Appendices:
Appendix 1: Institutional Review Board Approval and Informed Consent Statement ..... 5
Appendix 2: Memorandum of Understanding .................................................................. 7
Appendix 3: Questionnaire Results .................................................................................... 9
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Introduction
This report documents an ethnographic research project on ecotourism at Big Bone Lick State
Park (BBLSP), as collected by the Applied Environmental Anthropology Research Group
(AEARG) at Northern Kentucky University (NKU) from June 2009 to June 2010. This report
describes the data collection methods, data analysis, results, and makes general
recommendations for improvements as suggested by visitors to BBLSP.
Methods
In the summer of 2009, Douglas Hume (Assistant Professor of Anthropology and Director of
AEARG) submitted and received approval by the NKU Institutional Review Board that the
planned research project did not present any unnecessary risks to the participants (see
Appendix 1). Douglas Hume and Michael Washburn (undergraduate student at NKU and
member of AEARG) met with Todd Young (BBLSP Naturalist) during the summer of 2009 to
discuss an ecotourism research project at BBLSP and secure a Memorandum of
Understanding (see Appendix 2) between BBLSP and AEARG. After completing an application
and approval, Michael Washburn was given volunteer status at BBLSP and a uniform that
would identify him to the visitors as member of the park volunteer staff.
Michael Washburn conducted approximately 30 interviews with visitors at various locations at
BBLSP during the summer and fall of 2009. Informants were asked to comment on features
they did and did not like about the park as well as anything the informant thought would
enhance their experience at BBLSP in the future. In addition, informants were asked to share
their thoughts on what the terms nature and conservation meant to them.
The interview notes were analyzed to extract common themes, which were then arranged into
propositional statements used to construct a survey instrument. In the spring of 2010, Michael
Washburn collected the responses to the survey from visitors at BBLSP. Thirty-two individuals
participated in the survey. Data from the surveys were analyzed using frequency analysis in
MYSTAT 12.02 (see Appendix 3).
Findings
Demographics
The survey participants are mostly from Kentucky (61.29%). The remaining participants are
from Ohio (22.58%), Michigan (9.69%), and Indiana (3.23%). While the survey participants
accounted for only four states, visitors from other states (Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, and
Wisconsin) were interviewed during the qualitative phase of this research. Of the survey
participants from Kentucky, most are from Lexington. Twenty-one of the participants reside
within an hour’s drive of BBLSP. Five of the informants live just over one hour from BBLSP.
Only three of the survey participants were visiting from farther away. A small majority
(51.61%) of the participants are male and the average age is 37.65. Note that participants
could be no younger than 18 years of age, as per the informed consent agreement. On
average, participants visited BBLSP one to two times in the last year.
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Why people come to BBLSP
Everyone agrees that they come to BBLSP to get away and relax because it is a nice place to
visit when the weather is nice. Most of the participants (87.09%) come to BBLSP because it
is a good place to bring children. Most visitors (83.87%) also report that they use BBLSP for
hiking and picnicking. Several (32.26%) of visitors initially came to BBLSP because of the
sign on the highway. About the same amount of people initially visited BBLSP because they
found it on the Internet (35.48%). Of the campers visiting BBLSP, about half (54.84%) are
also visiting the Creationism Museum. The bison are a popular attraction with many
(77.42%) of the participants stating that the bison are one of the reasons they came to
BBLSP. Many (64.52%) of the participants came to BBLSP to fish.
What people like about BBLSP
While there are multiple aspects of BBLSP that people like, the top 15 answers from the
qualitative interviews were used in the survey. All participants agree that they like the
scenery and trees at BBLSP as well as finding it a peaceful place to visit. Visitors also are in
unanimous agreement that they like BBLSP because it preserves history. All of the
participants also agreed that they liked BBLSP because it is clean. All but one participant
agrees that they like BBLSP because it is not crowded (96.77%) and all but two participants
think that BBLSP was well organized (93.55%). Most (87.1%) of the participants like BBLSP
because of the activities available for children. Another quality that people like about BBLSP
is the hiking trails (93.55%). Many (83.87%) of the visitors report that they like the lake at
BBLSP and that they like the fishing areas (70.97%).
What the people would like to have at BBLSP
A majority of what people would like to have at BBLSP is linked to the lake area. The
majority of the survey participants want benches by the lake (90.32%). A large majority of
the participants report that they would like to have better access to the lake (70.97%). Less
than half of the participants want general boat access (45.16%), while more than half of the
participants state that they would like to have canoe access (61.29%). Many participants
stated that they would like to have a trail around the lake (74.19%). About half of the
participants would like to see the current trails marked better (58.07%). Most of the
participants would like more kinds of fish in the lake (67.74%) and a little over half would
like the lake to be better stocked (58.07%). Just over half of the participants would like to see
portable toilets by the lake (58.07%). Many of the visitors said they would like to be able to
camp by the lake (70.97%). Most of the participants state they would like to see full hook-ups
in the camping area (77.42%). Many of the visitors would also like more supplies in the
camping store (70.97%).
