Assessing LakeSmart, a community-based lake protection program

摘要: Anthropogenic impacts, particularly shoreline development and related nutrient runoff, threaten Maine lakes. The LakeSmart program was created in response to these threats promote the use of lake-friendly landscaping practices. We used 237 surveys 8 stakeholder interviews investigate motivations that drive conservation behavior among lakeshore residents, explore effectiveness criteria for evaluations identify potential areas improvement its structural design marketing strategies. participants were more likely than non-participants recognize threat declining water quality, adopt or enhance existing best management practices, help foster a strong sense community. conclude could be strengthened with enhanced training inspectors through increased “job-shadowing” opportunities experienced inspectors, expanded mentoring owners whose properties do not pass initial evaluation, by eliminating ambiguous wording property evaluation form. Partnerships member-rich groups identifying ways reduce costs recommended mitigation actions increase participation. defined parameters along recommendations strengthen process, can result greater citizen participation ultimately improved lake ecosystem health measured fewer algal blooms clarity. serve as model other programs attempting transform knowledge action.