The HTA's Natural Resources Program is conducting a survey from July through October. The survey will include random visits at a sampling of parks during various times throughout the day. Surveyors will be performing in-person observations and counts, as well as distributing and collecting written surveys.

OmniTrak Group is assisting and will include an in-depth inventory and assessment of more than 60 highly visited parks statewide.

"Our first state parks survey was conducted in 2003, and the results gathered were used to prioritize improvements as well as provide policy makers with accurate and useful information about the state's parks and its users," said Rex Johnson, HTA president and chief executive officer.

"We are asking that park-goers spare a few minutes to participate in the survey when approached. We want the data collected to be as complete and comprehensive as possible as we strive to improve our state parks for both residents and visitors to enjoy."

The objectives of the survey are to establish the number of park visitors, identify park users (residents, in-state visitors and out-of-state visitors), examine the condition of park facilities and amenities, measure park users' satisfaction, and determine if improvements made since 2003 have had a positive impact on state parks.