In 1988 a pilot study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of advanced recreational signing. The central signing concept evaluated can best be described as decision point signing (DPS). This DPS concept provides information concerning a recreational or historical site far in advance of the site (40 to 60 mi) and often in advance of highway junctions. The purpose of this signing approach is to advise the traveller that he is approaching the site and provide time for him to decide whether to visit it. There are a number of unknowns associated with the DPS concept, including whether DPS has an effect, and which routes and sites should be considered for DPS. Because any sign along a highway represents a hazard to an errant motorist and costs about $14 to $16 per sq ft installed, answers to the previous questions are important to the decision maker. The results of this pilot study provide insight into these questions. A brief review of signing and recreational studies associated with increasing tourism is provided in this paper. The results of the studies conducted at both devils tower and south pass city are presented. Specific conclusions and recommendations are made concerning DPS for recreational and historical sites.
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