Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources

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These digital collections include theses, dissertations, faculty publications, and datasets from the Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources.

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Open Access
A case study of social capital and collaboration as a communication process in an urban community-based ecological restoration project
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2009) DiEnno, Cara Marie, author; Berry, Joyce K., advisor; Cottrel, Stuart P., committee member; Fernandez-Gimenez, Maria Edith, committee member; Thompson, Jessica Leigh, committee member; Bruyere, Brett L., committee member
This case study examines the role of social capital and collaboration as a communicative process in an urban, nonprofit organization. The organization, the Partners for Native Plants (PNP) group, was a grant- funded project of a western U.S. nonprofit botanical organization designed to involve urbanites in riparian plant restoration projects. The PNP project was examined to (a) determine whether engagement in the social capital cycle could lead to an environmental ethic among urban participants and (b) test a combined collaboration framework, based on the Bona Fide Group Collaboration Model (Walker, Craig, and Stohl, 1998) and the Structural Model of Collaboration developed by Keyton, Ford, and Smith (2008), in a new context as PNP differs from traditional collaborating groups. Data were collected over a yearlong period through a review of organizational documents, in-depth interviews, a focus group, and open-ended questionnaires. Results demonstrate how social capital can be conceptualized as a cycle including (a) engagement, (b) social networks, (c) collective action, and (d) individual and social benefits. I found two impediments to enhancing an environmental ethic among PNP participants. First, Volunteer Leaders and Volunteer Participants had markedly different experiences while engaged with PNP, resulting in varying levels of satisfaction. In addition, participants' environmental ethic was not significantly enhanced by the project because participants already held strong pro-environmental values at the inception of the project, which motivated them to participate initially. The advocacy behaviors of PNP participants did increase, however. These results suggest that when participants in ecological restoration projects are willing to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with others in their communities, there may be potential for building an urban environmental ethic. Findings also suggest that a combined model of collaboration, based on the Bona Fide Group Collaboration Model and the Structural Model of Collaboration, is well suited to make sense of small community-based conservation projects. An understanding of the collaborative process through both the structural components and the communicative components including environmental exigency, collaborative partners, relational boundaries, negotiated temporary systems, and goals and outcomes yield best practice suggestions for organizations such as PNP.
Open Access
Quantifying and modeling visitor use in Yosemite National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2009) Pettebone, David, author; Newman, Peter, advisor
Three manuscripts are presented in this dissertation. The first entitled "Estimating Visitor Use at Attraction Sites and Trailheads Using Automated Visitor Counters in Yosemite National Park" is a methodological paper that examines the use of automated visitor counters, a commonly used device to estimate visitor use in parks and protected areas. This study was conducted in Yosemite National Park in the summer of 2007 and used automated visitor counters to estimate visitor use at several locations in Yosemite Valley. One hundred thirty five hours of direct observations were conducted among six study sites to estimate monitor counting errors. Methods to treat missing monitor data and methods to estimate accurate visitor use counts from automated monitors are discussed. Results show a very strong relationship between observed visitor counts and automated monitor counts (R2 > 0.95) and visitor use estimates are presented for all study sites. This study shows that automated visitor use monitors produce consistent data from which reliable estimates of visitor use can be calculated.
Open Access
An integrated landscape conservation approach for the agrolandscapes of southern Brazil: the case of Campos Gerais, Paraná
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2009) Rocha, Carlos Hugo, author; Wallace, George, advisor
This study utilizes mixed methods to develop a strategy for conserving a network of natural and restored parcels of varying sizes in an intensively managed yet biologically diverse agricultural region of Southern Brazil. As these lands are essentially privately owned, a dialogic-dialectical conservation approach based on understanding landowner perspectives, assigned meanings, and collectively constructed knowledge, was used along with spatial information to develop a landscape-based conservation praxis. Spatial information was used to develop a broad understanding of the Campos Gerais ecoregion, the biophysical and human context on which conservation planning and management should be developed, and to select and prioritize remnant habitat patches and connecting lands. Brazil's legal framework was then analyzed in order to identify current and potential incentives for private land conservation. A purposive sample of farms and ranches were selected and using farm-level spatial information, these landowners were interviewed in depth, using a mutual learning approach in order to establish their predisposition to conserve and which conservation incentives are seen by them as most appropriate. Using this information it was possible to predict the "conservation likelihood", preferred conservation techniques and whether the techniques could be agreed upon or would have to be negotiated for different types of landowners. Conservation likelihood can then be expressed spatially allowing us to model or anticipate the effects of conservation-or the changes that might otherwise occur. These models can in turn, be used dialectically with landowners to implement a landscape level conservation strategy.
