Reservation systems have been used to manage an increasing number of visitors at national parks. Surges of visitors to Glacier National Park (GLAC) in recent years led to the implementation of vehicle reservation system pilot programs in areas of the park. This project examined potential reservation systems at two of GLAC’s valleys. Using data analysis and interviews, we compared four reservation types and determined staff believe ticketed entry should be implemented in the valleys. We analyzed the reservation system design and its impacts on park preservation, staff, and visitors. We presented recommendations to GLAC about reservation system design, visitor experience, resource preservation, and staff roles. We also identified questions for long-term implementations.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Cote, Ryan
• Moody, Kelsey
• Robinson, Steven
• Ridolfi, Dominic
• Tierney, Natalie

Subject

• Sustainability
• Environment
• Community
• Project-Based Learning

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-101222-195119
• 79056

Keyword

• reservation system
• managed access
• Glacier National Park
• national park
• visitor management
• natural resource protection

Advisor

• Tuler, Seth
• Traver, Robert W.

Year

• 2022

Center

• Glacier National Park, Montana Project Center - IQP

Sponsor

• Glacier National Park

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
• 15 - Life On Land

Date created

• 2022-10-12

Resource type

• Interactive Qualifying Project

Source

• E-project-101222-195119

Rights statement

• In Copyright

Last modified

• 2022-12-21