These data were generated by the work of many different field crews (2011-2024) who visited each unit each year collecting information on the condition of selected resources (Vital Signs). The data collection was guided by established methods and detailed protocols including: paired (2) 50-m line-point intercept transects for abundance; 10, 1-m2 quadrats for species diversity; 314-m2 circular plots for small diameter woody species (shrubs, seedlings and saplings); and 314-m2 or 1000-m2 for trees greater than 2.5-cm at 1-meter above the ground (1-inch at breast-height). The purpose of these data is to inform park staff, planners, administrators, partners and the public with quantitative records of the composition and abundance of vegetation in National Park Units. These data were carefully collected using precise methods, careful documentation, and multiple quality control steps. Species names and codes were cross-referenced to the USDA “Plants” database authority. Rare and unknown species were collected and verified by staff of the Wyoming Natural Diversity Database, University of Wyoming. These data are working files used to guide and inform park managers who make decisions about conservation and management of habitats and resources of the park based on desired conditions of resources. These data are provided as one key piece of evidence to support management of vegetation, fuels and habitats. No claims are made, legal or otherwise, regarding the accuracy, precision and utility of these data. Many people deserve credit for these data who cannot be named here, but also recognized are: Kara Paintner, Isabel Ashton, and Joan Jackson. The Northern Great Plains Network (NGPN) is part of the NPS Inventory and Monitoring Division (IMD). We provide scientific support, data and interpretation related to resource conditions in park units within the Network in support of the National Park Service Organic Act and the National Parks Omnibus Management Act (Title II, Section 204 – Inventory and Monitoring Program). The NGPN network includes 13 NPS units: Fort Union NHS, Theodore Roosevelt NP, Knife River Indian Villages NHS, Devils Tower NM, Jewel Cave NM, Mount Rushmore NM, Badlands NP, Wind Cave NP, Fort Laramie NHS, Agate Fossil Beds NM, Scotts Bluff NM, Missouri NRR, and Niobrara NSR.

he New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) oversees more than 250 state parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, encompassing nearly 350,000 acres, that are visited by 74 million people annually. These facilities contribute to the economic vitality and quality of life of local communities and directly support New York’s tourism industry. Parks also provide a place for families and children to be active and exercise, promoting healthy lifestyles. The agency is responsible for the operation and stewardship of the state park system as well as advancing a statewide parks, historic preservation, and open space mission. This dataset includes the name, concesson type and term of concession contracts active in New York State Parks during the most recent calendar year.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) oversees more than 250 state parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, encompassing nearly 350,000 acres, that are visited by 74 million people annually. These facilities contribute to the economic vitality and quality of life of local communities and directly support New York’s tourism industry. Parks also provide a place for families and children to be active and exercise, promoting healthy lifestyles. The agency is responsible for the operation and stewardship of the state park system as well as advancing a statewide parks, historic preservation, and open space mission. From the famed Bethpage Black, to the rolling terrain of the Robert Trent Jones' designed 18-hole course at Green Lakes State Park, New York's state park golf courses rank among the best public courses in the world. For more information, visit http://nysparks.com/golf-courses/

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) oversees more than 250 state parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, encompassing nearly 350,000 acres, that are visited by 74 million people annually. These facilities contribute to the economic vitality and quality of life of local communities and directly support New York’s tourism industry. Parks also provide a place for families and children to be active and exercise, promoting healthy lifestyles. The agency is responsible for the operation and stewardship of the state park system as well as advancing a statewide parks, historic preservation, and open space mission. This data set contains the annual attendance figures for facilities operated by the New York State Office for Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP). The data is organized by OPRHP region and county.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) oversees more than 250 state parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, encompassing nearly 350,000 acres, that are visited by 74 million people annually. These facilities contribute to the economic vitality and quality of life of local communities and directly support New York’s tourism industry. Parks also provide a place for families and children to be active and exercise, promoting healthy lifestyles. The agency is responsible for the operation and stewardship of the state park system as well as advancing a statewide parks, historic preservation, and open space mission. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation operates several nature centers throughout the state. Visitors to our nature centers learn about the abundance of natural resources to be found in state parks. Our state parks and historic sites are hosts to scenic viewsheds, geologic features and both common and rare flora and fauna. For more information, visit http://nysparks.com/environment/nature-centers/default.aspx