Open Access
Exploring public land's organizational resilience and communication in the context of climate change
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2010) Schweizer, Sarah Elizabeth, author; Thompson, Jessica Leigh, advisor; Welling, Leigh, committee member; Klein, Julia, committee member
Climate change presents significant ecological and social challenges to natural resource agencies, which are responsible for managing changing landscapes while at the same time communicating the impacts of this phenomenon and associated management responses with an increasingly concerned public audience. In most cases, organizations were not structured to undertake dynamic, interdisciplinary issues, such as climate change and consequently suffer in slow response times and ineffective communication. Due to these challenges this research investigates three separate scales of climate change communication within America's public lands. Research will inform important knowledge gaps pertaining to climate change communication and management in federal land management agencies. The three scales and research perspectives will contribute to a larger investigation, providing multiple insights to a very complex and nuanced challenge of communicating and organizing in an era of rapid environmental change such as climate change.
Open Access
Cultural memory and place identity: creating place experience
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2010) Raadik-Cottrell, Jana, author; Donnelly, Maureen P., advisor; Vaske, Jerry J., 1951-, committee member; Dickinson, Greg, committee member; Taylor, Peter, committee member
Studying landscapes anchored in human life, with natural and cultural components interwoven as one fabric, embracing the political and ideological aspects, helps to understand the role of our everyday landscapes in tourism. Tourism, the travel between places and touring of landscapes, is essential to the identity process of both travelers and places. The notions of "home" and "elsewhere," "us" and "them" are constructed through mobility, motility (potentials of mobility) and migration. The scope and scale of mobility and motility has changed in a postmodern world through the intensity in time-space expansion/ contraction. Contemporary European society is fractured in a struggle between conflicts of identity (former Eastern Europe). Renegotiations of past and present, integration and diversity are especially acute after the collapse of the Soviet empire and ongoing enlargement of the European Union. Identity and culture are elastic concepts, involving conscious and unconscious processes through which places are lived and made while giving meaning to the lives of the people involved. Communication of those meanings is essential to each individual in this process and to others beyond the actual lived place. The meaning attached to landscapes is negotiable due to competing social actors involved in a continuous interpretation and variability offered across cultural, historical, individual and situational aspects. This case study examines the dynamic between real landscapes, their representations and negotiations of identity under the umbrella of a stabilizing past among foreign and domestic visitors to Saare County on Saaremaa Island in Estonia. The disruptive societal changes, which occurred in recent decades with the collapse of the Soviet regime, guide discussion of interactions of place, identity, landscape and memory, as well as the role of tourism. The central aim of this dissertation is to explore the role of past through individual and collective memory in multifaceted negotiations of place identity and place experience. Huff's (2008) model of landscape, place and identity combined with memory and tourism was used to guide this investigation. Data were collected in three phases: content analysis of online news article debate about the potential bridge connecting Saaremaa Island to mainland Estonia (n=123), onsite tourist survey of visitors to the island (n=487), and in-depth interviews with 16 visitors drawn from the survey sample. Narrative and discourse analyses were supplemented by a multiple/logistic regression of survey data in a mixed methods approach. Results imply that pro-anti bridge sentiment exists among Estonians and foreigners based on socio-cultural and political contexts in a post Soviet society. Memory, well-being, and aesthetics of place with nationality, and education are predictors of perceived effects of environmental changes and effects of a bridge to mainland on future holiday experiences to Saaremaa Island. Past memories from ideological images of place and memories of places elsewhere were intertwined into bodily perceptions of place, yet resulted in somewhat contradictory statements. Evaluation of changes in landscapes correlated with perceived identities of place and self, and reflected upon readings of home. Historical aspects of place were deemed an important part of place experience. Respondents without prior knowledge or experience similar to the socio-cultural, economic and political context in Estonia were inclined to identify place based on comparisons of home place from their own residency and past memories from places traveled elsewhere. Outcomes suggest a dialogue for further sense of place research in tourism for the marketing and management of sustainable tourism development in general and for island destinations in particular.
Open Access
A process for building the capacity of informal science education providers to engage Latinos
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2010) Sorensen, Erica Kathryn, author; Bruyere, Brett L., advisor; Balgopal, Meena, advisor; Teel, Tara L., committee member
The challenges of our global economy and escalating environmental concerns are fueling the demand for qualified graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. However, the U.S. now lags behind many other industrialized nations in science achievement. Furthermore, educators have been struggling to close the gap in science achievement between White and non-White students in this country for decades. Considering the rapid demographic changes occurring in the U.S., improving science education for all students has become a critical priority. Latinos are the largest and fastest growing ethnic group in the United States, yet Latino students remain at the margins of STEM education and are underrepresented in these fields in the workforce. Informal science education (ISE) is science learning that occurs outside of formal classrooms in settings such as museums, zoos, science and nature centers, and other community-based youth development programs. ISE programs can have many academic and social benefits for participants and play an important role in improving science education, yet they often face challenges in engaging Latinos and other diverse youth and families. The challenges of our global economy and escalating environmental concerns are fueling the demand for qualified graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. However, the U.S. now lags behind many other industrialized nations in science achievement. Furthermore, educators have been struggling to close the gap in science achievement between White and non-White students in this country for decades. Considering the rapid demographic changes occurring in the U.S., improving science education for all students has become a critical priority. Latinos are the largest and fastest growing ethnic group in the United States, yet Latino students remain at the margins of STEM education and are underrepresented in these fields in the workforce. Informal science education (ISE) is science learning that occurs outside of formal classrooms in settings such as museums, zoos, science and nature centers, and other community-based youth development programs. ISE programs can have many academic and social benefits for participants and play an important role in improving science education, yet they often face challenges in engaging Latinos and other diverse youth and families.
