Source: AUBURN UNIVERSITY submitted to
INCORPORATING HUMAN DIMENSIONS RESEARCH IN RECREATION, WILDLIFE, AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES MANAGEMENT.
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
TERMINATED
Funding Source
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1005998
Grant No.
(N/A)
Project No.
ALAZ00064
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Program Code
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Apr 30, 2015
Project End Date
Feb 11, 2020
Grant Year
(N/A)
Project Director
Morse, W.
Recipient Organization
AUBURN UNIVERSITY
108 M. WHITE SMITH HALL
AUBURN,AL 36849
Performing Department
School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences
Non Technical Summary
Outdoor Recreation:Outdoor recreation can be defined as recreation experiences that are the result of leisure time choices to participate in activities that are dependent on the natural environment (Moore and Driver 2005). This project will be based on the behavioral approach to recreation using the Recreation Experience Model (Figure 1). Recreationists are motivated to participate in activities (such as hunting, hiking, biking, camping, or wildlife viewing) in preferred settings to realize desired experiences or outcomes (Driver and others 1987). Recreationists have different motivations for conducting their activities including such items as excitement, exploration, developing or testing skills and abilities, adventure, family bonding, solitude, enjoyment of nature, the escape from personal-social pressures, physical fitness, or even subsistence (Manfredo and Driver 1996). Preferred settings are the biophysical, social and managerial environments in which people seek their desired experiences (Driver and Brown 1978). Recreationists will have different preferred social situations (such as ability to have large groups, solitude, family) and different preferences for facilities (developed, primitive) and management (degree of regulation, management presence). Critical attributes of the biophysical setting that recreationists may have preferences about include the vegetation cover (open field, heavily forested, native stands, restoration projects), the fauna (diversity, game management, number of target hunted species seen, size of individual animal bagged) and other factors including physical access to areas (roads and trails) and even the weather. Each of these social and biophysical elements can have perceived negative implications for the recreation experience as well including; crowding, degraded campsites, invasive species clear-cut areas (even if to restore native species), and lots of mosquitoes. While the study of motivations is focused on what initiated the behavior, satisfaction is the evaluation of the outcomes of their experience (Vaske 2008). Satisfaction is also related to the expectations the individual has about achieving their desired outcomes. For example, if a hunting group only goes out for a day during an off time of year they may not expect to have a successful hunt in terms of shooting an animal, however, they may still be satisfied with their experience. Therefore, satisfaction is the difference between what was expected and what actually happened. Additionally, overall outcome satisfaction may be a questionable measure of recreationists' experiences as it is only influenced by major changes in the quality of the experience (Manfredo, Vaske and Decker 1995). More telling is satisfaction with individual components of the experience including aspects of the full model of the recreation experience (Vaske 2008). Satisfaction with different components of the recreation experience may carry more weight than others in terms of continued participation in an activity at a particular setting. Furthermore, within a given activity group there are degrees of specialization (novice, intermediate, expert) who may prefer very different setting attributes and conditions (Bryan 1977). Therefore, to understand the recreationists' satisfaction with their experience it is necessary to understand the recreationist (motivations, specialization, and expectations), their activity and setting preferences, and desired outcomes of participation (Moore & Driver, 2005). Following this body of theory and research I will explore different motivational and specialization recreation groups, activity setting preferences, visitor use and satisfaction, management preferences, and economic impacts in outdoor recreation areas such as State and Municipal Parks and on recreation trails throughout Alabama. Other aspects of the built environment related to outdoor recreation and physical activity and obesity such as public bike lanes, safe routes to schools, sidewalks, and public school recreation facilities will also be investigated.Human dimensions of wildlife:The management of wildlife requires an understanding of wildlife, their habitats, and of humans. Critical to informed wildlife management is an understanding or how people value wildlife, what benefits different stakeholders' desire, the social acceptability of different management actions, and how different stakeholders affect and are affected by management decisions (Decker, Riley and Siemer 2012). Wildlife recreation (i.e. hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, etc.) can be understood using the same recreation theory and frameworks exploring motivations, satisfaction, management preferences, etc. outlined in Section A. Other areas of emphasis in human dimensions of wildlife studies are wildlife impacts, risks, human values regarding wildlife, and wildlife conflicts. Furthermore, how to integrate human dimensions findings directly into wildlife management decisions through Structured Decision Making (SDM) processes is underdeveloped. I have conducted studies on Alabama deer hunters and will continue to analyze and publish on these findings and further integrate the findings into SDM processes with our Alabama Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit.Ecosystem Services:Ecosystem services are the benefits that people obtain from ecosystems. Four categories of services have been described in the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2005) including provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services. Provisioning services of food, fiber, and fuel directly fulfill to our most basic needs and contribute to all aspects of human well-being. These services are generally provided for in the marketplace and many aspects of provisioning services are well studied, especially in economics. Services such as water filtration, water quality and flow management, and erosion control provided by healthy watersheds are generally not found in markets. As human life, agriculture, and industry are intertwined and dependent on these watershed services, understanding the linkages across social and ecological systems is critical.
Animal Health Component
0%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
40%
Applied
60%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
60505993080100%
Goals / Objectives
To design and conduct human dimensions research that will be applied in recreation, wildlife, and ecosystem services management. Human dimensions research explores human needs, values, attitudes, norms, and behaviors related to how we negotiate and manage our relationship (maintenance, use, enhancement, protection) with our natural environment.
Project Methods
Science based knowledge will be delivered through classroom instruction and participatory learning. A new curriculum has been extablished for training in Nature Based recreation as a minor of study. The evaluation of this project will include the number of students to sucessfully complete relevant coursework, graduate students completed, research projects completed, and academic journal publications.