These data were generated by the work of many different field crews (2011-2024) who visited each unit each year collecting information on the condition of selected resources (Vital Signs). The data collection was guided by established methods and detailed protocols including: paired (2) 50-m line-point intercept transects for abundance; 10, 1-m2 quadrats for species diversity; 314-m2 circular plots for small diameter woody species (shrubs, seedlings and saplings); and 314-m2 or 1000-m2 for trees greater than 2.5-cm at 1-meter above the ground (1-inch at breast-height). The purpose of these data is to inform park staff, planners, administrators, partners and the public with quantitative records of the composition and abundance of vegetation in National Park Units. These data were carefully collected using precise methods, careful documentation, and multiple quality control steps. Species names and codes were cross-referenced to the USDA “Plants” database authority. Rare and unknown species were collected and verified by staff of the Wyoming Natural Diversity Database, University of Wyoming. These data are working files used to guide and inform park managers who make decisions about conservation and management of habitats and resources of the park based on desired conditions of resources. These data are provided as one key piece of evidence to support management of vegetation, fuels and habitats. No claims are made, legal or otherwise, regarding the accuracy, precision and utility of these data. Many people deserve credit for these data who cannot be named here, but also recognized are: Kara Paintner, Isabel Ashton, and Joan Jackson. The Northern Great Plains Network (NGPN) is part of the NPS Inventory and Monitoring Division (IMD). We provide scientific support, data and interpretation related to resource conditions in park units within the Network in support of the National Park Service Organic Act and the National Parks Omnibus Management Act (Title II, Section 204 – Inventory and Monitoring Program). The NGPN network includes 13 NPS units: Fort Union NHS, Theodore Roosevelt NP, Knife River Indian Villages NHS, Devils Tower NM, Jewel Cave NM, Mount Rushmore NM, Badlands NP, Wind Cave NP, Fort Laramie NHS, Agate Fossil Beds NM, Scotts Bluff NM, Missouri NRR, and Niobrara NSR.

This dataset contains 342 National Park System unit boundaries. Under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service (NPS), these park units are located throughout the United States (U.S.) and its territories. Almost all the parks are located north of the equator in the western hemisphere; although a couple parks are south of the equator or in the eastern hemisphere. The dataset was compiled (and edited) from a variety sources: park-based GIS databases; U.S. Geological Survey 7.5' 1:24,000 quadrangles; NPS Park Land Status Maps; legal descriptions; etc.). The boundaries are in Latitude-Longitude (Clarke 1866-NAD27) decimal degrees. The ID_ field contains the unique 4 character park code identifying each park. The NAME1_ field contains the full park name. The NAME2_ field contains information about the source, scale, and date of the boundary. The boundaries are generally the designated boundary. Inholdings may or may not be shown depending on the park. This dataset was originally created in Environmental System's Research Institute's (ESRI) ATLAS*GIS software and is currently maintained in this software. This version of the dataset was created using ESRI's ArcTools 8.0.2 Import to ShapeFile from .AGF file command, ShapeFile to Coverage command, and then Export to Interchange File. To obtain the most accurate, current boundary, users should contact the specific park These digital park unit boundaries should not be used for any legal boundary disputes. They are intended solely for use only in identifying the general locations of national park units throughout the U.S. This dataset was compiled to assist the NPS Water Resources Division in determining the proximity of certain hydrographic features to national park units and whether national park units are contained in other management units.

Analysis of ‘New York State Parks Concession Contracts’ provided by Analyst-2 (analyst-2.ai), based on source dataset retrieved from https://catalog.data.gov/dataset/f4f8ff1e-851d-4798-8124-2a463e8f47d5 on 30 September 2021.

--- Dataset description provided by original source is as follows ---

he New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) oversees more than 250 state parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, encompassing nearly 350,000 acres, that are visited by 74 million people annually. These facilities contribute to the economic vitality and quality of life of local communities and directly support New York’s tourism industry. Parks also provide a place for families and children to be active and exercise, promoting healthy lifestyles. The agency is responsible for the operation and stewardship of the state park system as well as advancing a statewide parks, historic preservation, and open space mission.

This dataset includes the name, concesson type and term of concession contracts active in New York State Parks during the most recent calendar year.

