Evaluating the Successes of Land Trust Conservation: Social Effects of Incentive-based Efforts in Northern Michigan

Authors

Kathryn Nicole Braddock, Florida International UniversityFollow

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Major/Program

Environmental Studies

First Advisor's Name

Dr. Joel Heinen

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Dr. Jay Sah

Second Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Third Advisor's Name

Dr. Pallab Mozumder

Third Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Date of Defense

11-8-2017

Abstract

The Little Traverse Conservancy (LTC) of Michigan is a contemporary land trust organization. A case study of LTC identified the accomplishments and challenges of LTC as well as criteria for successful land conservation. Research emphasizes knowledge gaps in effective conservation efforts. An applied research protocol to improve ecological and socio-political knowledge about the workings of LTC and, by corollary, other similar land trusts is recommended.

Key informant interviews (n=33) were conducted with LTC stakeholders. The objective of these interviews was to understand the perceptions and motivations of LTC stakeholders and more broadly, of small-scale land conservation. Findings show that social motivators including a sense of environmental ethic and responsibility for future generations were among the most highly discussed topics among stakeholders. The study provides a case for the importance of social science research in land conservation and land use analyses.

Identifier

FIDC004031

Recommended Citation

Braddock, Kathryn Nicole, "Evaluating the Successes of Land Trust Conservation: Social Effects of Incentive-based Efforts in Northern Michigan" (2017). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3535.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/3535