Progress 06/01/04 to 05/31/09
Outputs
Two major projects were the focus of activity since 2004. 1. An evaluation of public participation procedures used by the Wildlife Division (MIDNR) involved an exhaustive review of published literature on public participation, interview of agency employees and stakeholders, analysis of case studies of public participation, review of existing research and new research to evaluate the effectiveness of current public participation methods. Specific objectives were: (1) prepare a document synthesizing public involvement guidelines adapted to specific agency needs; (2) review and evaluation of current agency approaches; (3) identification of barriers to effective public participation; (4) recommendations to make public involvement more effective. Over 100 references were selected for citation in the report bibliography. Barriers to effective public participation included: inadequate integration of Division public opinion assessments with the NRC decision making process;
non-systematic approach to obtain an appropriate balance of public participation outcomes; inadequate expertise to implement and interpret public participation; inadequate engagement of all appropriate stakeholders; unguided public consideration of and participation in major issues; unmet information and education needs of stakeholders. Recommendations included continued, enhanced coordination of Division and NRC efforts; address public participation as a major planning component; implement consistent and predictable public participation processes; a pro-active approach to issues; incorporate issue analysis and review of public participation needs in prioritization of wildlife regulations; provide a source of public participation expertise for the Division; include public participation events as part of employees' annual work plans; expand public survey activities to anticipate emerging wildlife issues. 2. A second focus provided leadership in a comprehensive planning process in
anticipation of impending state authority to manage the gray wolf in MI. The process included a strong outreach component to guide the planning approach and implement research findings. Research involved a survey of 10000 MI citizens and preliminary work with focus groups to develop the survey design. The survey addressed social carrying capacity for wolves in MI and public attitudes about specific options that might be used to manage various problems and benefits associated with wolves. Social carrying capacity (SCC) was defined as that level of wolf abundance and/or wolf/human interactions accepted by all affected stakeholders. Results showed a SCC for wolves in Michigan must be created by changes in tolerances among disagreeing stakeholders. Levels of wolf-human interactions beyond current level in the Upper Peninsula will not be tolerated unless changes are slow, adjustments occur in public tolerances, and/or management programs reduce impacts or perceptions of risks. Public
attitudes towards various management options and tradeoffs were described to assist in developing acceptable plans to manage problems (e.g., domestic animal depredation, nuisance wolf behavior).
Impacts
The project has provided an evaluation of public participation processes for the state agency that includes recommendations and a complete resource manual to guide the Wildlife Division in improving these processes. The principles presented here were illustrated in a comprehensive wolf management planning model. The information generated by the wolf survey research was instrumental in enabling a diverse citizen roundtable to evaluate and reach consensus on contentious management issues that are key components of the state's wolf plan. The findings of the survey are the basis for conspicuous components of the draft strategic plan that has been submitted for Division review. The MAES project has not only provided immediate information needed for the wolf management project, but the combined effect of these two efforts lays the ground work for improved public participation if the agency remains motivated to do so. Other wildlife management programs in the Michigan
Wildlife Division have already adopted the approaches espoused in these two projects.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
WOLF MANAGEMENT PLAN: The PI assessed social carrying capacity (SCC) for the wolf in the Upper Peninsula (UP), northern Lower Peninsula (NLP) and southern Lower Peninsula (SLP) of Michigan. Ten regional public meetings identified salient public issues. Focus groups refined issues and developed two questionnaire versions to assess public attitudes regarding appropriate wolf abundance (SCC) and acceptability of options to manage wolf-human interactions and wolf abundance. Surveys were mailed to 10,000 MI residents. Stratified samples enabled analysis by region and specific stakeholder groups. Respondents selected their minimum, preferred and maximum levels of UP wolves from five situations presenting various wolf abundance, distribution and wolfhuman interactions. Results showed that citizens disagreed on appropriate wolf abundance and interactions. A SCC for wolves in the UP Michigan will have to be created by changes in tolerances among disagreeing stakeholders.