--- Original source retains full ownership of the source dataset ---

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) oversees more than 214 state parks and historic sites, encompassing nearly 335,000 acres, that are visited by 60 million people annually. These facilities contribute to the economic vitality and quality of life of local communities and directly support New York’s tourism industry. Parks also provide a place for families and children to be active and exercise, promoting healthy lifestyles. The agency is responsible for the operation and stewardship of the state park system as well as advancing a statewide parks, historic preservation, and open space mission.

These data were generated by the work of many different field crews (2011-2024) who visited each unit each year collecting information on the condition of selected resources (Vital Signs). The data collection was guided by established methods and detailed protocols including: paired (2) 50-m line-point intercept transects for abundance; 10, 1-m2 quadrats for species diversity; 314-m2 circular plots for small diameter woody species (shrubs, seedlings and saplings); and 314-m2 or 1000-m2 for trees greater than 2.5-cm at 1-meter above the ground (1-inch at breast-height). The purpose of these data is to inform park staff, planners, administrators, partners and the public with quantitative records of the composition and abundance of vegetation in National Park Units. These data were carefully collected using precise methods, careful documentation, and multiple quality control steps. Species names and codes were cross-referenced to the USDA “Plants” database authority. Rare and unknown species were collected and verified by staff of the Wyoming Natural Diversity Database, University of Wyoming. These data are working files used to guide and inform park managers who make decisions about conservation and management of habitats and resources of the park based on desired conditions of resources. These data are provided as one key piece of evidence to support management of vegetation, fuels and habitats. No claims are made, legal or otherwise, regarding the accuracy, precision and utility of these data. Many people deserve credit for these data who cannot be named here, but also recognized are: Kara Paintner, Isabel Ashton, and Joan Jackson. The Northern Great Plains Network (NGPN) is part of the NPS Inventory and Monitoring Division (IMD). We provide scientific support, data and interpretation related to resource conditions in park units within the Network in support of the National Park Service Organic Act and the National Parks Omnibus Management Act (Title II, Section 204 – Inventory and Monitoring Program). The NGPN network includes 13 NPS units: Fort Union NHS, Theodore Roosevelt NP, Knife River Indian Villages NHS, Devils Tower NM, Jewel Cave NM, Mount Rushmore NM, Badlands NP, Wind Cave NP, Fort Laramie NHS, Agate Fossil Beds NM, Scotts Bluff NM, Missouri NRR, and Niobrara NSR.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) oversees more than 250 state parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, encompassing nearly 350,000 acres, that are visited by 74 million people annually. These facilities contribute to the economic vitality and quality of life of local communities and directly support New York’s tourism industry. Parks also provide a place for families and children to be active and exercise, promoting healthy lifestyles. The agency is responsible for the operation and stewardship of the state park system as well as advancing a statewide parks, historic preservation, and open space mission. This dataset is a shapefile of the mapped trails in NYS Parks.

This data publication describes the condition, use, and management of the two wilderness areas within Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (SEKI). The project examined local/experiential knowledge collected through oral history interviews in 2010 to track how the character and quality of the Parks' wilderness, as well as visitors' uses and experiences have changed over time. Included are recordings of the actual interviews, the field notes taken during the interview, as well as a transcript of the audio interviews.This record was taken from the USDA Enterprise Data Inventory that feeds into the https://data.gov catalog. Data for this record includes the following resources: ISO-19139 metadata ArcGIS Hub Dataset ArcGIS GeoService For complete information, please visit https://data.gov.

Abstract

Round 1 of the Afrobarometer survey was conducted from July 1999 through June 2001 in 12 African countries, to solicit public opinion on democracy, governance, markets, and national identity. The full 12 country dataset released was pieced together out of different projects, Round 1 of the Afrobarometer survey,the old Southern African Democracy Barometer, and similar surveys done in West and East Africa.

The 7 country dataset is a subset of the Round 1 survey dataset, and consists of a combined dataset for the 7 Southern African countries surveyed with other African countries in Round 1, 1999-2000 (Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe). It is a useful dataset because, in contrast to the full 12 country Round 1 dataset, all countries in this dataset were surveyed with the identical questionnaire

Geographic coverage

Botswana Lesotho Malawi Namibia South Africa Zambia Zimbabwe

Analysis unit

Basic units of analysis that the study investigates include: individuals and groups

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

A new sample has to be drawn for each round of Afrobarometer surveys. Whereas the standard sample size for Round 3 surveys will be 1200 cases, a larger sample size will be required in societies that are extremely heterogeneous (such as South Africa and Nigeria), where the sample size will be increased to 2400. Other adaptations may be necessary within some countries to account for the varying quality of the census data or the availability of census maps.

