Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2020MN146B

Assessing lakeshore residents' perspectives on Aquatic Invasive Species management

Institute: Minnesota
Year Established: 2020 Start Date: 2020-03-01 End Date: 2021-02-27
Total Federal Funds: $24,953 Total Non-Federal Funds: $34,785

Principal Investigators: Amit Pradhananga

Abstract: In an ongoing project funded by the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC), we have conducted on-site surveys of recreationists and designed a mail survey for general residents. These surveys gather data on respondents' values and knowledge of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS), as well as their willingness to pay for AIS management. However, neither survey is targeted towards lake shore residents. This project will survey up to 50,000 lake shore residents through an online survey administered with the assistance of Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates. Objectives are to 1) assess use and non-use values lakeshore residents assign to ecosystem services impacted by AIS, and 2) examine lakeshore residents' values and beliefs associated with AIS and AIS management. Project findings will have broad relevance for natural resource professionals, policymakers, and planners who work in the area of AIS management. Lake shore owners, while a small percentage of Minnesota residents, are a dedicated population who work closely with local and state natural resource managers. As such, they are an important group to survey to more thoroughly understand the people of Minnesota's relationship with AIS, as well as to contribute to MAISRC's excellent reputation with its stakeholders.