Social dimensions of lake ecology: Stakeholder perception surveys used to design effective lake management plans

Abstract

Lake conservation management plans have exhibited varying levels of success
through out Illinois. Recent research, in eutrophic lakes shows that pollution at any level
stabilizes when stakeholder cooperation is enhanced by high conformist tendency and
social concern. Involving stakeholders in preliminary stages of lake management plans
creates more legitimacy and connectedness with the local government as well as
stakeholder involvement with management plans. Public opinion data also allows policy
makers to sustainably involve stakeholders in management plans. Members of the
Illinois Lake Management Association were surveyed on their perceived threats to lakes,
preferences on lake facilities and activities. Responses were analyzed by household
income, gender, land use and highest degree earned. The survey found that most
demographic groups recognize the most important items that have the greatest impact on
impaired lakes as reported by the IEP A and EPA but did not show stakeholders
recognized the sources or causes of these items.

Date of Award	2011
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	Eastern Illinois University
Supervisor	Charles L Pederson (Supervisor)