Increased levels of interactions between wolves and humans beyond those currently being experienced in the UP are likely to be met with growing intolerance even among stakeholders who are generally supportive of wolf presence in the UP. The tolerance for wolves and their interactions with human society in the LP is even less than for UP wolves. NLP livestock producers are less tolerant of wolves in their farming areas than are UP producers. Knowledge of public attitudes towards various management options and tradeoffs will guide the agency in choosing acceptable management plans to address problems such as livestock depredation or nuisance wolf behavior. EVALUATION OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: This project reviewed literature, interviewed employees and stakeholders, analyzed case studies, examined existing research data and conducted new research to evaluate public participation methods. Both the Wildlife Division and the Natural Resource Commission (NRC) accept public engagement as an
important component of the wildlife management and regulation decision process. The Wildlife Division has become more active in conducting issue-related surveys of stakeholders to stay abreast of future needs to evaluate management options for the NRC. Ongoing efforts to engage the public in strategic planning for non-game, bear management, and deer management reflect a heightened interest in and improved approach to public participation. The relationship between the NRC and the Wildlife Division has improved and the role of the Wildlife Division has been better defined. Dialogue between the agency and the Commission appears to be open and continuing in this regard. The project identified barriers that appear to constrain improvement of the use of public participation. For example, limitations of budget and personnel have caused many public participation efforts to be fragmented rather than programmatic and often reactive to highly controversial issues rather than a proactive means of
avoiding such disruptions. Six major barriers were identified and discussed.
Impacts
WOLF MANAGEMENT PLAN: Knowledge of public opinion regarding wolf issues will make the strategic plan for MI wolf management effective and generally acceptable to the public. The study enabled the agency to initiate information and education approaches to increase acceptability of unpopular decisions. In addition, the data and tested methodology for assessing social carrying capacity will enable monitoring public tolerances over time and evaluate various management approaches. The methodology has application to other species presenting future management issues. The primary products were used to inform members of a Michigan Citizens Roundtable that successfully addressed value conflicts and recommended guidelines for the MiDNR strategic planning process. The agency has committed to integrate these recommendations in the final plan. EVALUATION OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: The recommendations require a reallocation of resources from other highly valued Division functions.
Most relate to the need for planning and are constrained by the restricted resources. A strategic plan would lead to an effective set of operational plans but will require specialized expertise and/or time of Division staff with some experience and training in public participation methods. The plan should focus on achieving a systematic, pro-active approach to public participation to reduce many identified barriers. Eight recommendations were made in the report.
Publications
- Beyer,D. Hogrefe,T. Peyton,R.B. Bull,P. Burroughs,J. Lederle,P. 2006. Review of social and biological science relevant to wolf management in Michigan. Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Pittman-Robertson project W-147-R. Study 147. 384 pp.
- Peyton,R.B. Bull,P. 2006. Assessment of MiDNR Wildlife Division Public Involvement Processes and Opportunities for Improvement. Final Report to Wildlife Division, Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Pittman-Robertson project W-147-R. Study 138. 109 pp.
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
EVALUATION OF BLACK BASS FISHING SEASONS. A mail survey was administered to a random sample of 10000 fishing license holders. Only 39% responded due to lack of interest in black bass seasons among many licensed anglers. Among respondents, 52% fished for bass, 8% fished in tournaments, 50% expressed interest in the bass questions. Only 20% of respondents fished solely for bass, half fished very little for bass. Over half already released more than 90% of legal bass. Demand for c and r seasons was low. Half of respondents approved of leaving the current season without c and r, 25% wanted the change. Less than a third of interested anglers intended to fish more days if an early c and r season was opened. The current and intended bass fishing practices reported by anglers predicted the impacts of c and r options on bass and on angler satisfaction. ASSESSING THE SOCIAL CARRYING CAPACITY (SCC) FOR WOLVES IN MICHIGAN. This project supports state planning for the inevitable
de-listing of wolves by the USFWS. It is providing information on public tolerances of wolf populations and their impacts and also public attitudes about various management strategies for controlling populations and reducing negative impacts. We organized 10 public meetings and administered surveys to participants (433) to identify key wolf management issues. Outcomes refined research questions and questionnaire design for a survey of MI residents. Focus groups were held with 9 different interest groups involving 80 participants to develop effective survey questions. Surveys were mailed to 8900 driver license holders, 1089 livestock producers and 1000 furtakers in November and December. Mailing of surveys will be completed in January 2006. Response rates thus far range from about 50% for driver license samples to nearly 70% for livestock growers and furtakers. Results will be integrated into a wolf management white paper summarizing the status of our biological and social science
relative to the management of wolves. The document will serve as background for a citizen roundtable convened in spring 2006 and charged with providing recommendations to the state agency for addressing key issues in a management plan. EVALUATION OF PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT. This project was suspended to 2006 when final reports will be prepared. However, a Wildlife Division project to set deer population goals called for public involvement through meetings held in December 2005 to January 2006. We used questionnaires to document participant attitudes regarding appropriate criteria for setting population goals and their opinions of the status of those criteria in their hunting areas. Responses will be quantified and compared to comments made at meetings. In addition, a statewide mailing of a small sample will allow some comparison of attitudes between participants and stakeholders not able or willing to attend the meetings.