Open Access
Integrating information on wildlife values and barriers to participation in natural-based programs to improve agency efforts for connecting families to nature
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2010) McCoy, Caitlin, author; Teel, Tara L., advisor; Bruyere, Brett L., committee member; Crooks, Kevin R., committee member
This thesis presents two manuscripts that explored how information on barriers to participation in nature-based programs and wildlife value orientations could be used to enhance the reach and effectiveness of agencies in connecting children to nature. The overall study focused on connecting children to nature in recognition of the multiple health benefits acquired by spending time in nature, as well as the relationship between time spent in nature as a child and future commitment to natural resource stewardship. The study also addressed the stake agencies have in helping connect children to nature, including maintaining and/or increasing support for future conservation initiatives and securing future funding sources. The primary purpose of the first paper was to explore how information on wildlife value orientations and barriers to participation in nature-based programs might be integrated to improve agencies' educational initiatives. Data were collected via a mail survey administered to residents in Raleigh, North Carolina. Results indicated that there was not much of a relationship between barriers and wildlife-related interests of the respondents, suggesting that these considerations may need to be evaluated separately in thinking about ways to develop more targeted nature-based opportunities in the future. However, given that our sample was relatively homogeneous with respect to its lack of major barriers to participation in program offerings, results also point to the need for additional research to determine if findings can be applied to other populations and geographic locations. The second paper used past research and theory to develop a qualitative methodology to measure wildlife value orientations in a focus group setting. The focus of this paper was on developing a technique to assess wildlife value orientations among diverse populations of various cultures and ethnicities. In this technique, which was administered to Latino and Chinese-American audiences in New York City, New York, focus group participants were shown a number of photographs depicting human-wildlife interactions and were then encouraged to discuss their thoughts and reactions to each photograph. Results revealed that the focus group methodology was effective in eliciting wildlife value orientations. Four wildlife value orientation types recognized from previous literature were identified across the groups based on participants' comments. Finally, suggestions were made on how to improve the methodology for future use and how to adapt it for applications in other settings.
Open Access
Collaborative climate change management: exploring new management techniques
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2010) Cobb, Ashley, author; Thompson, Jessica Leigh, advisor; Welling, Leigh, committee member; Carolan, Michael S., committee member
Global climate change requires a shift in natural resource management practices and increased collaboration among land managers and surrounding communities. This qualitative study explores opportunities to enhance collaboration through collaborative conservation practices and scenario planning. I studied the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem in the northern Rocky Mountains to explore how partnerships between land management agencies can adapt to the challenges of climate change. In this thesis, through participant observation and a literature survey I examine the complexity of climate change impacts on ecological and sociological communities in the Crown. I also study the process of scenario planning as it was applied to climate change management in two case study parks in the National Park Service. I explore how scientists and decision-makers participating in the process of scenario planning challenged their assumptions about environmental management and negotiated the amount of scientific certainty needed to move forward with management. Through the exploration of these two case studies I conclude that climate change may be the window of opportunity for land managers to reconsider their roles, management objectives and partnerships.
