Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: This project explored the relationship between natural resource management agencies and local communities in multiple social-ecological contexts including (1) community members' perceptions of non-native and invasive plants, (2) hunting club owners' beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors associated with shifting goose migration patterns, (3) residents perceptions of and attitudes toward wetlands restoration, and (4) participant and agency perspectives of a community forestry program. Several outputs were completed that are closely linked to the projects overriding objectives. Study findings and implications were disseminated to various communities of interest locally, nationally, and internationally. Specifically, findings and implications were presented at five national and two international professional conferences to audiences comprised of academics and practitioners. Two invited presentations were given directly to natural resource managers associated with the study sites. Three invited presentations were given to regional stakeholders including landowners, forest industry representatives, and agricultural producers. The P.I. also facilitated a visioning workshop as part of the project and provided technical assistance to the Cache River Wetlands Joint Venture Partnership and regional representatives of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. One particularly noteworthy output was the production of a Cache River Wetlands Community Benefits of Restoration exhibit, which is a series of six interpretive panels linking wetlands restoration and healthy communities. These panels were on display at a community celebration event sponsored by the Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge in 2008. The panels have been on display at various community events across southern Illinois. In addition, a Community Partnership-Building Handbook was generated tailored to the needs of natural resource management agencies who are interested in engaging local citizens. PARTICIPANTS: Mae Davenport (PI): Coordinated research project planning, study design, data collection, and reporting. Advised graduate research assistant. Shashi Dhungel (graduate research assistant): Assisted PI in project planning and study design (Leasehold Community Forestry Study). Christopher Bridges (graduate research assistant): Assisted PI in project planning, study design, data collection and reporting (Cache River Wetlands Community Assessment). Travis Lindsay (graduate research assistant): Assisted PI in project planning and study design (Hunting Club Owner Study). The Cache River Wetlands Community Assessment project was partially funded by the Cache River Joint Venture Partnership, the Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge (US Fish and Wildlife Service), and The Nature Conservancy. These organizations also provided input throughout project planning and administration. Representatives from the Division of Forest and the Division of Livestock in Nepal collaborated in the Leasehold Forestry Project, especially in assisting with field work and providing District Forest Office contacts. Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge collaborated on the Hunting Club Owner Study and the Community Perceptions of Non-Native and Invasive Plants Study. Graduate student training was provided through the projects. The research assistant was exposed to multiple social science methodologies and trained in data collection and analysis TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences were diverse and included natural resource managers, community officials, agriculture and forestry industry representatives, non-government organizations, landowners, nature-based tourism/service operators, educators, and community forestry program participants. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
This project has initiated and sustained a dialogue about community-agency relationships and public trust in natural resource management across various communities of interest. Recommendations from the various components of this project have been communicated to natural resource management agencies, non-profit organizations, industry stakeholders, community officials, landowners and residents. Strategies for strengthening community-agency relationships with the ultimate goal of more effective ecosystem management and enhanced quality of life in local communities have been communicated to these audiences. For example, the case study of hunting clubs owners in Illinois provided new insight on how changing migration patterns of Canada geese have affected recreation opportunities, economic revenue, and business management. One significant finding was that many hunt club operators/owners are closing or diversifying their operations by flooding lands with the intent to attract ducks, as goose populations decline. Staff from Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge attended a seminar presented on the study and suggested that the study highlighted the need to maintain a strong connection with these stakeholders and to view them as partners in migratory waterfowl management. The Partnership-Building Handbook has increased awareness among partners in the Cache River Wetlands and enabled them to identify and prioritize partnership-building efforts. The handbook details several recommendations for communication, collaboration, and cooperation efforts that strengthen the local community-agency relationship and enhance trust. The agencies have used the recommendations to shape their public involvement processes, interpretive and education programs, and community building strategies. The community benefits of wetlands restoration exhibit has increased local community members' understanding of wetlands restoration and their awareness of the potential for community benefits from healthy wetlands. The travelling exhibit has been used at various community events to promote understanding and inspire participation in ecosystem restoration. The LFLP project has identified several social benefits of LFLP as well as areas of program improvement. The project is the first of its kind and has increased the awareness of Division of Forest and Livestock managers and staff as to the opportunities and challenges of LFLP. Social capital and community capacity building were two "unanticipated" findings of the study and we expect that program administrators may further develop the program around these themes. Given the participatory nature of this study and the predominate methodologies used - key informant interviewing and focus groups - it is clear that study participants have engaged in a candid and enlightening dialogue about community and natural resource management. These conversations have likely led to immeasurable outcomes linked to community empowerment, social capital, and political capital.
