Problem Statement: Importance of this Study: Today's visitors to natural and historical areas come for relaxation, recreation, inspiration, and education. Naturalists or interpreters help visitors achieve these goals. They also enhance the visitor's experience at the site. Interpreters can explain historical or natural processes, events, or objects the visitor may not understand and miss. Interpretation is the communication link between the visitor and the natural, cultural, or historical resources of a site (Sharpe, 1982). It is also a method of site protection. Interpretation can benefit the site by fostering responsible visitor behavior and, can benefit the managing agency by increasing visitation revenue and improving public image. With interpretation, the resource manager can improve public understanding of park policies and regulations (Vander Stoep, 1987). Interpretation can help people understand the dynamics of natural environments and the consequences of their actions, possibly fostering an environmentally responsible citizenry (Wagar, 1973). There are personal and non-personal methods of interpretation. Trail walks, interpretive talks, slide shows, and campfire programs are all personal interpretive methods. Here, the interpreter is in direct contact with the visitors. When the interpreter is not available, visitors frequently encounter non-personal interpretation in the form of interpretive signs, wayside exhibits, and self-guided trails. These methods are popular with both the visitor and the interpreter because of their benefits. Interpretive signs, trails, and waysides are relatively inexpensive to produce and maintain, are self-pacing for the visitor, and are in place at all times (Sharp, 1982). However, to be effective they must be well planned and designed. Effective interpretive sign, trail, and wayside exhibit design, requires the talents of a writer, artist, graphic designer, historian, and researcher. Few individuals are expert in such diverse areas. Budget or personnel constraints often leave poorly trained interpreters or resource managers in charge of the production of signs, trails, and wayside exhibits. While some research has been conducted and literature is available on interpretive sign, trail, and wayside exhibit development, it is scattered throughout a variety of disciplines. Professionals have expressed a lack of time and available resources to locate these studies on their own (Moore, 1989). A comprehensive guide, consolidating the most recent information available, would help interpreters and resource managers effectively design interpretive signs, trails, and wayside exhibits. This is only a partial solution however. Gaps in research still exist, limiting the development of effective interpretive sign, trail, and wayside exhibits. Agencies have shown a limited ability to understand and then practically apply and implement the recommendations from research (Dick, McKee, and Wagar, 1974). This suggests miscommunication between researchers and practitioners as to what is needed. Practitioners suggest that research studies frequently do not build upon one another, address questions pertinent to the practicing professional, or offer practical applications to their discoveries (Dick, McKee, and Wagar, 197 4 ). There is a need to identify research questions that directly apply to the infield professional (Moore, 1989). Identifying prioritized research questions related to interpretive signs, trails, and wayside exhibits from both the researcher's and practitioner's viewpoint would help bridge these gaps.