Changing lake conditions due to cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs) have prompted inconsistent and evolving management and recreational use of Southern Illinois University’s Campus Lake. The objective of this study was to address the need for understanding lake-user demographics, CyanoHAB and Campus Lake perception, and support for potential Campus Lake programs. I accomplish this by implementing and summarizing Lake-User and Student Questionnaires, applying an Experience Use History (EUH) method to categorize respondents, and utilizing university resources to understand the effects of environmental variables on perception of Campus Lake. Respondent demographics fit typical leisure participation, where most lake users were encountered walking/jogging. Students participating in the Campus Lake Sustainable Eco-Recreation program self-report a higher familiarity with lake water quality and CyanoHABs than non-participants. There was little evidence of Nature Deficit Disorder, and no difference in support for hypothetical management action options based on this factor. Backwards stepwise regression analysis of stated choice management action support for two hypothetical lake management plans resulted in a proscriptive outcome. EUH results modeled expected sociodemographic characteristics, and Beginners showed support for increasing recreation activity to support hypothetical lake management. Perceptions of Campus Lake water quality status were best correlated with visible algal growth, Temperature-Heat-Solar radiation-Wind index, and mean prior 24 hr relative humidity variables. This Campus Lake survey should be used to diversify lake accessibility and recreation programs targeted towards minority and special interest groups. Surveying of natural resource user perceptions, especially in the case of shifting quality, is a valuable tool to monitor and capitalize on public interest.

An evidence-based policy debate about future fuel demand requires reliable estimates for fuel price elasticities. Such predictions are often based on revealed preference (RP) data. However, this procedure will only yield reliable results in the absence of severe structural discontinuities. In order to overcome this potential limitation we used a situational stated preference (SP) survey to estimate the response to hypothetical fuel price changes beyond the scope of previous observations. We elicit fuel price elasticities for price increases up to four Euros per liter and find that the situational approach predicts the actual responses to previously observed fuel price changes very well. We conclude that applying a situational approach is particularly useful, if behavioral predictions for unprecedented (non-monetary) policy interventions or supply side shocks are of interest that go beyond the reach of standard RP approaches.

One major lesson derived from the implementation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) over the past 30 years is that direct regulation is not the only nor the optimal way to protect endangered species on working lands because of an undue burden imposed on private landowners. The role of a voluntary conservation program is to rearrange incentives so that society bears the cost rather than the landowner. Employing a survey research methodology, I used theories of reasoned action and random choice to explore landowners? stated preferences for conservation programs. I found landowners? stated interest in compensation programs to be moderate at best. For those willing to consider programs involving endangered species, associating land management requirements for species conservation with direct benefits to the landowner is important, but perhaps not as important as ensuring that the program provides adequate financial incentives, consideration of the term of the program, and a level of certainty regarding the landowner?s future obligations under the ESA. Landowners are not a homogenous group. I identified two classes of landowners according to preferences for program structure. One group was highly sensitive to program structure, aside from financial incentives, while the other was likely to participate if adequately compensated with financial and technical assistance. These differences related to opinions on endangered species protection and dependence on their land for income. Voluntary incentive programs increasingly are a popular tool to maintain and enhance conservation; however, these programs are only successful insofar as landowners choose to enroll. This research demonstrates that improving recovery efforts on private lands requires program administrators to have a more complete understanding of landowners? views on endangered species and conservation programs in general, as well as their motivations for owning and operating their land. By doing so, programs with broader appeal and greater efficacy can be designed and implemented.