Publications
- Dhungel, S. (2008). Resource regeneration and poverty reduction: Striking a balance through a contemporary community-based forestry program. Masters Thesis, Department of Forestry, Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Carbondale, IL.
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Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The Cache River Wetlands Community Partnership Assessment project was completed this year. A project report and partnership-building handbook were completed and presented to the Cache River Wetlands Joint Venture Partnership (JVP) which includes the Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, The Nature Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited, and Natural Resources Conservation Service. A "Community Benefits of Wetlands Restoration" exhibit was completed and presented to the JVP. The JVP featured the exhibit at an open house to commemorate citizen action in September. Study findings were presented to natural resource managers, scientists, and citizens at the 2008 Cache River Wetlands Symposium. A manuscript presenting findings and lessons learned from this project is in development. Data were collected to examine the agency-community relationship and perceptions of the Leasehold Forestry and Livestock Program (LFLP) in Nepal. The specific objectives of the study are to (1) examine LFLP stakeholders' perceptions of the program, (2) identify opportunities and challenges of the program, and (3) develop a set of recommendations to improve the program's implementation. Thirty interviews were conducted with LFLP stakeholders. A sample of LFLP user groups and administering officers from the District Livestock and District Forest Offices in four districts of the Central Development Region of Nepal were interviewed. These interviews were transcribed and analyzed following qualitative analysis procedures. Study finding were presented at The Second National Workshop on Livelihood Improvement through the Leasehold Forestry Approach at the Community Forestry Research and Training Center in Kathmandu. Study findings were also presented at an international professional conference in the U.S. The project will be reported in a master's thesis. A manuscript presenting study findings is in development. PARTICIPANTS: Mae Davenport (PI): Coordinated research project planning, study design, data collection, and reporting. Advised graduate research assistant. Shashi Dhungel (graduate research assistant): Assisted PI in project planning and study design. Collected data in Leasehold Forestry Project. The Cache River Wetlands Community Assessment project was partially funded by the Cache River Joint Venture Partnership, the Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge (US Fish and Wildlife Service), and The Nature Conservancy. These organizations also provided input throughout project planning and administration. Representatives from the Division of Forest and the Division of Livestock in Nepal collaborated in the Leasehold Forestry Project, especially in assisting with field work and providing District Forest Office contacts. TARGET AUDIENCES: Graduate student training was provided through the projects. The research assistant was exposed to multiple social science methodologies and trained in data collection and analysis PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
The community partnership assessment report and partnership-building handbook has increased awareness among JVP agencies and enabled them to prioritize partnership-building efforts. The handbook details several recommendations for communication, collaboration, and cooperation efforts that strengthen the local community-agency relationship and enhance trust. The agencies will use the recommendations to shape their public involvement processes, interpretive and education programs, and community building strategies. The community benefits of wetlands restoration exhibit has increased local community members' understanding of wetlands restoration and their awareness of the potential for community benefits from healthy wetlands. The travelling exhibit will be used in community meetings, public involvement processes, and other events to promote understanding and inspire participation in ecological restoration. The LFLP project has identified several community benefits of LFLP as well as areas of program improvement. The project is the first of its kind and has increased the awareness of Division of Forest and Livestock managers and staff as to the opportunities and challenges of LFLP. Social capital and community capacity building were two "unanticipated" findings of the study and we expect that program administrators may further develop the program around these findings.
Publications
- Davenport, M.A. (2008). Inspiring community commitment to ecological restoration. (abstract). In Abstracts from the 2008 Cache River Symposium. Ullin, Illinois. September 10, 2008.
- Davenport, M.A. & Bridges, C.A. (2008). Community-based conservation and restoration: A community partnership assessment and partnership-building handbook. Research Publication NS-025, Carbondale, IL: Southern Illinois University, Department of Forestry, 62 pp.
- Dhungel, S., Davenport, M.A., & Carver, A. (2008). Leasehold forestry and livestock program in Nepal: Opportunities and challenges in poverty alleviation. (abstract). In Abstracts from the Fourteenth International Symposium on Society and Resource Management. June 10-14, Burlington, Vermont.
