Human Dimensions: The Human Dimensions: The Democracy of Natural Democracy of Natural ResourcesResources

David K. Loomis, Ph.D.David K. Loomis, Ph.D.Human Dimensions Research UnitHuman Dimensions Research UnitDepartment of Natural Resources Department of Natural Resources

ConservationConservationUniversity of Massachusetts AmherstUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst

NRC 382NRC 382

Resource Status CheckResource Status Check

Natural resource conditionNatural resource condition Some are in good conditionSome are in good condition Some are not in good conditionSome are not in good condition

For those not in good condition, For those not in good condition, change itchange it Improve managementImprove management RestorationRestoration RehabilitationRehabilitation

But, not as easy as it seems (for some But, not as easy as it seems (for some real and significant reasons)real and significant reasons)

The Big QuestionsThe Big Questions

Why is resource management, protection or restoration important?

And, who cares?

These questions need to be answered

Human dimensions is critical to understanding and answering these questions

Purpose TodayPurpose Today

Review some history of resource managementReview some history of resource management

Consider contemporary resource managementConsider contemporary resource management

Examine the role of human dimensions (and Examine the role of human dimensions (and what is it)what is it)

Apply to resource managementApply to resource management Why incorporate human dimensionsWhy incorporate human dimensions What is the benefit of incorporating human What is the benefit of incorporating human

dimensionsdimensions

How does this help us answer the big How does this help us answer the big questionsquestions

History of Resource History of Resource ManagementManagement

1620 to 1825 – none1620 to 1825 – none

1825 to 1885 or so – exploitation/disposal1825 to 1885 or so – exploitation/disposal

1885 to 1920 – scientific approach (experts)1885 to 1920 – scientific approach (experts)

1920 to 1960 or so – commodity era1920 to 1960 or so – commodity era

1960 to 1985 or so –1960 to 1985 or so – environmental environmental movement, movement, and environmental and environmental legislationlegislation

1985 to today – public involvement, conflict, 1985 to today – public involvement, conflict, disagreement, and disagreement, and litigationlitigation

Why the Conflict and Why the Conflict and Litigation?Litigation?

Resource managers are well trained and Resource managers are well trained and very capablevery capable

Have solid scientific training in their Have solid scientific training in their disciplinesdisciplines

Have best of intentionsHave best of intentions

Want what is best for the resourceWant what is best for the resource

Believe what they are doing is best for the Believe what they are doing is best for the resource, and the interests of the publicresource, and the interests of the public

History of Resource History of Resource ManagementManagement

1620 to 1825 – none1620 to 1825 – none

1825 to 1885 or so – exploitation1825 to 1885 or so – exploitation

1885 to 1920 – scientific approach (experts)1885 to 1920 – scientific approach (experts)

1920 to 1960 or so – commodity era1920 to 1960 or so – commodity era

1960 to 1985 or so –1960 to 1985 or so – environmental environmental movement, movement, and environmental and environmental legislationlegislation

1985 to today – public involvement, conflict, 1985 to today – public involvement, conflict, disagreement, and litigationdisagreement, and litigation

Shifting Resource ManagementShifting Resource Management

The relationship between natural resource The relationship between natural resource management and society today has management and society today has changed from what it was in the pastchanged from what it was in the past

No immunity from social values, No immunity from social values, economics or political concernseconomics or political concerns

““Scientific expert-based” management is Scientific expert-based” management is not an island by itself, or all that is needednot an island by itself, or all that is needed

Operating independent of the above Operating independent of the above reality is a problem and reality is a problem and not possiblenot possible

WhyWhy??

Democracy - our form of Government is built Democracy - our form of Government is built on a system of checks and balanceson a system of checks and balances

Resource management falls within this systemResource management falls within this system

We are not free to do what we alone (as We are not free to do what we alone (as resource managers) might believe is best or resource managers) might believe is best or right; we can’t operate outside of this systemright; we can’t operate outside of this system

Fish don’t vote, osprey don’t attend public Fish don’t vote, osprey don’t attend public meetings, and deer don’t pay taxes; people domeetings, and deer don’t pay taxes; people do

Management RealityManagement Reality

Natural resources and people are Natural resources and people are intertwined, and can not be separatedintertwined, and can not be separated

Solutions and decisions now require Solutions and decisions now require human dimensions guidance and inputhuman dimensions guidance and input

Result for resource Result for resource managers/professionals operating under managers/professionals operating under traditional model of management?traditional model of management?– FrustrationFrustration– DisappointmentDisappointment– ConfusionConfusion– Why?Why?