Impacts
The black bass survey predicted angler satisfaction and bass harvest under various catch and release options and shifted agency position. Their reluctance to implement a catch and release season before the normal bass season changed because the projected impacts on bass resources were acceptable. Conflict with stakeholder groups was reduced in the decision process. The Natural Resource Commission publicly endorsed the report as key in their decision. The use of our survey has demonstrated to the state Fisheries Division the utility of a carefully designed measure of public opinions and may improve their use of social information in future decision making. Our wolf social attitudes project has a key role in the planning process and selection of public involvement methods to be used. Results of the public meetings and focus groups have focused planners on key wolf issues to ensure that the white paper will be an effective aid. When survey results are integrated with the
biological information available, members of the citizen roundtable and agency planners will have a sound basis for evaluating management options. Thus far, questionnaires from deer population goal meetings with the public have been well received. Most comments by meeting participants have not addressed the specific goal questions and without these direct measures provided by the questionnaires, managers would have little information to evaluate their proposed goals.
Publications
- Peyton, R.B. and Bull, P. 2005. Are Michigan deer hunters satisfied stewards or coerced conservationists? Proceedings of the Michigan Society of American Foresters Conference. 1:109-124
- Bull, P. and Peyton, R.B. 2005. 2005 Michigan wolf management focus group meeting results. Report to MI DNR Wildlife Division. 40 p.
- Bull, P. and Peyton, R.B. 2005. 2005 Michigan wolf management meetings survey of participants. Report to MI DNR Wildlife Division. 22 p.
- Bull, P. and Peyton, R.B. 2005. 2005 Michigan bass survey results. Report to MI DNR Fisheries Division. 27 p.
- Stewart, P., et al. 2005. Michigan hunter recruitment and retention work group recommendations. Mi DNR Report to the Director. 28 p.
- Wallmo, K., Lupi, F., Peyton, R.B. and Bull, P. 2005. Public and hunter tradeoffs between deer populations and the external effects of deer. in Benefits and Costs of Resource Policies Affecting Public and Private Land, (D. McLeod), Western Regional Research Publication. 291-311.