Progress 04/30/15 to 02/11/20

Outputs
Target Audience:During the reporting period there have been a number of audiences reached including: undergraduate students, graduate students, academic conference attendees, and local communities. I continue to reach students on a number of facets directly related to this project including: Nature Based Recreation and Environmental Services. I have several graduate students specifically focused in the project areas of Human Dimensions of Wildlife including a second student conducting research on the conservation of Whooping Cranes against poaching in North Alabama and recently finished a project on wildlife management areas. Funding wassecured to conduct research angler recruitment, retention, and reactivation and the project is ongoing. This research is focused on understanding the future of hunting and fishing in Alabama and associated budgetary implications. My graduate students presented at several different conferences and have conducted focus groups and outreach in regional communities and recently administered surveys. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?A new graduate student and a research assistant have been trained on human dimensions of wildlife issues and research methods. Undergraduate volunteers have contributed to the research effort and have received training. Collaboration with the NGO International Crane Foundation continues. Collaboration with the the US Forest Service and US National park Service on outdoor recreation projects is growing. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The Whooping Crane project has published one academic manuscript and has another in review which was also delivered to the administrators at the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. Additional conference presentations were given to the academic community and a final report was given to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR). A final report on Hunting in WMAs was provided to ADCNR and several academic and local conference presentations were given. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Whooping Crane project: Additional manuscript was submitted and is in review from previous student. New student has completed coursework and is now analysizing Social Media data. Angler R3 project: Focus groups have been completed and manuscript submitted. First survey completed and data in analysis. Hunting WMA: Project completed and student graduated. Two manuscripts in review.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Brodbeck, A., Bailey, C., and W.C. Morse (2018). Seasonal Migrant Labor in the Forest Industry of the Southeastern United States: The Impact of H-2B Employment on Guatemalan Livelihoods. Society and Natural Resources, 31(9), 1012-1029.