Traditional Training and Traditional Training and Trained IncapacitiesTrained Incapacities

Our resource managers have traditionally Our resource managers have traditionally been trained in the natural sciencesbeen trained in the natural sciences

They are very capable in the natural They are very capable in the natural sciencessciences

They are just not trained in the “human They are just not trained in the “human dimensions” (a trained incapacity)dimensions” (a trained incapacity)

We all have trained incapacities; know We all have trained incapacities; know your limitsyour limits

Resource Management Resource Management for the Futurefor the Future

Natural sciences tend to describe “what Natural sciences tend to describe “what is” in resource management; it is is” in resource management; it is descriptivedescriptive

Social sciences provides “what should be, Social sciences provides “what should be, or why,” and opinions do varyor why,” and opinions do vary

Real Issue? What ecosystem do you want, Real Issue? What ecosystem do you want, at what cost, and with what trade-offsat what cost, and with what trade-offs

A different approach is called forA different approach is called for

Conceptual Model forConceptual Model forResource ManagementResource Management

Natural/Env.System

Social System

PoliticalSystem

EconomicSystem

After Kennedy and Thomas, 1995

Resource Management Resource Management SystemsSystems

Social SystemSocial System BeliefsBeliefs NormsNorms CustomsCustoms TraditionsTraditions AttitudesAttitudes MotivationsMotivations PreferencesPreferences ExpectationsExpectations

Political SystemPolitical System Legislative branchLegislative branch Executive branchExecutive branch Judicial branchJudicial branch PolicyPolicy NGO’sNGO’s LawsLaws ConstitutionConstitution LobbyingLobbying

Resource Management Resource Management SystemsSystems

Economic SystemEconomic System CapitalCapital LaborLabor Allocation of Allocation of

financial resources financial resources and landand land

ExpendituresExpenditures Economic impactsEconomic impacts EmploymentEmployment BudgetsBudgets– Non-market valuesNon-market values

Natural/Env. SystemNatural/Env. System EcologyEcology BiologyBiology

WildlifeWildlifeFisheriesFisheries

LimnologyLimnology MammologyMammology ……ologies (the stuff ologies (the stuff

we love)we love) Management Management

agencies and staffagencies and staff

Conceptual Model forConceptual Model forResource ManagementResource Management

Natural/Env.System

Social System

PoliticalSystem

EconomicSystem

After Kennedy and Thomas, 1995

HumanDimensions

Biophysical Dimensions

Interdisciplinary ManagementInterdisciplinary Management

Resource management is interdisciplinaryResource management is interdisciplinary

No single system is dominant at all timesNo single system is dominant at all times

The systems react to each other over timeThe systems react to each other over time

The interactions do not stop at some end The interactions do not stop at some end pointpoint

Every action in one system generates a Every action in one system generates a reaction elsewhere in another systemreaction elsewhere in another system

What Drives What Drives Resource Management?Resource Management?

The social system drives resource The social system drives resource managementmanagement

Natural resource values originate or are Natural resource values originate or are endorsed in the social systemendorsed in the social system

These values are expressed to natural resource These values are expressed to natural resource managers (and the rest of society) through the managers (and the rest of society) through the economic, social and political systemseconomic, social and political systems

No pre-ordained values exist to guide us to No pre-ordained values exist to guide us to some pre-ordained correct ecological conditionsome pre-ordained correct ecological condition

Sources of our ValuesSources of our Values

Typically through our interaction with the Typically through our interaction with the natural environmentnatural environment

They are devices of our mindsThey are devices of our minds

Shaped by our culture and societyShaped by our culture and society

Can range from biocentric to Can range from biocentric to anthropocentric anthropocentric

Intrinsic to extrinsic worth is attachedIntrinsic to extrinsic worth is attached

Held values vs. assigned valuesHeld values vs. assigned values

Conflicting Values?Conflicting Values?