- Ruzicka, K.J., Groninger, J.W., Davenport, M.A., & Ruffner, C.M. (2007). Comprehensive vegetation management strategy for a multiple use park: 2006 management plan. Carbondale, IL: Southern Illinois University, Department of Forestry, 38 pp.
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Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07
Outputs
The manuscript developed from the case study of southern Illinois goose hunting club owners and operators was accepted for publication in the Human Dimensions of Wildlife. Findings from the focus groups, interviews and surveys conducted in 2004 with residents of Jackson and Williamson Counties, Illinois and Giant City State Park have been synthesized in a manuscript which was submitted to Invasive Plant Science and Management. Twenty-five interviews were conducted with community representatives in southern Illinois to explore the meanings they ascribe to the Cache River Wetlands, their attitudes toward restoration initiatives and willingness to get involved. These interviews were transcribed and analyzed. A focus group was conducted with the Joint Venture Partnership (JVP), including the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge, The Nature Conservancy, and Ducks Unlimited, to investigate current efforts aimed at engaging local
community members in ecosystem restoration and to assess resource needs. The study findings were presented in four professional conferences and reported in a master's thesis. Two conference proceedings papers and four abstracts were published (or are in press) from this work. Study findings also were presented to the JVP in a seminar and interactive workshop. A mock-up of a "Community Benefits of Restoration" exhibit was presented to the JVP for review and suggestions. Manuscript development for a peer-reviewed publication on this work is underway. Surveys were conducted with community-based advocacy organizations associated with National Parks in the Midwest Region to assess their structure, the roles they play in natural resources management, and their relationship with the National Park Service (NPS) and the local NPS employees. The survey was administered through the internet. Twenty-two organizations completed the survey. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive and
inferential statistics. Manuscript development for a peer-reviewed publication is underway.
Impacts
Study findings from the Cache River Wetlands will enable JVP staff and community leaders to build sustained relationships with local community members in ecosystem restoration. The study identified key dimensions of meanings, attitudes toward particular restoration initiatives, and barriers and opportunities for partnerships. The agencies will use the study to shape their public involvement processes, interpretive and education programs, and community building strategies. Study findings from the community-based advocacy organization study will provide baseline information to national park managers about who these partner organizations are, how they function, and what needs they have in natural resource management and conservation.
Publications
- Davenport, M.A. & Bridges, C.A. (2007). Inspiring community-driven ecosystem restoration: A history of community involvement and an assessment of future action in the restoration of the Cache River Wetlands. (abstract). In Abstracts from the International Union of Forest Research Organizations Division VI Symposium. August 14-20, Saariselka, Finland.
- Davenport, M.A. & Bridges, C.A. (2007). Community-based ecosystem restoration: Guiding principles, future outlook, and the role of community capacity. (abstract). In Abstracts from the Thirteenth International Symposium on Society and Resource Management. June 17-21, Park City, Utah.
- Bridges, C.A., Davenport, M.A., Mangun, J.C., & Carver, A.D. (2007). Community collective action in ecosystem restoration of the Cache River Wetlands. (abstract). In Abstracts from the Thirteenth International Symposium on Society and Resource Management. June 17-21, Park City, Utah.
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Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06
Outputs
Project objectives are all ongoing. Meetings with natural resource managers in the area and their interest in the project have prompted a new study area focus for 2005 and 2006, which include Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge, Cache River Natural Area, and Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. Additionally, the inclusion of community-based advocacy organizations provides new direction for the study of agency-community relationships. To gain holistic and in-depth information about agency-community relationships and trust across a subset of community groups, a series of interviews, focus groups, and workshops were conducted with 33 community members and 13 agency/organization representatives. Twenty interviews were conducted with hunters and hunt club operators/owners in southern Illinois to explore their perceptions of waterfowl management and their trust in local wildlife management agencies and employees. These interviews were transcribed and analyzed. The
hunter study findings were presented in a professional conference and reported in a master's thesis. Manuscript development on this research is underway. A workshop was held with the Cache River Joint Venture Partnership in Ullin, Illinois to develop a vision statement for the partnership and identify current and potential community stakeholders in ecosystem protection and restoration. Following this workshop, a community partnership assessment strategy was developed. An interview guide was generated based on discussions with staff from the Cypress Creek National Wildlife River, Cache River Natural Area, and The Nature Conservancy. An inventory of over 150 community-based organizations has been completed. Another subset of community members of interest is local conservation advocacy groups. To better understand the role these groups play in conservation and their relationship with management agencies, a focus group was conducted with Friends of Acadia, in Bar Harbor, Maine with 11
participants. Focus group participants were queried about their relationship with the National Park Service and Acadia National Park staff, as well as barriers to and strategies for building effective partnerships in local communities. The focus group session has been transcribed and preliminary data analysis is underway. Findings from the Friends of Acadia focus group, Glacier National Park Associates (conducted in 2005) and Glacier National Park staff (conducted in 2005) has provided a conceptual framework in the development of an Internet-based survey of community advocacy groups associated with national parks in the Midwest. Over 50 community organizations were inventoried in the Midwest and will serve as potential participants in the survey.