The sample is designed as a representative cross-section of all citizens of voting age in a given country. The goal is to give every adult citizen an equal and known chance of selection for interview. We strive to reach this objective by (a) strictly applying random selection methods at every stage of sampling and by (b) applying sampling with probability proportionate to population size wherever possible. A randomly selected sample of 1200 cases allows inferences to national adult populations with a margin of sampling error of no more than plus or minus 2.5 percent with a confidence level of 95 percent. If the sample size is increased to 2400, the confidence interval shrinks to plus or minus 2 percent.

Sample Universe

The sample universe for Afrobarometer surveys includes all citizens of voting age within the country. In other words, we exclude anyone who is not a citizen and anyone who has not attained this age (usually 18 years) on the day of the survey. Also excluded are areas determined to be either inaccessible or not relevant to the study, such as those experiencing armed conflict or natural disasters, as well as national parks and game reserves. As a matter of practice, we have also excluded people living in institutionalized settings, such as students in dormitories and persons in prisons or nursing homes.

What to do about areas experiencing political unrest? On the one hand we want to include them because they are politically important. On the other hand, we want to avoid stretching out the fieldwork over many months while we wait for the situation to settle down. It was agreed at the 2002 Cape Town Planning Workshop that it is difficult to come up with a general rule that will fit all imaginable circumstances. We will therefore make judgments on a case-by-case basis on whether or not to proceed with fieldwork or to exclude or substitute areas of conflict. National Partners are requested to consult Core Partners on any major delays, exclusions or substitutions of this sort.

Sample Design

The sample design is a clustered, stratified, multi-stage, area probability sample.

To repeat the main sampling principle, the objective of the design is to give every sample element (i.e. adult citizen) an equal and known chance of being chosen for inclusion in the sample. We strive to reach this objective by (a) strictly applying random selection methods at every stage of sampling and by (b) applying sampling with probability proportionate to population size wherever possible.

In a series of stages, geographically defined sampling units of decreasing size are selected. To ensure that the sample is representative, the probability of selection at various stages is adjusted as follows:

The sample is stratified by key social characteristics in the population such as sub-national area (e.g. region/province) and residential locality (urban or rural). The area stratification reduces the likelihood that distinctive ethnic or language groups are left out of the sample. And the urban/rural stratification is a means to make sure that these localities are represented in their correct proportions. Wherever possible, and always in the first stage of sampling, random sampling is conducted with probability proportionate to population size (PPPS). The purpose is to guarantee that larger (i.e., more populated) geographical units have a proportionally greater probability of being chosen into the sample. The sampling design has four stages

A first-stage to stratify and randomly select primary sampling units;

A second-stage to randomly select sampling start-points;

A third stage to randomly choose households;

A final-stage involving the random selection of individual respondents

We shall deal with each of these stages in turn.

STAGE ONE: Selection of Primary Sampling Units (PSUs)

The primary sampling units (PSU's) are the smallest, well-defined geographic units for which reliable population data are available. In most countries, these will be Census Enumeration Areas (or EAs). Most national census data and maps are broken down to the EA level. In the text that follows we will use the acronyms PSU and EA interchangeably because, when census data are employed, they refer to the same unit.

We strongly recommend that NIs use official national census data as the sampling frame for Afrobarometer surveys. Where recent or reliable census data are not available, NIs are asked to inform the relevant Core Partner before they substitute any other demographic data. Where the census is out of date, NIs should consult a demographer to obtain the best possible estimates of population growth rates. These should be applied to the outdated census data in order to make projections of population figures for the year of the survey. It is important to bear in mind that population growth rates vary by area (region) and (especially) between rural and urban localities. Therefore, any projected census data should include adjustments to take such variations into account.

Indeed, we urge NIs to establish collegial working relationships within professionals in the national census bureau, not only to obtain the most recent census data, projections, and maps, but to gain access to sampling expertise. NIs may even commission a census statistician to draw the sample to Afrobarometer specifications, provided that provision for this service has been made in the survey budget.