Held values vs. assigned valuesHeld values vs. assigned values

Held values are intrinsic in nature; we value Held values are intrinsic in nature; we value it for itselfit for itself– Sunset, bald eagle, day of fishing, wildlife Sunset, bald eagle, day of fishing, wildlife

observation, existence or bequest valueobservation, existence or bequest value

Assigned values are extrinsic in nature; we Assigned values are extrinsic in nature; we can and do value something in an economic can and do value something in an economic sensesense– Timber for housing, water for irrigation or Timber for housing, water for irrigation or

hydropower, land for development, etc.hydropower, land for development, etc.

Conflicting Values?Conflicting Values?

Do held values and assigned values Do held values and assigned values concerning the same resource sometimes concerning the same resource sometimes come into conflict?come into conflict?

All the timeAll the time

These values conflict, and get expressed These values conflict, and get expressed via the social, economic and political via the social, economic and political systemssystems

And the resource manager must live with And the resource manager must live with and respond to the conflictand respond to the conflict

Two Case StudiesTwo Case Studies

Quabbin controlled deer huntQuabbin controlled deer hunt– A natural resource initiated problemA natural resource initiated problem

Question 1; no trapping in Question 1; no trapping in MassachusettsMassachusetts– A social value initiated problemA social value initiated problem

Quabbin Controlled Deer HuntQuabbin Controlled Deer Hunt

The Quabbin is a reservoirThe Quabbin is a reservoir

About 25 miles longAbout 25 miles long

About 3 – 5 miles wideAbout 3 – 5 miles wide

Holds 412 Billion gallons when fullHolds 412 Billion gallons when full

Built in 1930’sBuilt in 1930’s

Ringed by thousands of acres of forested Ringed by thousands of acres of forested landland

A beautiful natural area (though man made)A beautiful natural area (though man made)

Purpose and Activities at Purpose and Activities at QuabbinQuabbin

Primary purpose is drinking water Primary purpose is drinking water supply for Bostonsupply for Boston

Management focus is on that purposeManagement focus is on that purpose

Little other use is allowedLittle other use is allowed– Limited shore and boat fishingLimited shore and boat fishing– No other boatingNo other boating– No camping, skiing, snowmobilingNo camping, skiing, snowmobiling– And, no huntingAnd, no hunting

Problem: Deer Over-PopulationProblem: Deer Over-Population

It was a natural resource problemIt was a natural resource problem

No control on deer population existed for No control on deer population existed for 50 years50 years

No predators, no hunting=unchecked No predators, no hunting=unchecked growthgrowth

Over-browsing of young trees became a Over-browsing of young trees became a problemproblem

Quabbin watershed was becoming a Quabbin watershed was becoming a carpetcarpet

A Threatened Water SupplyA Threatened Water Supply

Management requires an uneven age Management requires an uneven age stand of timberstand of timber

The forest was losing that characteristicThe forest was losing that characteristic

Forest becoming susceptible to damageForest becoming susceptible to damage

This is an unacceptable threat to water This is an unacceptable threat to water qualityquality

All due to too many deerAll due to too many deer

A Simple Solution(?)A Simple Solution(?)

Thin the deer herdThin the deer herd

Question became howQuestion became how

Numerous options existedNumerous options existed

Only one proved viableOnly one proved viable

Mostly due to social factorsMostly due to social factors

Solution probably not management’s first Solution probably not management’s first choicechoice

Management OptionsManagement Options

Wolf reintroductionWolf reintroduction

Birth controlBirth control

FencingFencing

SharpshootersSharpshooters

Recreational huntRecreational hunt

Controlled huntControlled hunt

Do nothing; nature Do nothing; nature will resolve the will resolve the issueissue

Natural/Env.System

Social System

PoliticalSystem

EconomicSystem

Controlled HuntControlled Hunt

Successfully implementedSuccessfully implemented

Deer herd reducedDeer herd reduced

Regeneration of forest occurringRegeneration of forest occurring

Conflict largely goneConflict largely gone

Now in a maintenance modeNow in a maintenance mode

But…But…

Declining Hunter InterestDeclining Hunter Interest

No hunters, no controlled hunt, deer No hunters, no controlled hunt, deer population growspopulation grows

In 1991, about 10,000 applications In 1991, about 10,000 applications for 1,000 spotsfor 1,000 spots

In 2003, about 1,200 applications for In 2003, about 1,200 applications for 1,000 spots1,000 spots

How can hunter interest be How can hunter interest be increased?increased?