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
ATTITUDES, BEHAVIOR, AND EFFORT OF HUNTERS IN BOVINE TB AREAS OF MICHIGAN. This study is exploring the impact of Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) among wild deer in Michigan on hunter use of the region. Information on deer hunter mobility, and reasons for choosing hunting areas have implications for continued BTB management and for planning responses to a possible introduction of Chronic Wasting Disease. Preliminary analysis of 1 of 2 surveys showed no substantial differences in hunter loyalty between the BTB region and control counties. Only minor influences of the presence of BTB or BTB management were found on hunter use of the BTB region. If faced with the presence of CWD among Michigan deer, most (85 percent) respondents intended to continue deer hunting in Michigan, and fewer than 5 percent would not hunt in the affected CWD region. Two thirds would hunt as usual but would have their deer checked for CWD. EVALUATION OF PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IN WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
DECISION-MAKING. Results of a literature search are being used to create a model for evaluating public involvement procedures. Management Unit Supervisors were surveyed regarding types of and occasions for public involvement currently being used in the field. Two surveys have been used to evaluate public input on decisions regarding fur-harvest regulations and waterfowl seasons. The evaluated input included a citizen advisory group model, input to a professional working group and public input to Natural Resource Commission meetings. Evidence showed that the advisory group recommendations did not represent a cross section of the states waterfowl hunters. Recommendations by the professional working group based on solicited input from user groups represented the states fur-harvesters better than NRC decisions based on testimony of individuals at Commission meetings. Evaluation is continuing in 2005. ASSESSING THE SOCIAL CARRYING CAPACITY (SCC) FOR WOLVES IN MICHIGAN. If current efforts
to federally delist the Great Lakes population of wolves succeed, the state agency will be responsible for wolf management. A professional Wolf Working Group (WWG) has been established by the Mi DNR to develop a strategic plan for wolf management. This project was funded as a means of assisting the WWG with the human dimension of the planning process. The project began in October 04. A SCC model has been developed to guide in the assessment of public tolerances of and demand for wolves in MI. A public involvement plan includes focus groups and surveys that will provide the needed assessment. EVALUATION OF PROPOSED CHANGES IN BLACK BASS FISHING SEASONS. Options to increase fishing opportunities for black bass have been identified by a professional working group (WG) in the Fisheries Division. This MAES project is evaluating impacts of season options on angler satisfaction. A survey was designed and used with participants in statewide public meetings. Most participants were tournament
anglers. A plurality of participants preferred the current season when presented 4 options. Based on this evaluation, the WG re-assessed the options. Survey 2 will assess opinions among a statewide sample of black bass anglers.
Impacts
1. Politics often prevail over science in resource management. A necessary but insufficient prerequisite to satisfactorily blending political and scientific input is an effective collection and consideration of public input. The lack of conclusive science to select management approaches also influences the process. Science is often used to support politically desirable decisions and ignored when it opposes them. Frequent uncertainty in science increases the importance of effective public input methods. Related studies are evaluating state agency use of public input in resource management. Primary input methods are not meeting desired criteria for effective public input. The studies will provide a scientific basis to improve as well as integrate public and scientific input in resource management. 2. The project also is addressing the impact of bovine Tuberculosis (BTB) in wild deer and the associated management approaches on hunter satisfactions and behavior. The
relationship is important not only to BTB management but of the potential for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in MI wild cervids. Reduction in deer hunting participation would have serious economic and social effects and reduce hunting as a tool to control deer populations. Results suggest the impact of BTB has been minimal on hunter selection of areas. Their intentions in the presence of CWD do not predict an alarming drop out among deer hunters. Results being developed on hunter motivations and factors influencing choices provide recommendations for further reducing impacts on hunter participation.
Publications
- Bull,P., Peyton,B., Lupi,F. 2004. The effect of disease management policies and outcomes on deer hunting location: the mobility of michigan deer hunters. 2004 Midwest Conference Abstracts. 65th Annual Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference. Indianapolis, Indiana.
- Souilliere,G., Frawley,B., Peyton,B. and Bull,P. 2004. Opinions of Mi waterfowl hunter stakeholders on regulations management and satisfaction 2002-2003. Michigan Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division Report 29 pp.
