Information and Its Influence on Preferences Regarding Natural Resource Management Decisions:
A Case Study of the Jackson Elk/Bison Management Plan
 

Increased public knowledge through public education can facilitate more effective decision-making processes and lead to more amicable public-agency interactions.  Thus, it is important for agencies to gain an understanding of how they may communicate information to the public more effectively in order to enhance knowledge. 

 In 2002, a graduate student of the School of Environment and Natural Resources conducted a study on public knowledge and its influence on preferences for management methods in controversial ENR issues.  The student used the Jackson elk/bison management plan as a case study to examine the effects of information and demographic characteristics on public preferences.  By employing a survey and interviews in combination with an informational packet, she collected data on knowledge and preferences of residents of Teton counties, Wyoming and Idaho regarding management of the Jackson Bison Herd.  Partial funding for this research was provided by the Ruckelshaus Institute and Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources.

Full Report

Survey

Information Packet

Educational Presentation