Question 1Question 1

Massachusetts has a ballot Massachusetts has a ballot referendumreferendum

True democracy at work?True democracy at work?

Or, tyranny of the majority over the Or, tyranny of the majority over the minority?minority?

Question 1 proposed to ban use of Question 1 proposed to ban use of leg hold traps in Massachusettsleg hold traps in Massachusetts

It passed in 1996It passed in 1996

The ProblemThe Problem

There was no natural resource problemThere was no natural resource problem

It was a social problemIt was a social problem

Some people don’t like trapping, especially Some people don’t like trapping, especially some traps (animal welfare groups)some traps (animal welfare groups)

Cruel and inhumaneCruel and inhumane

They sought to “revise” trapping regulationsThey sought to “revise” trapping regulations

Approached MassWildlife on issueApproached MassWildlife on issue

Initial DiscussionsInitial Discussions

Very briefVery brief

Animal welfare groups told no; they don’t Animal welfare groups told no; they don’t pay, trappers do, plus trapping controls pay, trappers do, plus trapping controls populationspopulations– BeaverBeaver– CoyoteCoyote

Lack of trapping would have significant Lack of trapping would have significant and unfortunate consequencesand unfortunate consequences

Animal welfare groups left meetings Animal welfare groups left meetings unhappyunhappy

To the BallotTo the Ballot

Animal welfare groups obtained Animal welfare groups obtained necessary signaturesnecessary signatures

Referendum placed on ballotReferendum placed on ballot

Media campaign ensuedMedia campaign ensued– Animal welfare message based on Animal welfare message based on

emotions; pet in traps, steel jawed traps emotions; pet in traps, steel jawed traps holding an animal (trap outlawed in holding an animal (trap outlawed in 1970’s)1970’s)

– MassWildlife message based on biological MassWildlife message based on biological facts, and “we are the experts,” educate facts, and “we are the experts,” educate the public, leave us alonethe public, leave us alone

The VoteThe Vote

Referendum was on ballot during a Referendum was on ballot during a general electiongeneral election

Referendum passed Referendum passed 2 – 12 – 1; clear and ; clear and obvious public declarationobvious public declaration

Then, the consequences, as Then, the consequences, as promised by the “experts,” came to promised by the “experts,” came to passpass

The ConsequencesThe Consequences

Flooded yardsFlooded yards Flooded septic Flooded septic

systemssystems Contaminated wellsContaminated wells Flooded roadsFlooded roads Coyotes and petsCoyotes and pets Also, growing bear Also, growing bear

populationpopulation Interagency conflictsInteragency conflicts Response of Response of

MassWildlife?MassWildlife?

Natural/Env.System

Social System

PoliticalSystem

EconomicSystem

Questions?Questions?

Human Dimensions Human Dimensions and Coastal Restorationand Coastal Restoration

Why incorporate human dimensions Why incorporate human dimensions into coastal restoration?into coastal restoration?

To answer the big questions--To answer the big questions-- WhyWhy is coastal restoration important? is coastal restoration important? Who caresWho cares about coastal restoration? about coastal restoration?

Monitoring the Human Dimensions Monitoring the Human Dimensions Aspects of Coastal RestorationAspects of Coastal Restoration

Estuary Restoration Act of 2000Estuary Restoration Act of 2000 Authorizes funding for coastal habitat Authorizes funding for coastal habitat

restoration projectsrestoration projects Overall goal of one million acres by 2010Overall goal of one million acres by 2010 Requires project monitoring plans be Requires project monitoring plans be

developed and implementeddeveloped and implemented NOAA is charged with establishing guidance NOAA is charged with establishing guidance

for the development of these plansfor the development of these plans

Monitoring the Human Dimensions Aspects of Coastal Restoration

Much of the restoration monitoring will Much of the restoration monitoring will focus on biological and ecological aspectsfocus on biological and ecological aspects An absolute necessityAn absolute necessity

But, monitoring of the human dimensions But, monitoring of the human dimensions aspects is also a necessityaspects is also a necessity What are the benefits (costs) of coastal What are the benefits (costs) of coastal

restoration, and who are the recipients restoration, and who are the recipients of these benefits (costs)of these benefits (costs)

i.e., i.e., why is it important, and who careswhy is it important, and who cares

Recent Use of Human Dimensions Recent Use of Human Dimensions in Coastal Restoration Projectsin Coastal Restoration Projects