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
Study 1: An Investigation of Michigan Deer Hunters Baiting Behaviors During the 2001 Deer Hunting Season. Two questionnaires were mailed to 4000 Michigan deer hunters in 2002. One was designed to assess the influence of baiting practices on harvest success and the potential implications for baiting regulations as a means of managing bovine tuberculosis in Michigan deer. The second investigated a methodology for determining hunter compliance with existing baiting regulations but failed to provide meaningful results. The use of baiting practices has increased from 1990, but declined slightly since 1999. Use of bait was highest among hunters residing in the Upper Peninsula (81%), lower among northern lower peninsula hunters (67%) and reported by only 35% of southern lower peninsula hunters. Important differences were found between those who always used bait to hunt deer (baiters), those who hunted deer with and without bait (occasional baiters) and those who never used
bait (non-baiters) Occasional baiters reported an overall higher harvest rate than the other two groups, and hunted more days per harvested deer. Future tracking of these behaviors should identify occasional hunters who harvested many deer without bait. Including them with baiters would mislead managers regarding the influence of bait on deer harvest. Overall harvest efficiency of bait was higher in the archery seasons, but less efficient in the firearm and muzzle loader seasons. For combined seasons deer were harvested more efficiently (days effort per deer) without bait. Among successful hunters deer harvested with bait per hunter (1.34) was similar to harvest without bait (1.39). Overall, bait appears to be less important to statewide harvest effectiveness than other hunting behaviors. Study 2: Attitudes, Behavior, and Effort of Hunters in Bovine TB Areas of Michigan. Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) among wild deer in northeastern Michigan has resulted in dramatic hunting restrictions
and reduction of the regional deer herd through increased deer harvest. This study was initiated in 2003 to explore the impact such dramatic changes had on hunter use of the region, to understand the mobility of deer hunters, and determine their reasons for selecting regions to hunt. Findings would have implications for continued BTB management in Michigan and also better prepare the management agency to anticipate responses to a possible presence of Chronic Wasting Disease. Two surveys were designed and mailed in 2003. One was a statewide mailing to 2002 license holders. The second focused on impacts of BTB management in the NE region. Hunters who hunted in the region in 1997 received surveys. Hunters who hunted in northern counties without BTB served as control. Data are currently being entered for analysis.
Impacts
Study 1: The spread of diseases such as BTB and Chronic Wasting Disease is likely increased by physical contact at feed and bait piles. Reduction of physical contacts by eliminating piles of food and lowering deer densities through hunter harvest are key strategies in the BTB eradication program in Michigan. Deer hunters opposed the strategies and argued that baiting is needed to harvest sufficient deer. Results show this is not the case and the policy against baiting should be continued. Evidence suggests baiting may be on the decline. It has been suspected that younger hunters learned baiting to the exclusion of more tradition methods of hunting deer. However, older aged hunters were more likely to use bait in our study. Our results support a continued effort to reduce the baiting and feeding practices which appear to be related to disease transmission among deer. Study 2: Data are not available.
Publications
- Holsman, R.H. Peyton, R.B. 2003. Stakeholder attitudes toward ecosystem management in southern Michigan. Wildlife Society Bulletin 31:349-361.
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
Study 1: Factors influencing social carrying capacity for white tailed deer in 3 regions of Michigan. The choice modeling experimental design asked respondents to choose between numbers of deer and deer impacts such as crop damage, deer health, auto-deer collisions and over browsing on forests. Models were simulated using hypothetical management outcomes that increase and decrease deer and buck numbers, and the externalities, by various amounts. Among all attributes, mature bucks seems to be a key attribute for hunters. Generally, when outcomes included changes to buck numbers, choice probabilities for hunters and non-hunters were different. However, when there were no changes to buck numbers but all other changes were the same, both groups generally had similar probabilities. Hunters will accept greater externality increases for increases in mature bucks than increases in deer, and greater increases in deer-vehicle collisions and deer browsing than non-hunters for
increased deer numbers. Both groups accept about the same increase in poor herd health for an increase in deer. Deer damage to residential property and to agriculture do not effect utility for either group, while poor herd health, deer-vehicle collisions, and deer browsing provide disutility to both groups. Regional differences exist. E.g., Concern for crop damage was higher in the two northern regions than the southwest region of Michigan. Based on the hypothetical outcomes used to simulate the choice models, a win-win deer scenario for both hunters and public decreases the number of deer and the level of deer-related externalities but increases the number of mature bucks. Marginal rates of substitution (MRS) can be calculated to provide managers with a conversion to estimate quantitative trade-offs. Research has demonstrated that within certain ranges of values, MRS would be useful for deer management professionals. Study 2: An Investigation of Michigan Deer Hunter's Baiting
Behaviors During the 2001 Deer Hunting Season. Two questionnaires were mailed to Michigan deer hunters in 2002. One was designed to assess the influence of baiting practices on harvest success and the potential implications for baiting regulations as a means of managing bovine tuberculosis in Michigan deer. The second investigated hunter compliance with existing baiting regulations. A random sample of hunters who purchased a 2001 Michigan deer hunting licence was obtained from the Wildlife Division of Michigan's Department of Natural Resources (MDNR). The sample included 1000 names for each of the Upper Penninsula and northern Lower Peninsula. The majority of the state's deer hunters reside in the southern Lower peninsula and response rates are generally lower so 2000 names were drawn from this area. Two separate questionnaires were included in the mailings (spring 2002) and respondents could return them together or separately. Final response rates were 62% for the UP, 60% for
northern LP and 55% for southern LP. Preliminary findings suggest the use of baiting practices has increased from 1990, but declined slightly since 1999. Further data analysis is proceeding.