Open Access
Acceptability, conflict, and support for coastal resource management policies and initiatives in Cebu, Philippines
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2010) Allegretti, Arren Mendezona, author; Cottrell, Stuart, advisor; Manfredo, Michael J., advisor; Vaske, Jerry J., 1951-, committee member; Thompson, Jessica Leigh, committee member; Taylor, Peter Leigh, 1959-, committee member
Efforts to address the decline of coastal and habitat resources by Coastal Resource Management (CRM) initiatives are done via application of frameworks such as Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) and Ecosystem Based Management (EBM). Recent literature stresses the necessity to complement biological monitoring with social science monitoring of coastal areas by applying social science concepts in CRM. Linkages between social science concepts such as a conflict, acceptance, and public support for CRM with research themes of governance, communities, and socioeconomics are crucial for advancing our understanding of the social success of CRM initiatives. In light of the scholarly and applied need, this thesis focuses on analyzing stakeholder perceptions, conflict, and public support for CRM policies and initiatives in Southern Cebu, Philippines. In particular, this thesis examines stakeholder attitudes and normative beliefs of CRM scenarios, and links these perceptions with public support of CRM policies and initiatives implemented at the levels of the community, municipality, and the Marine Protected Area (MPA) Network. This thesis presents two manuscripts applying qualitative and quantitative social science methods for understanding stakeholder perceptions of conflict, acceptance, and public support for CRM policies. The first manuscript applies the Potential for Conflict Index (PCI2), a statistic that graphically displays the amount of consensus and the potential for conflict to occur in a CRM scenario. Specifically, the PCI2 displays fishers' normative beliefs concerning their consensus and acceptability of CRM policies and initiatives. Face-to-face interviews with fishers serve as data for calculating the PCI2. This manuscript compares fishers' normative beliefs concerning their evaluations of CRM policies among the municipalities of Oslob, Santander, and Samboan in Southern Cebu. Overall, fishers' differing evaluations reflects the way CRM is implemented and enforced in each of these municipalities. Fishers' evaluations allow local governments to understand acceptability of CRM policies as well as make better management decisions concerning policy compliance, consensus for policies, and conflict within a municipality. The second manuscript of this thesis applies qualitative conflict mapping methods to the investigation of institutional conflict and accountability within a coastal municipality in Southern Cebu. Using in-depth interviews, conflict mapping methods enables the analysis of stakeholder attitudes of institutional conflict and accountability for CRM. This manuscript investigates institutional relationships among stakeholders accountable for CRM. Lastly, this manuscript examines how institutional relationships and stakeholder perceptions affect CRM at the community, municipality, and the MPA Network. The interpretive analysis reveals that conflicts concerning institutional accountability for CRM are often at the root of problems for implementing and enforcing coastal management initiatives and policies within the different communities of the municipality. Theoretical implications of this thesis include the application of normative theories and qualitative conflict analysis frameworks for understanding stakeholder perceptions of conflict and public support for CRM initiatives. Managerial applications of this thesis include the use of quantitative (PCI2) and qualitative (conflict mapping) social science monitoring methods applicable for understanding social science concepts such as stakeholder perceptions, conflict, and public support for CRM policies and initiatives. Future studies could include the combined use of PCI2 and conflict mapping as complementary research methods for investigating collaborative local government decision making processes crucial for the social success of CRM initiatives.
Open Access
Comparing spatial modeling techniques for exploratory mapping: applications in wilderness campsite searches
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2010) Cross, Edward Tyson, author; Bruyere, Brett L., advisor; Newman, Peter, 1972-, advisor; Laituri, Melinda, committee member
Camping impacts are known to damage vegetation, impede ecological processes, and negatively affect visitor experiences in wilderness areas. In response to national mandates from the Chief of the Forest Service in 2004, wilderness managers are pursuing an effort to find and inventory 95% of the campsites in designated wilderness. In 2009 the Rocky Mountain Region (Region 2) Wilderness Program of the United States Forest Service focused its resources on carrying out the mandate. This thesis uses spatial models to predict areas likely to have camping impacts. The resulting maps can be utilized by wilderness managers in Region 2 find and inventory camping impacts in wilderness areas. Understanding the spatial distribution of campsites is an important step in the inventory, monitoring and analysis of damage related to camping activities. Recreation Habitat Suitability Indices and Maxent are two tested methods for predicting where an object can be found based on the objects relationship to environmental variables. This research employs these methods for determining the suitability of an area for camping. For this study, A Recreation Habitat Suitability Index was developed using a priori knowledge, without the use of data. A Maxent approach was also implemented using n= 1658 points for model development. Both models were tested with n=1446 points, using Area Under the Curve (AUC) and maximized Cohen's Kappa methods for validating the models. Using these test procedures, the research found that both methods performed outstanding when tested with independent data. Models were then compared, and it was found that the models predict camping impact location with remarkable similarity. The research determined that both methods work well for predicting the most important areas to prioritize campsite inventories. This thesis is divided into four chapters and a technical appendix. It begins with an introductory chapter which overviews the project and explains the goals and objectives. The second chapter is a literature review of past efforts which used similar methods. The third chapter presents the modeling research as a journal article which compares two methods for using predictive modeling to understand the spatial distribution of wilderness camping sites. Following the research chapter, a fourth, conclusions chapter, speaks to the limitations of the model, and indicates what future research efforts may focus on. Following the conclusions chapter is a technical appendix (Appendix A) which contains a technical report in the form of a desktop guide which is intended to help wilderness managers understand camping impacts and analysis techniques. The technical appendix is a summary of knowledge gained by working in the field with camping impacts. The technical report is designed to help managers understand and train wilderness staff to complete campsite inventories, start to finish. The research portion of this thesis provides wilderness managers with two tested methods for determining areas most likely to contain camping impacts in wilderness. This research offers managers an option for determining which areas of a wilderness are important to search in order to find 95% of the campsites. When combined with the technical appendix this thesis as a whole provides wilderness managers with tools for understanding, finding and inventorying camping impacts in the wilderness areas of Region 2.
