Abstract
Interpretive themes in parks and protected areas play a critical role in communicating the significance of natural and cultural resources, shaping how visitors experience these places. Park management and stakeholders influence the development of these themes. Park experts' selection, structure, and communication of these stories reflect agenda-setting and framing, two communication theories that guide narrative prioritization. The purpose of this study was to investigate how agenda-setting and framing theory shape the development of interpretive themes in nine Idaho State Parks. Using a modified Delphi approach, I gathered data through interviews, surveys, and focus groups with park experts to identify key interpretive themes. I analyzed how park experts' rationale aligned with Cultural Ecosystem Services (CES) values such as recreation, cultural heritage, and ecological knowledge, which served as issue-specific frames. I also used established generic frames from previous framing theory literature to provide an additional typology. The findings revealed key trends in the framing of interpretive themes across Idaho’s state parks. Wildlife, Geology, Park History, and Responsible Recreation emerged as the most prominent and prioritized topics. These topics highlight the areas park experts identified as most important for engaging visitors with the park's natural and cultural resources. The Delphi process showed that Cultural Heritage and Ecological Knowledge were the dominant CES value frames, while Identity, Responsibility, Human Interest, and Conflict were key generic frames. This research highlights the role of park experts in shaping the narratives presented to visitors. By identifying the dominant frames, this thesis offers insights into how interpretation reflects diverse meanings and priorities within agencies and across broader public land management efforts. These findings contribute to a better understanding of how agenda-setting and framing theory affect interpretive planning, offering a framework for incorporating stakeholder perspectives into park interpretation. By integrating these theories with CES values, this study provides further insight for improving interpretive planning and enhancing visitor engagement through more inclusive and representative park narratives.