Regardless of who draws the sample, the NIs should thoroughly acquaint themselves with the strengths and weaknesses of the available census data and the availability and quality of EA maps. The country and methodology reports should cite the exact census data used, its known shortcomings, if any, and any projections made from the data. At minimum, the NI must know the size of the population and the urban/rural population divide in each region in order to specify how to distribute population and PSU's in the first stage of sampling. National investigators should obtain this written data before they attempt to stratify the sample.

Once this data is obtained, the sample population (either 1200 or 2400) should be stratified, first by area (region/province) and then by residential locality (urban or rural). In each case, the proportion of the sample in each locality in each region should be the same as its proportion in the national population as indicated by the updated census figures.

Having stratified the sample, it is then possible to determine how many PSU's should be selected for the country as a whole, for each region, and for each urban or rural locality.

The total number of PSU's to be selected for the whole country is determined by calculating the maximum degree of clustering of interviews one can accept in any PSU. Because PSUs (which are usually geographically small EAs) tend to be socially homogenous we do not want to select too many people in any one place. Thus, the Afrobarometer has established a standard of no more than 8 interviews per PSU. For a sample size of 1200, the sample must therefore contain 150 PSUs/EAs (1200 divided by 8). For a sample size of 2400, there must be 300 PSUs/EAs.

These PSUs should then be allocated proportionally to the urban and rural localities within each regional stratum of the sample. Let's take a couple of examples from a country with a sample size of 1200. If the urban locality of Region X in this country constitutes 10 percent of the current national population, then the sample for this stratum should be 15 PSUs (calculated as 10 percent of 150 PSUs). If the rural population of Region Y constitutes 4 percent of the current national population, then the sample for this stratum should be 6 PSU's.

The next step is to select particular PSUs/EAs using random methods. Using the above example of the rural localities in Region Y, let us say that you need to pick 6 sample EAs out of a census list that contains a total of 240 rural EAs in Region Y. But which 6? If the EAs created by the national census bureau are of equal or roughly equal population size, then selection is relatively straightforward. Just number all EAs consecutively, then make six selections using a table of random numbers. This procedure, known as simple random sampling (SRS), will

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) oversees more than 214 state parks and historic sites, encompassing nearly 335,000 acres, that are visited by 60 million people annually. The New York State Historic Preservation Office maintains the list of New York State’s National Register of Historic Places. The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation's historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 ( Federal Regulation 36 CFR 60 ) the National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America's historic and archeological resources. To be considered eligible, a building, district, structure or object must meet the National Register Criteria for Evaluation. This involves examining the property’s age, integrity, and significance. Please see metadata for additional information, including how to access the agency’s Cultural Resource Information System (CRIS) which provides access to the agency’s database of historic records associated with each project listing in this dataset.

Abstract

The Afrobarometer project assesses attitudes and public opinion on democracy, markets, and civil society in several sub-Saharan African.This dataset was compiled from the studies in Round 2 of the Afrobarometer, conducted from 2002-2004 in 16 countries, including Botswana, Cape Verde, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe

Geographic coverage

The Round 2 Afrobarometer surveys have national coverage for the following countries: Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Republic of Cabo Verde, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Analysis unit

Individuals

Universe

The sample universe for Afrobarometer surveys includes all citizens of voting age within the country. In other words, we exclude anyone who is not a citizen and anyone who has not attained this age (usually 18 years) on the day of the survey. Also excluded are areas determined to be either inaccessible or not relevant to the study, such as those experiencing armed conflict or natural disasters, as well as national parks and game reserves. As a matter of practice, we have also excluded people living in institutionalized settings, such as students in dormitories and persons in prisons or nursing homes.

What to do about areas experiencing political unrest? On the one hand we want to include them because they are politically important. On the other hand, we want to avoid stretching out the fieldwork over many months while we wait for the situation to settle down. It was agreed at the 2002 Cape Town Planning Workshop that it is difficult to come up with a general rule that will fit all imaginable circumstances. We will therefore make judgments on a case-by-case basis on whether or not to proceed with fieldwork or to exclude or substitute areas of conflict. National Partners are requested to consult Core Partners on any major delays, exclusions or substitutions of this sort.

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

Afrobarometer uses national probability samples designed to meet the following criteria. Samples are designed to generate a sample that is a representative cross-section of all citizens of voting age in a given country. The goal is to give every adult citizen an equal and known chance of being selected for an interview. They achieve this by:

• using random selection methods at every stage of sampling; • sampling at all stages with probability proportionate to population size wherever possible to ensure that larger (i.e., more populated) geographic units have a proportionally greater probability of being chosen into the sample.

