Exploring elements that influence stewardship in the eastern Lake Ontario dune and wetland area | US Forest Service Research and Development
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| Authors: | Diane Kuehn, James Smahol |
| Year: | 2010 |
| Type: | General Technical Report - Proceedings |
| Station: | Northern Research Station |
| Source: | In: Watts, Clifton E., Jr.; Fisher, Cherie LeBlanc, eds. Proceedings of the 2009 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-66. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 112-118. |
Abstract
Th e Eastern Lake Ontario Dune and Wetland Area (ELODWA) is a 17-mile stretch of sand dunes, wetlands, and woodlands along the eastern shore of Lake Ontario in New York State. Reductions in negative, visitor-caused impacts on the dunes (e.g., trampling of dune vegetation and sand erosion) are thought to be due in part to the extensive visitor education efforts of government agencies and non-governmental organizations. This study seeks to identify the elements influencing the development of a stewardship ethic in ELODWA users via 60 in-person qualitative interviews. Interview data revealed that both on-site management actions and socialized elements (e.g., upbringing) influenced the stewardship actions of visitors. Recommendations based on the analysis include diversifying on-site management and communicating a consistent stewardship message over time.
Parent Publication
Citation
Kuehn, Diane; Smahol, James. 2010. Exploring elements that influence stewardship in the eastern Lake Ontario dune and wetland area. In: Watts, Clifton E., Jr.; Fisher, Cherie LeBlanc, eds. Proceedings of the 2009 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-66. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 112-118.