Few restoration programs integrate human Few restoration programs integrate human dimensions in restoration monitoringdimensions in restoration monitoring

Few have implemented full-scale human Few have implemented full-scale human dimensions monitoringdimensions monitoring

Some restoration plans are developed in Some restoration plans are developed in an institutional setting that requires an institutional setting that requires human dimensions input, but this does not human dimensions input, but this does not extend to the monitoring stageextend to the monitoring stage

Why Not?Why Not?

Lack of institutional expertise or capacity to Lack of institutional expertise or capacity to conduct human dimensions monitoringconduct human dimensions monitoring

No agreed on set of human dimensions metrics No agreed on set of human dimensions metrics appropriate for evaluating restoration successappropriate for evaluating restoration success

Inadequate understanding of research methods Inadequate understanding of research methods useful in collecting human dimensions useful in collecting human dimensions informationinformation

Perhaps a lack of recognition of the importance Perhaps a lack of recognition of the importance or value of human dimensions informationor value of human dimensions information

The WorkshopThe Workshop ““Human Dimensions Aspects of Coastal Human Dimensions Aspects of Coastal

Restoration Monitoring”Restoration Monitoring” Held April, 2004Held April, 2004 Workshop goals: Workshop goals:

Identify appropriate and reasonable human Identify appropriate and reasonable human dimensions goals for various coastal dimensions goals for various coastal restoration plansrestoration plans

Identify sets of appropriate measurable Identify sets of appropriate measurable objectives useful in determining the extent to objectives useful in determining the extent to which the goals are being achievedwhich the goals are being achieved

Identify any existing data, or holes in the dataIdentify any existing data, or holes in the data Identify appropriate research methods for Identify appropriate research methods for

collecting human dimensions datacollecting human dimensions data

Results: Goals and Benefits of Results: Goals and Benefits of Coastal RestorationCoastal Restoration

1.1. Increase number of Increase number of recreational opportunitiesrecreational opportunities

2.2. Increase level of Increase level of recreation activityrecreation activity

3.3. Increase quality of Increase quality of recreation opportunitiesrecreation opportunities

4.4. Enhance community Enhance community involvementinvolvement

5.5. Improve tourismImprove tourism

6.6. Reduce property damageReduce property damage

7.7. Enhance property valueEnhance property value

8.8. Enhance access to coastal Enhance access to coastal resourcesresources

9.9. Improve general market Improve general market activityactivity

10.10. Enhance educational Enhance educational opportunitiesopportunities

11.11. Enhance non-market Enhance non-market valuesvalues

12.12. Protect historic/cultural Protect historic/cultural valuesvalues

13.13. Enhance transportationEnhance transportation

14.14. Protect/improve human Protect/improve human healthhealth

15.15. Improve aesthetic valuesImprove aesthetic values

16.16. Improve commercial Improve commercial fishingfishing

Results:Results: Objectives/Metrics for Objectives/Metrics for Measuring Restoration SuccessMeasuring Restoration Success

1.1. Number of public access Number of public access pointspoints

2.2. Number of private access Number of private access pointspoints

3.3. Functional service capacityFunctional service capacity

4.4. Recreation visitor daysRecreation visitor days

5.5. Economic expendituresEconomic expenditures

6.6. Employment impactsEmployment impacts

7.7. Income levelIncome level

8.8. Satisfaction levelSatisfaction level

9.9. Species Species abundance/diversityabundance/diversity

10.10. Number of boat slipsNumber of boat slips

11.11. Presence in Community Presence in Community Master PlanMaster Plan

12.12. Attendance at town Attendance at town meetingsmeetings

13.13. Town use of restored areaTown use of restored area

14.14. Town portion of cost sharingTown portion of cost sharing

15.15. Flood zone mapFlood zone map

16.16. Number of lossesNumber of losses

17.17. Disaster relief costsDisaster relief costs

18.18. Insurance lossesInsurance losses

19.19. Appraised property valueAppraised property value

20.20. Market valueMarket value

21.21. Trail milesTrail miles

22.22. Number of interpretive Number of interpretive centerscenters

23.23. Number of research projectsNumber of research projects

24.24. Number of students trainedNumber of students trained

Objectives (cont.)Objectives (cont.)