Open Access
Facilitating solutions to conservation management challenges through an understanding of human perceptions of nature and wildlife
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2010) Dietsch, Alia, author; Teel, Tara L., advisor; Manfredo, Michael J., advisor; Henry, Kimberly L., committee member
Natural resource managers traditionally relying on biological expertise to understand and respond to today's conservation challenges (e.g., biodiversity loss, habitat fragmentation, climate change) are finding increased impetus for utilizing social sciences to inform decision-making. All too often, management decisions have been unsuccessful when they failed to address the polarizing values of stakeholders, the economic and political context of decisions, and the cultural significance of resources to local people. An understanding of these social considerations can be facilitated by an examination of human-nature and human-wildlife relationships, which often form the basis for conflict over management issues. This thesis presents two manuscripts designed to contribute to this area of inquiry by considering how public opinion may be influenced by broader conceptions of the natural environment. Such perceptions of nature are further influenced by ideology, or the way people assess meaning to their lives through consensually-held beliefs. Drawing upon Cultural Theory and the Myths of Nature, Chapter II of this thesis explores how people think about nature in three distinct areas of the western United States. To better understand such human-nature relationships, we explored a new measurement approach for capturing the Myths of Nature. Consistent with our objectives, we tested such an approach and found that five distinct perspectives regarding nature exist; that these perspectives are consistent with the Myths of Nature literature; and that results are stable across three study areas. Chapter III outlines a need for natural resource agencies wanting to ensure continued public support to have a better understanding of the diverse publics they represent. Two social science approaches (i.e., wildlife value orientation theory and the Myths of Nature) explore the influence of ideology on conflicting beliefs related to wildlife and wildlife use. Consistent with hypotheses, wildlife value orientations were found to be related to the Myths of Nature, indicating they likely draw upon similar ideologies (e.g., egalitarianism). Additionally, results indicated that people believing in a myth of Nature is Ephemeral were significantly less accepting than others of lethal control of wildlife, whereas as those believing in a myth of Nature is Benign were more accepting of lethal control. Findings as a whole corroborate that ideology, as reflected in value orientations about wildlife and the Myths of Nature, influences human thought about wildlife use, and that human thought about the natural environment can be used to enhance our understanding of public attitudes and behaviors in a wildlife-related context.
Open Access
Informing the design and governance of a pro-poor payment for ecosystem services program in western Panama
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2010) Duke, Esther Alice, author; Goldstein, Joshua H., advisor; Reid, Robin Spencer, committee member; Taylor, Peter Leigh, 1959-, committee member
Human society depends on healthy ecosystems. Payments for ecosystem services (PES) have emerged as an incentive-based tool to protect and restore ecosystem-service flows, which are being degraded at regional and global scales. Through PES, users of ecosystem services pay landowners who supply these services through land management. This study focuses on PES programs as a possible means to achieve ecosystem-service conservation on private lands, which are playing an increasingly important role in conservation efforts. Specifically, his study examines the potential for PES to address conservation and livelihood issues in the buffer-zone of La Amistad Bi-national World Heritage Site in Western Panama, and provides insights for the equitable architecture of such a program. Although Panama does not currently have a national or regional PES program, there is widely recognized potential for program development. We conducted a survey of 344 farmers regarding their interest in a hypothetical PES program. While respondents reported a lack of familiarity with the PES concept, after being provided with an explanation, many expressed interest in participating; interest was greatest for the agroforestry and forest conservation scenarios. Using logistic regression analyses we found that farm size, participation in other conservation programs, the number of conservation organizations with which the farmer has worked, and total income were all significant predictive factors of willingness to participate for at least one of three program scenarios with a positive relationship. Land tenure security and age were significant explanatory factors with a negative relationship for one or more scenario. Several of these factors are related to a household's socioeconomic status. We also investigated equity and fairness concerns including how potential PES program design factors related to minimum enrolled area, land tenure, and land characteristics (e.g., slope) might affect eligibility of low-income households, an increasingly important target of PES programs, particularly in developing countries. Using eligibility requirements based off of Costa Rica's national program, and also generally in-line with programs elsewhere, we found that respondents who ranked lower on our constructed socioeconomic scale were less likely to be eligible to enroll in a Panamanian PES program despite that many are willing to participate. PES land enrollment requirements, tenure, and land characteristics (e.g. slope) result in participation trade-offs. For example, higher land enrollment requirements result in a rapid decline in potential participants. Our research contributes to a key piece of the PES design puzzle by proactively exploring ways to ensure that landowners across the socioeconomic spectrum (particularly the poor) are able to participate. Understanding trade-offs is important for guiding PES program architecture to achieve rural development and poverty alleviation goals in tandem with conservation outcomes.