The sampling universe normally includes all citizens age 18 and older. As a standard practice, we exclude people living in institutionalized settings, such as students in dormitories, patients in hospitals, and persons in prisons or nursing homes. Occasionally, we must also exclude people living in areas determined to be inaccessible due to conflict or insecurity. Any such exclusion is noted in the technical information report (TIR) that accompanies each data set.

Sample size and design Samples usually include either 1,200 or 2,400 cases. A randomly selected sample of n=1200 cases allows inferences to national adult populations with a margin of sampling error of no more than +/-2.8% with a confidence level of 95 percent. With a sample size of n=2400, the margin of error decreases to +/-2.0% at 95 percent confidence level.

The sample design is a clustered, stratified, multi-stage, area probability sample. Specifically, we first stratify the sample according to the main sub-national unit of government (state, province, region, etc.) and by urban or rural location.

Area stratification reduces the likelihood that distinctive ethnic or language groups are left out of the sample. Afrobarometer occasionally purposely oversamples certain populations that are politically significant within a country to ensure that the size of the sub-sample is large enough to be analysed. Any oversamples is noted in the TIR.

Sample stages Samples are drawn in either four or five stages:

Stage 1: In rural areas only, the first stage is to draw secondary sampling units (SSUs). SSUs are not used in urban areas, and in some countries they are not used in rural areas. See the TIR that accompanies each data set for specific details on the sample in any given country. Stage 2: We randomly select primary sampling units (PSU). Stage 3: We then randomly select sampling start points. Stage 4: Interviewers then randomly select households. Stage 5: Within the household, the interviewer randomly selects an individual respondent. Each interviewer alternates in each household between interviewing a man and interviewing a woman to ensure gender balance in the sample.

To keep the costs and logistics of fieldwork within manageable limits, eight interviews are clustered within each selected PSU.

Data weights For some national surveys, data are weighted to correct for over or under-sampling or for household size. "Withinwt" should be turned on for all national -level descriptive statistics in countries that contain this weighting variable. It is included as the last variable in the data set, with details described in the codebook. For merged data sets, "Combinwt" should be turned on for cross-national comparisons of descriptive statistics. Note: this weighting variable standardizes each national sample as if it were equal in size.

Further information on sampling protocols, including full details of the methodologies used for each stage of sample selection, can be found at https://afrobarometer.org/surveys-and-methods/sampling-principles

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

Certain questions in the questionnaires for the Afrobarometer 2 survey addressed country-specific issues, but many of the same questions were asked across surveys. Citizens of the 16 countries were asked questions about their economic and social situations, and their opinions were elicited on recent political and economic changes within their country.

These data were generated by the work of many different field crews (2011-2024) who visited each unit each year collecting information on the condition of selected resources (Vital Signs). The data collection was guided by established methods and detailed protocols including: paired (2) 50-m line-point intercept transects for abundance; 10, 1-m2 quadrats for species diversity; 314-m2 circular plots for small diameter woody species (shrubs, seedlings and saplings); and 314-m2 or 1000-m2 for trees greater than 2.5-cm at 1-meter above the ground (1-inch at breast-height). The purpose of these data is to inform park staff, planners, administrators, partners and the public with quantitative records of the composition and abundance of vegetation in National Park Units. These data were carefully collected using precise methods, careful documentation, and multiple quality control steps. Species names and codes were cross-referenced to the USDA “Plants” database authority. Rare and unknown species were collected and verified by staff of the Wyoming Natural Diversity Database, University of Wyoming. These data are working files used to guide and inform park managers who make decisions about conservation and management of habitats and resources of the park based on desired conditions of resources. These data are provided as one key piece of evidence to support management of vegetation, fuels and habitats. No claims are made, legal or otherwise, regarding the accuracy, precision and utility of these data. Many people deserve credit for these data who cannot be named here, but also recognized are: Kara Paintner, Isabel Ashton, and Joan Jackson. The Northern Great Plains Network (NGPN) is part of the NPS Inventory and Monitoring Division (IMD). We provide scientific support, data and interpretation related to resource conditions in park units within the Network in support of the National Park Service Organic Act and the National Parks Omnibus Management Act (Title II, Section 204 – Inventory and Monitoring Program). The NGPN network includes 13 NPS units: Fort Union NHS, Theodore Roosevelt NP, Knife River Indian Villages NHS, Devils Tower NM, Jewel Cave NM, Mount Rushmore NM, Badlands NP, Wind Cave NP, Fort Laramie NHS, Agate Fossil Beds NM, Scotts Bluff NM, Missouri NRR, and Niobrara NSR.

