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PLEASE NOTE: The schedule posted here is as of 1/25/16, and is subject to change. Please check back for updates.
AUTHORS:Larry M. Gigliotti*, U.S. Geological Survey, S.D. Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit; Lily A. Sweikert, Department of Natural Resources, South Dakota State University
ABSTRACT: The Plains & Prairie Pothole Landscape Conservation Cooperative (PPP-LCC) identified habitat loss (factors influencing land use and land conversion) as a key research need in 2012. This grassland-wetland ecosystem provides essential habitat for an array of wildlife, especially waterfowl. Temperate grasslands are one of the most threatened biomes worldwide. Recent economic pressures from high corn and soybean prices undoubtedly figured heavily into the observed increase in land conversions to row crops. While many factors contribute to loss of wildlife habitat, ultimately it comes down to decisions made by private landowners. For example, what kind of land use decisions might we expect with the return or lower corn and soybean prices following the previous few years (2011-2013) of extraordinary high prices? The purpose of this study is to understand how private landowners make land use decisions. This project is working with five state wildlife agencies to conduct landowner surveys in each of the participating states (IA, MN, SD, ND, and MT). Each survey is unique and focused on conditions, programs and interests of each state participant, although each survey will include a measure of landowners’ Wildlife Value Orientation and will include the Land Relations scale developed specifically for this study. The primary objective will be to measure attitudes and intended behaviors towards participating in a variety of conservation programs and barriers to participating in various conservation programs. Because survey results will not be available in time for this presentation this presentation is designed as a progress update and will focus on the type of information that is being collected by each participating state, how that information may be used, and answer questions about this ongoing project.
Tuesday January 26, 2016 11:40am - 12:00pm EST
Ambassador W