Progress 10/01/17 to 09/30/18

Outputs
Target Audience:During the reporting period there have been a number of audiences reached including: undergraduate students, graduate students, academic conference attendees, and local communities. I continue to reach students on a number of facets directly related to this project including: Nature Based Recreation, one-health, and Environmental Services. I have several graduate students specifically focused in the project areas of Human Dimensions of Wildlife including a second student conducting research on the conservation of Whooping Cranes against poaching in North Alabama and recently finished a project on the management preferences for black bears of Alabama residence. Additional research on One Health and human dimensions of mosquito born disease targets health officials with communication efforts. Funding was secured to conduct research on angler and hunter recruitment, retention, and reactivation and both projects are ongoing. This research is focused on understanding the future of hunting and fishing in Alabama and associated budgetary implications. Additionally, the project focuses on Wildlife Management Areas and their use and economic impact. My graduate students presented at several different conferences and have conducted focus groups and outreach in regional communities. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?A graduate student and a research assistant have been trained on human dimensions of wildlife issues and research methods. Undergraduate volunteers have contributed to the research effort and have received training. Collaboration with the NGO International Crane Foundation continues. Collaboration with the the US Forest Service and US National park Service on outdoor recreation projects. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The Whooping Crane project has published one academic manuscript and has another in review which was also delivered to the administrators at the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. Additionally, conference presentations were given to the academic community and a final report was given to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The previous work with outdoor recreation and obesity task force has been working in each of the 14 counties of the project and manuscripts have two been submitted to academic journals. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The secone articlefrom the Whooping Crane project will be published. The outdoor recreation and obesity project will cresult in at least 2 publications this year. The two new projects on hunting and angling will progress and data will be collected this year and manuscripts will be submitted. One MS thesis will be defended.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Whooping Crane Poject: Several research articles were developed and submitted, 1 published to date. New student recruited to follow up on the previous research by examining the economic impact of two Whooping Crane Festivals and studing conservation messaging across social media. Black bear project:Several research articles were developed and submitted, 1 published to date. Outdoor recreation: New mountain biking survey developed. Participation in national recreation workshops developing papers and research.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: 5. Zohdy S, Morse W.C., Mathias D, Ashby V, and S. *Lessard (2018). Rediscovery of Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (L.) in Alabama following a 26-year absence and public perceptions of the threat of Zika virus. Journal of Medical Entomology, Aug. 29, 55(5): 1319-1324
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Price Tack, J., McGowan, C., Ditchkoff, S., and W. C. Morse (2018). Managing the endangered North American hunter: A novel framework to address declines in hunters and hunter-generated conservation funds. Human Dimensions of Wildlife, 23:6, 515-532