Open Access
The effect of message framing on environmental behavior
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2010) Ford, David K., author; Bruyere, Brett L., advisor; Champ, Joseph G., committee member; Thompson, Jessica Leigh, committee member
More and more, traditional research methodologies face limitations of increased non-response rates and lack of participation by a diversity of survey respondents. The influence of normative messages has also been examined, but prior studies indicate the need for further investigation regarding the impact visual stimuli has on environmental behavioral intentions. In this exploratory study I examine the influence of message framing on environmental behaviors within an exploratory study using social media as a method to collect data. Based on the results from 69 participants comparing two on-line videos, results show that messages with economics frames yielded no differences about participants' likelihood to engage in environmental behaviors compared to messages with a frame based on social norms. Results also indicate the importance of specificity within messages, further isolating variables within visual experiments. This particular method reached a homogenous group of respondents with similar values about nature and the environment. It is also concluded that popular on-line social media sites such as Facebook have limited ability to draw a random sample of survey participants.
Open Access
Connecting children and families to nature: targeting wildlife agency education initiatives
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2011) Cohen, Christine E., author; Bruyere, Brett, advisor; Teel, Tara, committee member; Benson, Delwin, committee member
The following thesis presents two manuscripts that explore how information on barriers to participation in nature-based programs and wildlife value orientations (WVOs) could be used to enhance the reach and effectiveness of wildlife agencies in connecting children to nature. Strengthened by proven physical, social and cognitive benefits as well as potential impacts upon the development of life-long environmental values and attitudes, wildlife agencies have an interest in addressing the human-nature disconnect in order to maintain and/or increase support for future conservation initiatives and secure future funding sources. The primary purpose of the first manuscript was to explore how information about WVOs, barriers to participation in nature-based programs and program topic preferences might be integrated to improve targeting of wildlife agency education initiatives for specific audiences. Data were collected via a mail survey administered to residents of Helena, Montana. Results indicated that there are significant differences in both barriers to participation and program topic preferences across WVOs. Although significantly different, limited barriers to participation were found for the relatively homogenous population surveyed indicating a need for further research to determine if findings can be applied to other populations and geographic locations. The second manuscript identified the specific program preferences and barriers for a group of teachers in Rapid City and Spearfish, South Dakota. A case study approach examined the barriers to both integrating EE into classrooms and incorporating programs taught by informal EE providers into curriculum. Focus group discussions provided valuable insight into how a local wildlife agency could most effectively target education efforts in order to overcome barriers and adapt programming for both students and teachers at a new education center in Rapid City, South Dakota. Results of focus group discussion provide recommendations for the design and marketing of school-based EE programs for Rapid City area teachers.
Open Access
An exploration of visitor motivations: the search for silence
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2011) Marin, Lelaina Denise, author; Newman, Peter, advisor; Fristrup, Kurt M., committee member; Lawson, Steve, committee member
This research aims to study the relationship between visitor motivations for experiencing solitude, sounds of nature, and quiet and a visitor's soundscape experience. This relationship will improve managers' ability to provide satisfying and diverse experiences for their visitors and "protect" something that is increasingly rare outside of national parks and other protected natural areas; natural sounds and quiet. Chapter 1 focuses on the effect motivation for a quiet setting can have on acceptability of natural or human-caused sound in Muir Woods National Monument. This study used a dose-response methodology where visitors listened to five audio recordings varying in the percentage of time that human-caused sound was louder than natural sound (percent time above). Visitors were then asked to rate the acceptability of each recording. Three sound-related motivations for visiting Muir Woods were examined: "enjoying peace and quiet", "hearing sounds of nature" and "experiencing solitude." Cluster analysis was used to identify discrete groups with similar motivational profiles (i.e., low, moderate and high motivation for quiet). Results indicated that as percent time above natural sound increased, visitor ratings of human-caused sound decreased. Tolerance for human-caused sound also decreased as motivation for quiet increased. Consensus regarding the acceptability of sound was greatest when the percent time above natural sound was lowest (i.e., quietest sounds). Chapter 2 describes a study of the ability of motivations to predict which of three locations a visitor would most likely choose for recreation. Particular focus was given to sound-related motivations. Data for this study were collected at three sites with varying visitation levels within two national parks; Sequoia National Park-backcountry (low visitation), Sequoia National Park-frontcountry (moderate visitation), and Muir Woods National Monument -frontcountry (high visitation). Survey respondents were asked to rate the importance of six items in their decision to visit the particular park; (a) scenic beauty; (b) experience solitude; (c) time with family and friends; (d) get exercise; (e) experience the sounds of nature; and (f) peace and quiet. Results showed that, of the three study sites, those visitors more motivated to spend time with family and friends and experience the sounds of nature were more likely to visit a frontcountry site, while those motivated for experiencing solitude and getting exercise were more likely to visit a backcountry site. The experience of peace and quiet was not a significant predictor of park location chosen, suggesting that respondents were similarly motivated for quiet across all three sites. Both chapters in this thesis reveal interesting results that may cause managers to consider soundscape management differently in frontcountry and backcountry areas of national parks. For example, these results imply setting acoustic standards, designating management zones, and using education programs to manage for and meet varying levels of motivation for experiencing natural sounds and quiet.