25.25. School field tripsSchool field trips26.26. Association with museumsAssociation with museums27.27. Existence valueExistence value28.28. Bequest valueBequest value29.29. Historic designationHistoric designation30.30. Tribal designationTribal designation31.31. Number of fish advisoriesNumber of fish advisories32.32. Number of beach closuresNumber of beach closures33.33. Reduction in water-born Reduction in water-born

illnessillness34.34. Non-consumptive Non-consumptive

recreation userecreation use35.35. Watchable fish and Watchable fish and

wildlife countswildlife counts

36.36. Enhanced viewscapeEnhanced viewscape37.37. Acres of open spaceAcres of open space38.38. Minimized noise/light Minimized noise/light

pollutionpollution39.39. Maximize critical corridorsMaximize critical corridors40.40. Maintain comparable Maintain comparable

maritime culturemaritime culture41.41. Increase value of harvestIncrease value of harvest

……………………

83.83. Cultural/historical heritageCultural/historical heritage

ChallengesChallenges

Goals should be developed and stated as Goals should be developed and stated as part of the initial plan, not just part of part of the initial plan, not just part of monitoringmonitoring

Scale of project can be an issueScale of project can be an issue Small projects vs. large projectsSmall projects vs. large projects Costs of monitoring plan relative to overall costCosts of monitoring plan relative to overall cost Availability of expertiseAvailability of expertise Regional/system-wide monitoring effort as Regional/system-wide monitoring effort as

alternativealternative But, who pays or organizes?But, who pays or organizes?

ChallengesChallenges

Availability of existing dataAvailability of existing data Some data existsSome data exists Often at state or federal levelOften at state or federal level Often not available at local levelOften not available at local level

Sample sizeSample size Not adequate for local useNot adequate for local use A scale issue, with small projects impacted the A scale issue, with small projects impacted the

mostmost

ChallengesChallenges

Frequency/timeliness of existing dataFrequency/timeliness of existing data When was data last collected?When was data last collected?

We have already established the fact that human We have already established the fact that human dimensions data is not routinely collecteddimensions data is not routinely collected

Is data collected regularly, or was it a one-time Is data collected regularly, or was it a one-time effort?effort?Typically one-timeTypically one-time

Is data from a longitudinal design, allowing Is data from a longitudinal design, allowing direct comparisons over timedirect comparisons over time Typically cross-sectionalTypically cross-sectional

ChallengesChallenges Research methodsResearch methods

– If data do not exist, new data must be collectedIf data do not exist, new data must be collected

Lack of internal expertise or experienceLack of internal expertise or experience– Unable, in general, to conduct necessary researchUnable, in general, to conduct necessary research

– Don’t know the methodsDon’t know the methodsDon’t know the advantages/disadvantages of eachDon’t know the advantages/disadvantages of each

– Are not familiar with the literatureAre not familiar with the literature

– Are not aware of the contrasting paradigms Are not aware of the contrasting paradigms associated with different social science disciplinesassociated with different social science disciplines

Next StepsNext Steps

Continue to integrate human dimensions Continue to integrate human dimensions into coastal restoration effortsinto coastal restoration efforts

– Correct incorrect organizational preconceptions Correct incorrect organizational preconceptions about human dimensionsabout human dimensions

– Develop internal human dimension expertise and Develop internal human dimension expertise and capabilitycapability

– Elevate relative importance of human dimensionsElevate relative importance of human dimensions

– Properly fund and integrate human dimensions Properly fund and integrate human dimensions into project developmentinto project development

Human Dimensions Human Dimensions Workshop ContributionsWorkshop Contributions

We We dodo know how to do this know how to do this

We are not starting from scratchWe are not starting from scratch

We need to transfer and integrate We need to transfer and integrate this knowledge into restoration this knowledge into restoration planning and monitoringplanning and monitoring

The ChargeThe Charge

We will be providing a guidance tool We will be providing a guidance tool for restoration monitoringfor restoration monitoring

The charge is to The charge is to – incorporate human dimensions in incorporate human dimensions in

project planning project planning – develop and implement the human develop and implement the human

dimensions tools recommendeddimensions tools recommended