Progress 10/01/16 to 09/30/17

Outputs
Target Audience:During the reporting period there have been a number of audiences reached including: undergraduate students, graduate students, academic conference attendees, and local communities. I continue to reach students on a number of facets directly related to this project including: Nature Based Recreation and Environmental Services. I have several graduate students specifically focused inn the project areas of Human Dimensions of Wildlife including research on the conservation of Whooping Cranes against poaching in North Alabama and recently finished a project on the management preferences for black bears of Alabama residence. I have a project on Obesity and access to outdoor recreation the is funded through extension by the CDC that heavily targets local communities with messaging and programs. Additional research on One Health and human dimensions of mosquito born disease targets health officials with communication efforts. New funding has been obtained to conduct research on angler and hunter recruitment, retention, and reactivation. This research is focused on understanding the future of hunting and fishing in Alabama and associated budgetary implications. My graduate students presented at several different conferences and have conducted focus groups and outreach in regional communities. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?A graduate student and a research assistant have been trained on human dimensions of wildlife issues and research methods. Undergraduate volunteers have contributed to the research effort and have received training. Collaboration with the NGO International Crane Foundation continues. Collaboration with the CDC on the outdoor recreation and obesity project have continued and the faculty lead with the Alabama Extension Services and the CDC. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The Whooping Crane project has published one academic manuscript which was also delivered to the administrators at the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. Additionally, conference presentations were given to the academic community and a final report was given to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. An academic thesis was completed. The outdoor recreation and obesity task force has been working in each of the 14 counties of the project and manuscripts have been submitted to academic journals. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Articles from the Whooping Crane project will be published. The outdoor recreation and obesity project will continue through October with the potential to have new funding this year. Manuscripts will continue to be developed for this project. The two new projects on hunting and angling will progress and data will be collected this year.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Whooping Cranes: Surveys were conducted with three stakeholder groups; residents in three counties surrounding Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, Alabama waterfowl hunters, and members of birding organizations regarding Whooping Crane conservation and poaching. This data has been analyzed and presented at academic conferences and to the International Crane Foundation. One article has been published and another has been reviewed, revised, and resubmitted. A third journal article on the economic impact of the Festival of Cranes has been reviewed, revised, and resubmitted. A thesis was completed, defended and approved. Outdoor recreation facility access and recreation behavior surveys have been administered to 14 counties in Alabama with over 40% obesity. Two manuscripts have been submitted and are under review and several presentations were presented at conferences.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Heneghan, M., Morse, W. C. (2017). Finding our bearings; Understanding public attitudes toward growing black bear populations in Alabama. Human Dimensions of Wildlife, 23, pp 54-70.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2017 Citation: Lessard, S.K., Morse, W.C., Lepczyk, C.A., Seekamp, E. (2017). Perceptions of Whooping Cranes among waterfowl hunters in Alabama: Using specialization, awareness, knowledge, and attitudes to understand conservation behavior. Human Dimensions of Wildlife. DOI: 10.1080/10871209.2017.1414335
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2017 Citation: The Human Dimensions of Whooping Crane Conservation in Alabama


Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16

Outputs
Target Audience:During the reporting period there have been a number of audiences reached including: undergraduate students, graduate students, academic conference attendees, and local communities. I continue to reach students on a number of facets directly related to this project including: Nature Based Recreation and Environmental Services. I have several graduate students specifically focused inn the project areas of Human Dimensions of Wildlife including research on the conservation of Whooping Cranes against poaching in North Alabama and recently finished a project on the management preferences for black bears of Alabama residence. I have aproject on Obesity and access to outdoor recreation the is funded through extension by the CDC that heavily targets local communities with messaging and programs. Additional research on One Health and human dimensions of mosquito born disease targets health officials with communication efforts. My graduate students presented at several different conferences and have conducted focus groups and outreachin regional communities. Changes/Problems:No changes or problems. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Two graduate students , a non-thesis masters student, and a research assistant have been trained on human dimensions of wildlife issues and research methods. Undergraduate volunteers have contribuited to the research effort and have rereceived training. Collaboration with the NGO International Crane Foundation continues. Collaboration with the CDC on the ourdoor recreation and obesity project have developed strong ties for a research assistant and the faculty lead with the Alabama Extension Services and the CDC. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The Whooping Crane project has distribuited information to the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, the International Crane Foundation, at academic conferences and soon to the Alabama birding and waterfowl hunting communities. The Bear management project has distribuited information to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The Obesity and outdoor recreation project has distribuited information to local Extension agents, local communities, at academic conferences, and to the CDC. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The Whooping Crane project will be finalized with a completed thesis, several more presentations, and journal articles. The obesity project will result in a final report to the CDC, several more presentations, and journal articles. I have a new student coming in May 2017 to look at the economic impact of Alabama's Wildlife Management Areas.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Whooping Cranes: Surveys were conducted with three stakeholder groups; residents in three counties surrounding Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, Alabama waterfowl hunters, and members of birding organizations regarding Whooping Crane conservation and poaching. THis data has been analyzed andpresented at academic conferences and to the International Crane Foundation. One academic journal was invited for a special edition and another is in preperation. A second journal article on the economic impact of the Festival of Cranes has been submitted and is under review. A formal report was delivered to the International Crane Foundation. Outdoor recreation facility access and recreation behavior surveys have been administered to 14 counties in Alabama with over 40% obesity. Results are in and statistical and spatial analysis has begun. Manuscripts are being prepared and conference presentations are scheduled.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2016 Citation: G Lockaby, N Noori, W Morse, W Zipperer, L Kalin, R Governo, R Sawant, (2016). Climatic, ecological, and socioeconomic factors associated with West Nile virus incidence in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Journal of Vector Ecology. 41 (2), 232-243.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Under Review Year Published: 2017 Citation: Lessard, S. K., Morse, W. C., Lepczyk, C. A., & Seekamp, E. L. (Invited special issue 2016). Perceptions of Whooping Cranes among waterfowl hunters in Alabama: Using specialization, awareness, knowledge, and attitudes to understand conservation behavior. Human Dimensions of Wildlife.
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2016 Citation: Henneghan, M. (2016) Evaluating Public Attitudes Toward Growing Black Bear Populations in Alabama. M.S. Thesis, Auburn University