Impacts
Study 1: Management of Michigan's white-tailed deer herd necessarily involves trade-offs in benefits and costs. Social carrying capacity models offer conceptual guidance for considering the variety of stakeholders with differing perceptions and preferences regarding those tradeoffs. However, quantitative information is needed to allow wildlife managers to place priorities on outcomes and optimize impacts of deer numbers. Generally, the hunting community has resisted efforts to reduce deer numbers and have accepted impacts such as auto-deer collision rates, agriculture crop damage, etc. This study suggests that modifying the number of mature bucks in the herd may compensate hunters for a reduction in overall herd size. The non-hunting public values deer numbers but is willing to trade off deer herd size to lower associated costs. The study offers specific regional information that managers can use to set deer population goals and design strategies for reducing conflict
between stakeholders while increasing acceptance for these goals. Results are being integrated into a management model with results from two concurrent studies on deer population and deer habitat. Study 2: Data are not yet completely analyzed and impacts cannot be projected at this time.
Publications
- Coon, T. G., H. Campa III, A. B. Felix, R. B. Peyton, S. R. Winterstein, F. Lupi, M. Schutz, J. Sikarskie. 2002. Farming captive cervids: a review of social, economic and ecological opportunities and risks in Michigan and North America. Trans. 67th N. Amer. Wildl. And Natur. Resources Conference. 251- 268.
- Bull, P. and R. B. Peyton. 2002. QDM Perceptions and Attitudes. Quality Whitetails 9:(1): 33-36.
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Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
A questionnaire was designed and mailed in 2001 that asked respondents to make trade-offs among attributes associated with white-tailed deer populations. Data are currently being analyzed. Each questionnaire included three choice experiment scenarios which were developed from focus groups and then piloted and revised for inclusion in the final instrument. Forty eight versions of the survey were mailed to a total of 4950 individuals in three distinct regions of Michigan. Individuals were selected randomly from two sources: names of hunters in the study region provided by the Michigan DNR and names of non-hunter residents in the study region provided by the Michigan Secretary of State. Adjusted response rates varied from 61% for non-hunters to 65% for hunters. Preliminary results suggest that regional differences exist in preferences for setting and managing for deer populations goals. For example, residents of the northwestern upper peninsula are significantly more
satisfied with increases in the number of deer than are residents of the southwestern lower peninsula, a considerably more urban environment. Results also suggest that stakeholder satisfaction depends not only on the number of deer, but also on other deer-related attributes, such as herd health and residential property damage. A related project involved a study of deer hunters regarding their understanding of and preferences for regulations related to quality deer management (QDM) approaches that increase buck:doe ratios and produce an older age structure among male deer. Surveys were sent to 10,000 deer hunters with a response rate of 62%. Results revealed strong support for many related proposals. Although respondents were generally aware of some QDM principles, many did not understand the comprehensive nature of QDM goals. Those respondents who valued deer hunting over all other recreational activities were split on several proposals suggesting strong potential for conflict.
Impacts
The study regarding public preferences for tradeoffs in deer management goals is not yet complete but is expected to be a key component of a holistic approach to deer management in Michigan. State wildlife managers will have tools enabling them to integrate social assessments with population and landscape models in prescribing deer management goals. The study of quality deer management attitudes will be used by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to evaluate growing requests for special buck harvest regulations (e.g., antler restrictions) from hunters in various counties of the state. Both studies will contribute strongly to the goal of this project to assist in managing wildlife-related issues in Michigan.
