Poster Abstract Details

Author(s):
Laura E. Martin, Urs P. Kreuter, Michael G. Sorice

Affiliation:
Texas A&M University

Presentation Type:
Poster

Topic Area:
Science delivery and exchange of information for natural resource professionals, policymakers, and private citizens

Abstract Text:
In 2007, the six-county area of Austin, Texas led the nation in urban growth and this population is projected to increase 15 percent by 2012. Due to increasing citizen resettlement in Austin and land use changes, the City of Austin Wildland Division faces pressure from residential communities regarding land and wildlife management actions. The study consisted of a mail survey of 1,000 residents living near the City of Austin’s Water Quality Protection Lands and Balcones Canyonland Preserve to better understand factors that influence resident’s knowledge about the purpose and management of these Wildland and about environmental issues pertaining to the Edwards Aquifer. The adjusted response rate was 47%. Regression analyses suggested there are positive associations between local newspaper readership and residents’ environmental knowledge of the Edwards Aquifer and the City of Austin Wildlands. However, the study also found that that the media as a source of information fails to disseminate detailed information about the Wildlands. For example, a major misconception was that limestone karst act as a good filter for impurities in surface water flowing down through it. Previous environmentally-oriented interests and/or actions by residents correlated positively with their knowledge about karst aquifers, endangered species, rangelands, and the Wildlands. Some strategies for information dissemination about the Wildlands include the use of local newspapers and homeowner association newsletters. New City of Austin residents who are younger and live in close proximity to the Wildlands are the suggested target audience for initiating a proposed environmental education program. Such programs should incorporate both local environmental organizations and other non-environmental local organizations.