Progress 04/30/15 to 09/30/15

Outputs
Target Audience:During the reporting period there have been a number of audiences reachedincluding: undergraduate students, graduate students, academic conference attendees, and local communities. I continue to reach students on a number of facets directly related to this project including: Nature Based Recreation andEnvironmental Services. I have several graduate students specifically focused inn the project areas of Human Dimensions of Wildlife including research on the conservation of Whooping Cranes against poaching in North Alabama and management preferences for black bears of Alabama residence. My graduate students presented at several different conferences and have conducted focus groups in regional communities. Changes/Problems:No changes or problems. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Two graduate students have been trained on human dimensions of wildlife issues and research methods. Undergraduate volunteers have contribuited to the research effort and hav erecieved training. Collaboration with the NGO International Crane Foundation have built a strong research collaboration for the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The focus group information on the Whooping Crane project included a number of local residents. The participation in these meetings did result in some discemmination of information through the discussions. The black bear project results will be used to develop extension and outreach materials that will be conducted during the next phase of the project. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?I will continue to work with graduate students to analyze and write their results and to develop reports useful to the wildlife management agencies and related NGOs.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Surveys were conducted on Alabama residents management preferences for black bears under a variety of scenarios. Black bear populations are steadily increasing in Alabama and it is imperative to understand local residents knowledge about bear - human interactions and to identify their management preferences under different scenarios based on intensity (how frequent the event) and severity (sighting, into garbage, threaten animal/livestock, threaten person). management can include strategies such as; modify human behavior (take garbage out in the morning), relocation of the bear, behavior modification of the bear, and elimination. This information will allow wildlife managers the ability to plan conservation strategies likely to garner public support. Focus groups were conducted regarding the norms and attitudes of north Alabama residents toward poaching and conservation of Whooping Cranes. A survey was developed for input from the general public on these same issues. The survey was administered in fall of 2015.Whooping cranes were one of the most endangered species with only 21 remaining in Texas in the 1940s. Through significant conservation efforts the number has risen to nearly 600 birds. Several instances of poaching or shooting of these birds has caused a significant problem for the recovery effort. Understanding the beliefs, attitudes, norms and behavior of local Alabama residents toward poaching and toward Crane conservation will allow wildlife managers the ability to plan conservation strategies effectively.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2015 Citation: Lupoli, C., Morse, W.C. (2015) Assessing the local impacts of volunteer tourism: Comparing two unique approaches to indicator development. Social Indicators Research. Social Indicators Research. 120: 577-600.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Cox, C., Morse, W.C., Anderson, C., Marzen, L. (2015). Using public participation geographic information systems to identify places of watershed services provisioning. Journal of the American Water Resources Association. 51(3): 704-718.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Lupoli, C., Morse, W.C., Bailey, C., Schelhas (2015). Indicator development methodology for volunteer tourism in host communities: creating a low cost, locally applicable, rapid assessment tool. Journal of Sustainable Tourism. 23(5): 726-747.