What is conservation?
The topic of conservation was broached to the participants in the qualitative interviewing
phase of this research by asking them what they thought, in general, about conservation. All
participants agree that conservation is preserving what God put on this earth. Nearly all of
the participants agree that conservation is keeping nature as it is, respecting it, and taking
care of the earth for future generations (96.77%). A majority of the participants (93.55%)
agree that conservation is leaving nature alone and trying to leave a place better than you
found it. Most participants also define conservation as stopping urban sprawl (77.42%),
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preserving lakes and rivers (90.32%), conserving resources to stop global warming
(80.65%), recycling (83.87%), and changing our behavior to save the earth (80.65%). A little
less than half of participants agree (45.16%) that conservation is bad without thinking of
people’s needs.
What is nature?
Due to the abstract quality of the question, informants had difficulty describing what nature
was to them. From the interviews, only five quotes could be adequately used for the survey
due to the ambiguity of the answers from the informants. The majority of the participants
agree that nature is a place not manipulated by man (80.65%), undisturbed (70.97%), or
anywhere there are not houses, cities, and shopping malls (83.87%). Many also link nature
with God the creator and the holy trinity (77.42%) or with God’s given beauty (93.55%).
Recommendations
Everyone interviewed during the qualitative interviews and the surveys had much praise for
BBLST and the BBLST staff. The only critical comments were concerning ways to improve an
already well-regarded park. The following are ten recommendations to improve BBLSP that
address the critiques and suggestions found in this research:
1. The majority of the visitors of BBLST support conservation efforts, so highlighting
these strategies may help inform the public on the specific tactics used at BBLST. Most
of the participants believe that humans need to change their behaviors to preserve
nature for future generations. Examples of how individuals can change their behavior
to help conservation efforts may be useful to BBLST and the general public.
2. Most of the visitors also believe that recycling is an act of conservation, so an increased
number of recycling receptacles and/or signage that trash from the park is recycled
should be placed throughout BBLST.
3. Using solar power may appeal to BBLST visitors due to their association with
conservation efforts and alternative energy usage. Solar power use at the park would
also serve as an educational tool with signage and informational flyers.
4. Fishing is a major attraction of BBLST and available information concerning fish
stocking practices of the lake would help clarify fish population levels and species
varieties to visitors.
5. A majority of the visitors would like to have benches by the lake upon which to sit.
6. A better map of the grounds and, more specifically, for the hike trails would satisfy an
expressed need of many visitors.
7. Campers and recreational vehicle visitors reported to be extremely happy with the
facilities at BBLST. Many of the recreational vehicle visitors would like to have full
hook-ups available and more supplies in the camping store.
8. Catering to children should continue to be of importance since a majority of the
visitors come to BBLST due to the activities available to children.
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9. Many people come to BBLST to see the bison, a majority of the visitors would like more
information concerning the bison.
10. Of little mention was the museum and nature center, so better promotion of the two
sites might provide more interest.
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Appendix 1: Institutional Review Board Approval and
Informed Consent Statement
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Appendix 2: Memorandum of Understanding
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Appendix 3: Questionnaire Results
A. Demographics
1. Age:
Average Minimum Maximum
37.65 18 78
2. Sex:
Female Male
15(48.39%) 16 (51.61%)
3. State of residency:
Kentucky Ohio Michigan Indiana Florida
19 (61.29%) 7 (22.58%) 3 (9.69%) 1 (3.23%) 1 (3.23%)
4. How many times have visited in the last year?
Average Least Most
1.57 0 5
B. I come to Big Bone Lick:
1. because I can bring my dogs.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
17 (54.84%) 4 (12.90%) 10 (32.26%)
2. because I found it on the internet.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
11 (35.48%) 9 (29.03%) 11(35.48%)
3. because it is a good place to bring children.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
27 (87.1%) 1 (3.23%) 3 (9.68%)
4. because it’s a nice place to visit when the weather is nice.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
30 (96.77%) 0 (0%) 1 (3.23%)
5. because it’s close.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
23 (74.19%) 6 (19.36%) 2 (6.45%)
6. because it’s free.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
20 (64.52%) 5 (16.13%) 6 (22.58%)
7. because we saw the sign on the highway.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
10 (32.26%) 13 (41.94%) 8 (25.81%)
8. to camp (not visiting the Creationism Museum).
Agree Disagree Not Answered
14 (45.16%) 6 (19.36%) 11(35.48%)
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9. to camp (visiting the Creationism Museum).