Open Access
Photograph presentation order and range effects in visual based outdoor recreation research
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2011) Gibson, Adam Wesley, author; Newman, Peter, advisor; Bell, Paul, committee member; Fristrup, Kurt, committee member; Lawson, Steve, committee member
Visual based research methods, referring to the use of visual images to represent recreation resource conditions, are commonly used in outdoor recreation research to investigate appropriate levels of visitor use. Visual methods were developed to allow for the simulation of recreation resource conditions that would be difficult to describe using narrative methods. The research contained in this dissertation builds on previous research related to visual based methods of outdoor recreation. While data from visual based research methods can provide a strong empirical basis to support outdoor recreation management decision-making, visual research methods applied in this context are subject to several potential sources of measurement bias. These potential sources of bias include effects associated with photograph presentation order, and effects associated with the range of resource conditions depicted. These two biases are respectively referred to as order effect and range effect. This dissertation examines the issues of order and range effect biases in visual based outdoor recreation research. In a lab setting, respondents were asked to rate a series of photographs of a recreation site in Rocky Mountain National Park in terms if the acceptability of the number of people at one time (PAOT) as depicted in the photographs. In order to test for order effects, respondents were separated into six groups where photograph presentation order differed for each group. Results from qualitative and quantitative analyses indicate photograph presentation order significantly affected photograph acceptability ratings. In order to test for range effects, respondents were divided into seven groups where PAOT range differed for each group. Results from qualitative and quantitative analyses indicate range significantly affected photograph acceptability ratings. Results from the investigations of order and range effects suggest a number of different principles that could be applied to future studies employing visual based methods. These principles are discussed along with future avenues of research that were uncovered through the course of the investigations of order and range effect biases.
Open Access
Hunters' response to chronic wasting disease in four states
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2011) Lyon, Katie M., author; Vaske, Jerry J., 1951-, advisor; Donnelly, Maureen P., committee member; Wilson, Kenneth R. (Kenneth Ray), committee member
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) found in deer, elk, and moose. Although there is no evidence to suggest that CWD can be transmitted to humans, the possibility cannot be dismissed. Given similarities between CWD and other TSE diseases that cause human death (e.g., variant Creutzfeld-Jakob disease), wildlife agencies are concerned that possible unknown risks associated with CWD will erode hunters' willingness to hunt in states where the disease is found. This thesis presents two articles that examine the extent to which hunters would quit hunting in response to CWD using data from surveys (n = 3,519) of resident and nonresident deer hunters in four states. The first paper examined how factors related and unrelated to CWD influence hunters to stop hunting deer in their state. A series of binary logistic regression models examined the influence of four dimensions of predictor variables: (a) prevalence of CWD in the state, (b) human impact, (c) perceived human health impacts from CWD, and (d) location of hunting participation (i.e., state, residency). Human death from CWD and perceived risks associated with the disease had the largest effect on hunter behavior. If CWD prevalence increases dramatically, participation in deer hunting in these four states will decrease substantially. If high prevalence is combined with human death from CWD and other significant predictors of hunter behavior, the decline will be even greater. The second paper examined the extent to which interactions between prevalence, risk, residency, and state influence individuals to stop hunting deer in the state. Prevalence was the strongest predictor of quitting hunting in the state followed by human impact and perceived risk. State and residency were weak, but statistically significant predictors. Interactions among these predictors were hypothesized to increase potential for quitting hunting in the state. Multivariate log-linear analysis highlighted significant interactions; 12 two-way interactions, 6 three-way interactions, and 1 four-way interaction were statistically significant. Decisions to quit hunting in the state interacted with each of the five factors suggesting that they all influenced hunter behavior. The significant three-way interaction among quit hunting * perceived risk * resident, for example, indicated that nonresidents of the state who perceived greater risk were more likely to quit hunting deer in the state. This analysis illustrates the complexity of understanding hunter behavior in response to CWD.
Open Access
Connecting children to nature: integrating technology into nature programs and incorporating environmental education into an urban after-school program
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2011) Wesson, Mark, author; Bruyere, Brett, advisor; Teel, Tara, committee member; Broadfoot, Kirsten, committee member
This thesis consists of two documents that describe different aspects of a broader project with the ultimate goal of connecting children and their families to nature. The first paper addresses the integration of technology and knowledge about people's wildlife value orientations (WVO's) to influence participation in nature programs. While a domination orientation defines wildlife primarily as a resource to be used and managed for human benefit, a mutualism orientation perceives wildlife as capable of relationships of trust with humans and as life forms deserving of rights and caring. These different orientations have different implications for response to wildlife issues and for participation in wildlife-related recreation. The mixed-methods study included survey data acquired from a sample of residents (n = 282) from Wake County, North Carolina and a subset of that sample that subsequently participated in focus groups and a pilot program about box turtle tracking using radio telemetry. Results indicated that interest in nature and nature programs incorporating technology was positive among all WVO segments - though the motivation for that interest was different for the distanced WVO group - and that the use of technology in nature programs can facilitate positive, nature-focused experiences for families. This research represents a step in developing methods for integrating technology into optimal programs directed towards segments of society with specific WVO's. The second paper examines the incorporation of Environmental Education (EE) into an after-school program in the Bronx, New York City. In this qualitative case study, focus group interviews were conducted to first determine parent and educator interest in and barriers to participation in nature programs and incorporation of EE into the curriculum. Interest level was high and a series of trainings in EE were conducted and evaluated. Findings reveal that some of the barriers to incorporating EE were only perceived barriers and successful integration is possible as long as interest and motivation is present. Staff showed significant confidence and ability to teach EE in there program after minimal training and were motivated to continue with the curriculum due to strong support from the students and parents. Methods from this study for effective incorporation of EE into an existing curriculum could be modeled in both the formal and non-formal classroom.