Background: Overharvesting of resources has been identified as a global driver of environmental change, which along with several other drivers is resulting in large-scale biodiversity loss. The primary international approach attempting to slow this loss and maintain fully functional ecosystems is the designation of “protected areas” that restrict certain human activities. Like other areas globally, protected areas in South Africa are also undergoing expansion. However, this expansion is happening against the backdrop of high unemployment and poverty and in certain instances disputed or changing land rights and ownership. South Africa has a population of approximately 50 million people of which 32 million are eligible to work, yet only 13 million are currently formally employed. Many South African’s rely directly on natural resources for subsistence and to generate an income. The socio-economic context of protected areas is therefore very complex with the conservation ideal of preserving South Africa’s impressive biodiversity (ca 23 000 plants, 3 700 vertebrates and 70 000 invertebrates and two of the world’s 25 ‘hotspots’) being traded-off against people-based conservation outcomes (tourism, income generation, benefit sharing and sustainable livelihoods). The potential conflict between these outcomes increases as protected areas expand to cover the majority of unconverted / undegraded land. Given this delicate situation, baseline data to better understand the dynamics of what is currently protected, what it is that people desire and the costs and benefits of granting these desires is essential to the development of management plans and maintaining support for protected areas. Methods: Data was collected by means of a questionnaire that was sent to all national parks for completion by section rangers and park management. Questionnaire completion was assisted by scientists and emphasis was placed on all resource use – authorized and unauthorized – as we sought to describe all resources that are currently of interest to people or might be threatened by harvest. Summary statistics on the number of resources used in each park, the quantities used (or knowledge of quantities used), purposes for which resources were used and the level of authorization of use were compiled and where possible these were compared with existing estimates of resource use from the literature to assess the likelihood that lists of harvested species were complete for each park. The conservation status of all harvested species was researched as one measure of assessing the likely sustainability of harvest. No social impact assessments were carried out during this project. Major findings: A large number of resources (383) are harvested from national parks. The biological resources harvested from parks belong to over 150 families and are used to meet a wide variety of human needs. This indicates that there is a relatively high demand for natural resources. Most of these resources are used to meet the basic human requirements of food (36%) and health (34%). A large proportion of resource use (42% of all used resources), takes place without park authorization. An even larger proportion (69%) of resources have no IUCN Red-List status and while there are more resources that have been assigned a national conservation status, 81% of marine resources have no IUCN Red-List or national conservation status. In addition, very little information emerged on the harvest quantities of each resource. Using the data and species knowledge currently available, it is not possible to determine whether resource use in national parks is sustainable. The high demand for resources is also unlikely to decrease given a growing human population, making future sustainability even more uncertain. Although the resource list documented here represents a valuable first step in documenting resource use across national parks, it is likely to be incomplete. For example, other studies have reported many additional species harvested in protected areas or sold along their boundaries. An additional concern is that there is currently no ownership of the challenges associated with resource use. Monitoring, management and policy implications: The Biodiversity Monitoring System: Resource Use programme covers all the relevant theory behind monitoring resources as well as social needs and benefits. Although the programme provides guidelines for the monitoring of resources (in terms of the ecological dimension of sustainability), monitoring is species/product specific and the details in terms of methods have to be developed for each species which will require applied research as well as staff capacity. Research is also needed to prioritize species and areas for monitoring and to contribute additional essential baseline information to inform sustainable yields. The database generated in this repor... Visit https://dataone.org/datasets/nicolavw.6.4 for complete metadata about this dataset.