Impacts
Findings from the focus groups and interviews conducted in 2004 with residents of Jackson and Williamson Counties, Illinois have been incorporated into a management report entitled 'A comprehensive vegetation management strategy for a multiple use park: 2006 management plan.' This report integrates biology and sociology to provide Illinois Department of Natural Resources staff and managers at Giant City State Park guidance in addressing the threats of non-native and invasive plants. The case study of hunters and hunt clubs in Illinois provided new insight on how changing migration patters of Canada geese have affected recreation opportunities, economic revenue, and business management. One significant finding was that many hunt club operators/owners are closing their operations or flooding their lands to provide duck habitat as goose populations decline. Staff from Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge attended a seminar presented on the study and its implications
were discussed. The Cache River Joint Venture Partnership (JVP) workshop explored the many goals and interests of the partners and created a shared vision for the future of the partnership. This process was beneficial to the JVP in strategic planning efforts.
Publications
- Braddock, M. 2005. Community stakeholder perceptions of non-native and invasive plants in southern Illinois: A multiple methods approach. Masters Thesis, Department of Forestry, Southern Illinois University Carbondale.B
- Braddock, M. & Davenport, M.A. 2005. Exploring community stakeholder perceptions of non-native and invasive plants. In Emerging Issues Along Urban/Rural Interfaces: Linking Science and Society. March 13-16, 2005, Atlanta, Georgia.
- Davenport, M.A. 2006. A conceptual overview of an integrative place dependence scale. (abstract). In: Abstracts from the Twelfth International Symposium on Society and Resource Management. June 3-8, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
- Lindsay, T. 2005. Southern Illinois Quota Zone waterfowl hunters: Perceptions and management perspectives. Masters Thesis, Department of Forestry, Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
- Lindsay, T., Davenport, M.A., & Mangun, J.C. 2006. Waterfowl hunters in southern Illinois: Preferences and management perspectives. (abstract). In: Abstracts from the 28th Annual Southeastern Recreation Research Conference. February 26th-28th, 2006, Wilmington, North Carolina.
- Ruzicka, K.J., Groninger, J.W., Davenport, M.A., & Ruffner, C.M. 2006. A comprehensive vegetation management strategy for a multiple use park: 2006 management plan. Carbondale, IL: Southern Illinois University, Department of Forestry, 38 pp.
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Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05
Outputs
Three focus groups were conducted with a total of 21 community members about natural resource management in southern Illinois. Focus group participants were queried about their natural resource values, perceptions of vegetation and non-native and invasive plants, and their trust in natural resource managers in the area. Preliminary data analysis has been conducted. Further analysis is underway. Two focus groups were conducted at Glacier National Park, Montana with 11 community members and three National Park Service personnel. Focus group participants were queried about relationships between community advocacy groups and the agency, as well as barriers to and strategies for building effective partnerships in local communities. The focus group sessions have been transcribed and preliminary data analysis is underway.
Impacts
The southern Illinois case study has provided great insight into what residents value about southern Illinois and their perceptions and attitudes toward natural resource management. The spread of non-native and invasive plants (NIPs) has garnered the attention of scientists and managers across the nation. This case study has underscored the need for a public dialogue about NIPs and increased partnerships in management. The Glacier National Park case study will help agency personnel and community advocates prioritize strategies for building effective partnerships. Little research has examined community partnerships in natural resource management.
Publications
- Braddock, M. & Davenport, M.A. (In press). Exploring community stakeholder perceptions of non-native and invasive plants. In Emerging Issues Along Urban/Rural Interfaces: Linking Science and Society. March 13-16, 2005, Atlanta, Georgia.
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