Agree Disagree Not Answered
17 (54.84%) 5 (16.13%) 9 (29.03%)
10. to get away.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
29 (93.55%) 0 (0%) 2 (6.45%)
11. to go fishing.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
20 (64.52%) 5 (16.13%) 6 (19.36%)
12. to hike trails.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
26 (83.87%) 1 (3.23%) 4 (12.90%)
13. to picnic.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
26 (83.87%) 1 (3.23%) 4 (12.90%)
14. to relax.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
31 (100%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%)
15. to see the bison.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
24 (77.42%) 2 (6.45%) 5 (16.13%)
C. Conservation is:
1. bad without thinking of people’s needs.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
14 (45.16%) 10 (32.26%) 7 (22.58%)
2. changing our behavior to save the earth.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
25 (80.65%) 1 (3.23%) 5 (16.13%)
3. conserving energy by using alternative energy sources.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
27 (87.1%) 0 (0%) 4 (12.90%)
4. conserving resources to stop global warming.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
25 (80.65%) 3 (9.68%) 3 (9.68%)
5. conserving trees and country for the next generations.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
28 (90.32) 0 (0%) 3 (9.68%)
6. keeping nature as it is and respecting it.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
30 (96.77%) 0 (0%) 1 (3.23%)
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7. leaving a lot of nature alone.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
29 (93.55%) 1 (3.23%) 1 (3.23%)
8. preserving lakes and rivers.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
28 (90.32%) 1(3.23%) 2 (6.45%)
9. preserving things for the future to enjoy in its natural state.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
28 (90.32%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%)
10. preserving what God put on earth.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
31 (100%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%)
11. recycling.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
26 (83.87%) 3 (9.68%) 2 (6.45%)
12. saving what little space we have left.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
28 (90.32%) 1 (3.23%) 2 (6.45%)
13. stopping urban sprawl.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
24 (77.42%) 4 (12.90%) 3 (9.68%)
14. taking care of the earth for future generations.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
30 (96.77%) 0 (0%) 1 (3.23%)
15. trying to leave a place better than you found it.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
29 (93.55%) 0 (0%) 2 (6.45%)
D. I like Big Bone Lick because:
1. it is clean.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
31 (100%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%)
2. it is dog friendly.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
24 (77.42%) 2 (6.45%) 5 (16.13%)
3. it is not crowded.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
30 (96.77%) 1 (3.23%) 0 (0%)
4. it is organized.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
29 (93.55%) 2 (6.45%) 0 (0%)
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5. it is peaceful.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
31 (100%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%)
6. it is preserving history.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
31 (100%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%)
7. of the activities for kids.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
27 (87.1%) 2 (6.45%) 2 (6.45%)
8. of the bison.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
28 (90.32%) 1 (3.23%) 2 (6.45%)
9. of the fishing areas.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
22 (70.97%) 3 (9.68%) 6 (19.36%)
10. of the hiking trails.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
29 (93.55%) 0 (0%) 2 (6.45%)
11. of the lake.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
26 (83.87%) 2 (6.45%) 3 (9.68%)
12. of the scenery.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
31 (100%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%)
13. of the staff.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
27 (87.1%) 2 (6.45%) 2 (6.45%)
14. of the trees.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
31 (100%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%)
15. of the various activities.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
25 (80.65%) 2 (6.45%) 4 (12.90%)
E. Nature is:
1. a place not manipulated by man.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
25 (80.65%) 4 (12.90%) 2 (6.45%)
2. a place that is undisturbed.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
22 (70.97%) 7 (22.58%) 2 (6.45%)
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3. anywhere there are not houses, cities, and shopping malls.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
26 (83.87%) 3 (9.68%) 2 (6.45%)
4. god, the creator; the holy trinity.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
24 (77.42%) 3 (9.68%) 4 (12.90%)
5. god’s given beauty.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
29 (93.55%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%)
F. I would like Big Bone Lick to have:
1. a better map of the grounds.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
17 (54.84%) 9 (29.03%) 3 (9.68%)
2. a petting zoo.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
21 (67.74%) 7 (22.58%) 3 (9.68%)
3. a porta-potty by the lake.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
18 (58.07%) 8 (25.81%) 5 (16.13%)
4. a trail around the lake.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
23 (74.19%) 2 (6. 45%) 6 (19.36%)
5. benches by the lake.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
28 (90.32) 1 (3.23%) 2 (6.45%)
6. better access to the lake.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
22 (70.97%) 4 (12.90%) 5 (16.13%)
7. better marked trails.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
18 (58.07%) 9 (29.03%) 4 (12.90%)
8. boat access.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
14 (45.16%) 9 (29.03%) 6 (19.36%)
9. camping places near the water.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
22 (70.97%) 5 (16.13%) 4 (12.90%)
10. canoe access.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
19 (61.29%) 4 (12.90%) 8 (25.81%)
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11. full hookups at the campground.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
24 (77.42%) 3 (9.68%) 4 (12.90%)
12. more information on the bison.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
23 (74.19%) 5 (16.13%) 0 (0.%)
13. more kinds of fish.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
21(67.74%) 3 (9.68%) 7 (22.58%)
14. more supplies in the camping store.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
22 (70.97%) 3 (9.68%) 6 (19.36%)
15. the lake stocked better.
Agree Disagree Not Answered
18 (58.07%) 5 (16.13%) 0 (0%)