In recent years, the African continent has emerged as a hub of growth, progress, and cultural diversity. With 54 recognized sovereign nations, Africa boasts a tapestry of vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and promising economies. From the vast deserts of the Sahara to the lush rainforests of the Congo Basin, each African nation has a unique story to tell. In this article, we will delve into the diverse and dynamic African nations, shedding light on their rich history, cultural heritage, and economic advancements. Africa, often referred to as the cradle of civilization, is home to some of the oldest human civilizations on Earth. Egypt, with its iconic pyramids and ancient pharaohs, stands as a testament to the continent's remarkable heritage. The Nile River, the lifeblood of ancient Egyptian civilization, continues to be a source of sustenance and culture today. Moving southwards, we encounter nations like Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, and South Africa, known for its vibrant multicultural society. Nigeria, with its rich cultural tapestry, has produced renowned artists, musicians, and authors who have made significant contributions to the global cultural landscape. South Africa, on the other hand, is celebrated for its remarkable post-apartheid transition, vibrant democracy, and impressive economic growth. Venturing into East Africa, we encounter Ethiopia, often referred to as the "cradle of humanity" due to the discovery of the oldest known human remains in the region. Ethiopia showcases a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern development, with its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich historical sites attracting visitors from around the world. In West Africa, Ghana stands as a shining example of political stability and economic progress. Known as the "Gateway to Africa," Ghana has made significant strides in areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure, positioning itself as an attractive investment destination. The continent's southern region features nations like Botswana, known for its commitment to wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism. With its vast national parks and awe-inspiring wildlife, Botswana offers visitors a chance to experience Africa's natural wonders firsthand. As we travel across the continent, it becomes evident that Africa's potential for growth and development is immense. From the technological advancements in countries like Rwanda to the agricultural innovations in Kenya, African nations are harnessing their resources and investing in their future. Furthermore, regional collaborations such as the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) are fostering deeper economic integration and creating new opportunities for trade and investment across the continent. These initiatives aim to unlock Africa's vast potential and promote sustainable development for the benefit of all African nations and their people. In conclusion, the African continent is a mosaic of nations that captivate with their diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and a shared commitment to progress. From the ancient wonders of Egypt to the vibrant democracies of South Africa and Ghana, African nations are forging their paths towards a prosperous future. As the world focuses its attention on Africa's growth story, it is crucial to recognize and celebrate the achievements and potential of each African nation on the continent.

These data were generated by the work of many different field crews (2011-2024) who visited each unit each year collecting information on the condition of selected resources (Vital Signs). The data collection was guided by established methods and detailed protocols including: paired (2) 50-m line-point intercept transects for abundance; 10, 1-m2 quadrats for species diversity; 314-m2 circular plots for small diameter woody species (shrubs, seedlings and saplings); and 314-m2 or 1000-m2 for trees greater than 2.5-cm at 1-meter above the ground (1-inch at breast-height). The purpose of these data is to inform park staff, planners, administrators, partners and the public with quantitative records of the composition and abundance of vegetation in National Park Units. These data were carefully collected using precise methods, careful documentation, and multiple quality control steps. Species names and codes were cross-referenced to the USDA “Plants” database authority. Rare and unknown species were collected and verified by staff of the Wyoming Natural Diversity Database, University of Wyoming. These data are working files used to guide and inform park managers who make decisions about conservation and management of habitats and resources of the park based on desired conditions of resources. These data are provided as one key piece of evidence to support management of vegetation, fuels and habitats. No claims are made, legal or otherwise, regarding the accuracy, precision and utility of these data. Many people deserve credit for these data who cannot be named here, but also recognized are: Kara Paintner, Isabel Ashton, and Joan Jackson. The Northern Great Plains Network (NGPN) is part of the NPS Inventory and Monitoring Division (IMD). We provide scientific support, data and interpretation related to resource conditions in park units within the Network in support of the National Park Service Organic Act and the National Parks Omnibus Management Act (Title II, Section 204 – Inventory and Monitoring Program). The NGPN network includes 13 NPS units: Fort Union NHS, Theodore Roosevelt NP, Knife River Indian Villages NHS, Devils Tower NM, Jewel Cave NM, Mount Rushmore NM, Badlands NP, Wind Cave NP, Fort Laramie NHS, Agate Fossil Beds NM, Scotts Bluff NM, Missouri NRR, and Niobrara NSR.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) oversees more than 250 state parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, encompassing nearly 350,000 acres, that are visited by 74 million people annually. These facilities contribute to the economic vitality and quality of life of local communities and directly support New York’s tourism industry. Parks also provide a place for families and children to be active and exercise, promoting healthy lifestyles. The agency is responsible for the operation and stewardship of the state park system as well as advancing a statewide parks, historic preservation, and open space mission. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation operates marinas and boat launching sites across the state. For more information about boating in New York State parks, visit http://nysparks.com/recreation/boating/