Publications
- Bull,P., Peyton,R.B. 2001. An assessment of possible antler restrictions and quality deer management by Michigan deer hunters. Final Report. Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Act Pittman-Robertson Project Number W-127-R. Michigan Department of Natural Resources. pp.147.
- Wallmo,K.,Lupi,F.,Peyton,R.B.,Bull,P. 2001. Abstract:Choice modeling of stakeholder preferences for white-tailed deer populations. Proceedings 8th Annual Conference of The Wildlife Society, Sept. 25-29, 2001, Reno, Nevada.
- Zint,M.,Peyton,R.B. 2001. Improving risk education in grades 6-12: A needs assessment of Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin science teachers. Journal of Environmental Education. 32(2):46-54.
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Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00
Outputs
Planning details for the study were completed during this initial year. The first of the focus groups were held with non-hunting citizens in southern Michigan. A draft design of the survey instrument was produced based on findings with focus groups and consultation with ecologist members of the research team. The instrument will utilize choice models as part of the measurement to determine social carrying capacity for deer in the study areas. Further focus groups have been designed to pilot and revise the survey instrument. The sampling process was designed for the first region to be studied. Much progress has been made by the multi-disciplinary research team in coordinating research questions and methods. The challenge is to ensure that ecological, natural resource and human dimensions are studied in compatible ways so that management implications can be clearly drawn and social carrying capacity findings are expressed in ways that state deer managers can effectively
implement. The project is unique and important to resource management because it attempts to integrate the landscape features, wildlife resource characteristics and complex dynamics of the social environment in the management of deer populations.
Impacts
The early phase of the study has not achieved the final intended impacts which are to provide a means to better achieve holistic management of a single wildlife species. Major conflicts among key stakeholders make it difficult to consider and integrate a wide range of factors and successfully implement a holistic approach to management. The intended impact of this study is to help reduce these barriers.
Publications
- Bull, P. and Peyton, R.B. 2000. A review of regulation-setting processes among state wildlife agencies. Trans. 65th No. Am. Wildl. and Nat. Res. Conf. pp 119-133.
- Griese, H.J., D.E. Guynn, and Peyton, R.B.. 2000. Review of criteria and procedure and recommendations for tightening regulation-setting in state wildlife agencies. Trans. 65th No. Am. Wildl. and Nat. Res. Conf. pp 134-147.
- Peyton, R.B. 2000. Wildlife management: cropping to manage or managing to crop? Wildl. Soc. Bulletin 28 (4): in press.
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Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99
Outputs
The primary research project is to develop a model which integrates deer population, landscape ecology and cultural carrying capacity components to formulate deer population goals for wildlife management. This research project is in the first year and most effort has involved planning and coordination of research team efforts, design, goals, etc. Progress has been made in design of an integrated theoretical model and definition of variables which tie biological and social aspects of the study. Other activity related to this project (wildlife issue management) was completion of a pilot study regarding cultural carrying capacity in Menominee County, MI; a survey of deer hunters to evaluate biases in biological data bases introduced through volunteer use of deer check stations and a survey of randomly selected state wildlife agencies to investigate regulation-setting processes. The former identified several public attitude barriers to managing deer in that area at lower,
more ecologically appropriate levels. It also allowed the testing of some measurements relative to cultural carrying capacity. The deer check data are being analyzed and that report will be provided by March, 2000. The survey of 27 state agencies has been completed and the report is being drafted currently. With a few exceptions, it appears regulation-setting proceeds in most states without a systematic evaluation with specified criteria. A number of consequences of this lack of systematic evaluation are proposed.
Impacts
The Menominee Co study has provided important guidance to unit wildlife managers in setting deer management goals. The deer check station study will suggest means for identifying biases in biological data and for increasing voluntary participation among hunters to moderate those biases. A number of states have shown interest in adopting the criteria and improving their regulation process systematically applying these or other criteria based on the model presented in our interviews.
Publications
- Holsman, R. H. and R. B. Peyton. 1999. Social values and biodiversity: a perspective on southern Michigan public land users. Michigan Academician XXXI, 309-23.
- Holsman, R.H. 1999. Stakeholder attitudes and values with implications for ecosystm-based management in southern Michigan. Ph.D Dissertation submitted to Michigan State University. 273 pp.
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