Using Social Media to Discover Public Values, Interests, and Perceptions about Cattle Grazing on Park Lands

摘要: In the western United States, livestock grazing often co-exists with recreation, cultural resource management and biodiversity protection on federal state protected rangelands as well many local government open space areas. While value of for managing rangeland vegetation to reduce fire fuel loads improve wildlife habitat is increasingly recognized by professionals, public concerns, conflict between recreationist have led reductions in land grazing. Traditional input methods yield a constrained picture people’s attitudes toward cows Public meetings, hearings, surveys, most commonly used mechanisms managers solicit opinion, tend foster participation organized special interests or, case focus specific topic. General limited. This study explored use personal photography social media gain insight into perceptions spaces. Key findings this include that grazed San Francisco Bay Area parks shared views, interests, concerns about photo-sharing website, FlickrTM seldom show up at meeting or surveys. Results suggest analysis can help develop more nuanced understanding viewpoints useful making decisions creating outreach education programs lands. demonstrates using such be gaining an natural management.