Assessing Wetland Awareness and Community Support for Educational Initiatives: A Case Study for Clark County, Washington Residents
Item
- Title
- Description
- Date
- Creator
- Identifier
-
Assessing Wetland Awareness and Community Support for Educational Initiatives: A Case Study for Clark County, Washington Residents
-
As the world’s population continues to surge, the demand for development, including housing, businesses, and agriculture, escalates. This escalating development exerts exponential pressure on the world's critical wetland ecosystems. While current governmental regulations aim to mitigate these impacts, the quest for lasting improvements in wetland ecosystems needs long- term educational strategies. An enhanced wetland educational framework seeks to refine existing regulatory processes, notably within compensatory wetland mitigation programs. This proactive approach aims to enhance community understanding and awareness of wetlands, thereby potentially leading to better preservation and sustainable development practices.
This thesis investigates the level of understanding and attitudes among residents of Clark County, Washington, regarding the functions and significance of wetlands, as well as their receptiveness to implementing an official wetland educational model alongside a structure similar to an in-lieu fee program, wherein funds are paid to offset the proposed impact toward a wetland. A sample population of residents of Clark County, Washington, was surveyed using a convenience sampling approach. The researcher was stationed at selected parks, chosen for their accessibility and association with wetlands, which are frequented by residents. The survey instrument was crafted to capture qualitative data on participants' demographics, wetland IV knowledge, awareness of wetland mitigation banking, and opinions on compensatory wetland mitigation requirements. Thematic coding and analysis techniques were employed to analyze the data, identifying recurring themes, patterns, and sentiments within participants' responses. The findings provide insights into the community's understanding of wetlands and their openness to introducing an educational standard within regulatory compensatory wetland mitigation guidelines. Ultimately, this research aims to inform decision-making processes and promote sustainable development practices in Clark County, Washington, potentially serving as a model for other regions facing similar challenges. The importance of assessing wetland awareness and community support cannot be overstated, particularly in the context of ongoing environmental challenges and the need for sustainable conservation efforts. Understanding the level of awareness among communities regarding wetlands and their significance is crucial for informing policy decisions, guiding educational initiatives, and fostering public engagement in conservation efforts. By assessing community support, policymakers and environmental advocates can tailor their strategies to effectively address local needs and concerns, ultimately enhancing the success and impact of wetland conservation programs.
-
2024
-
Rowan Kelsall
-
Kelsall, Rowan_MES Thesis_2024
Position: 49 (57 views)