Effects of User Characteristics, Visit Characteristics and Concerns on Management Preference: Lake Roosevelt, WA
by Elizabeth R. Smith
M.S. Thesis. Environmental Science and Regional
Planning.
Abstract
Water quality management of Lake Roosevelt became an issue in the 1980s, when studies revealed metals and other contaminants in reservoir sportfish. Since that time, industrial and municipal wastes have been curtailed, additional investigations carried out, and a lake management plan was written (Bucy and Funk 1996). Two types of management currently delineate the continuum of control strategies available. Direct management strategies control the users' behavior by giving them little choice to act without penalty, such as monetary fines. Indirect management strategies attempt to control the users' behavior by influencing the users' decision factors, such as through education. A review of the literature shows that under certain conditions, users may prefer direct management over indirect management, particularly when a problem is perceived. However, uncertainty remains regarding this finding, and regarding the efficacy of indirect management. This study was conducted to determine whether users would prefer direct controls for the purpose of resource protection. A hand delivered, mail return survey was conducted at Lake Roosevelt. Questions examined User Characteristics, Visit Characteristics and Concerns, and how these variables influenced preference for water qlialitv management. Return rate was 62%. Findings revealed no significant relationships between User Characteristics, Visit Characteristics or Concem with Management Preference for resource protection. Though the majority of users rated themselves at least "concerned" about all water quality issues, indirect strategies were preferred for most issues. Explanations maybe found in unmeasured variables such as expectations for future visits, attitude towards current management, perceived opportunity, satisfaction with lifestyle, and perception of the river's "ability to take care of itself'. Results did indicate that users preferred direct strategies for human health related concerns, and indirect strategies for ecological health related concerns. Recommendations were made for indirect management, such as development of campgrounds and marinas for additional educational opportunities. Implications for ftirther research include examining less stringent direct measures, along the indirect-direct continuum. Also, several variables were related to the concern of drawdown, which may be of interest to dam operators.