Open Access
The development and evaluation of an automated multimedia kiosk-based visitor survey system in Iguaçu National Park, Brazil
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2011) Nobre, Ismael, author; Wallace, George N., advisor; Rolston, Holmes, 1932-, committee member; Vaske, Jerry J., 1951-, committee member; Newman, Peter, 1972-, committee member
The Brazilian system of parks and related areas has shown a continued increase in geographic area and in recreational use demands. The federal government recently established policies aimed at improving visitor management and setting standards for public visitation to the nation's protected area (PA) system - a major shift from the era where visitors were seen as burdensome to conservationists. New policies require the collection of visitor information to inform improvements to the visitor experience and other management actions. Brazilian PA managers, however, have a limited data base, limited experience and few resources for undertaking visitor studies. Accordingly, this research developed and evaluated an automated visitor interviewing system to help close this information gap. The system developed and integrated custom-made software and hardware capable of collecting multidimensional survey data, including cognitive data, environmental variables, and the affective state of respondents. The kiosk system utilizes an animated virtual host as part of a machine-human communication strategy aimed at intertwining the survey system with the park experience. The multimedia design reduces the respondent burden and enables the evaluation of current or future physical, social and managerial settings using virtual reality depictions. A variety of features reduces the administrative burden for managers. The development and use of the kiosk are described in detail. The prototype survey station was tested in Iguaçu National Park, Brazil, between January and December of 2008 yielding a sample size of 4,047 respondents. The study evaluated the ability of an unhosted station to collect good visitor information and the time and effort visitors spent answering the questionnaire and interacting with the survey station. It also assessed how environmental variables like weather or river flow, (also measured by the station), affected visitor satisfaction. The study found among other results that the survey station operating in either a hosted or unhosted mode, produced the same results; that 54.8% of respondents were committed to answering to all questions, 26% were partially committed and 19.1% were uncommitted; and verified that environmental variables did affect overall visitor satisfaction.
Open Access
Do you see what I see? Photovoice, community-based research, and conservation education in Samburu, Kenya
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2011) Beh, Adam Wesley, author; Bruyere, Brett L., advisor; Galvin, Kathleen, committee member; Davies, Timothy Gray, 1942-, committee member; Reid, Robin Spencer, committee member
In the remote region of Samburu East District in north-central Kenya, community-based conservation (CBC) may arguably provide the best way forward for realizing conservation goals. Education is often identified as an integral part in realizing CBC goals in rural African contexts. Moreover, CBC efforts on the African continent have revealed mixed results regarding success, and there no agreed upon method for evaluating the effectiveness of community-based research on specific conservation education issues, particularly with those disempowered human populations living in and adjacent to conservation areas. Photovoice, a community-based participatory action research (CBPAR) strategy, is evaluated as an effective tool for realizing community-based research goals by its ability to address three core criteria: community-centered control, knowledge production and outcome-oriented results. The Samburu photovoice project employed park rangers and scouts, local teachers and community members in this creative CBPAR strategy to identify local conservation education concerns, and propose opportunities for community involvement in addressing these concerns. Over the course of 8 months, during one of the most severe droughts in recent memory, members of the Samburu community photographed their landscape and collectively addressed the current state of conservation knowledge. Through photo and narrative analysis and participant observation, the Samburu photovoice project is evaluated as effectively supported by the local community; has proven to produce conservation knowledge and allow for disempowered members of the community to have a voice on current issues that affect them; and has ultimately empowered some Samburu community members to act on their newly acquired knowledge. Implications for use as a methodology in Kenya and in other conservation education contexts are discussed. Additionally, narrative inquiry and holistic-content analysis strategies were used to uncover the culturally appropriate learning environment that may best allow for effective conservation education in the Samburu communities. Five of the original 26 photovoice participants were involved in semi-structured interviews to explore this learning phenomenon. The approach provided a rich description of three major themes regarding effective and culturally appropriate learning environments for conservation instruction in Samburu. This includes: exposure to new landscapes coupled with guided discussion, place-based and project-oriented instruction, and cultural drivers. Implications for the development of future conservation instruction in Samburu are given.