Property owner beliefs and goals related to shorelinemaintenance behaviors

Abstract

Individual differences in shoreline maintenance behaviors are likely partially attributable to individual differences in relevant beliefs and goals. Lake property owners can help reduce the impact of development by maintaininga vegetated buffer on their shoreline, as opposed to grooming an expansive manicured lawn. A survey mailed toresidential lake property owners in Wisconsin (n returned = 155, response rate = 64%) measured lake-specific beliefs and goals and self-reported frequency of engaging in 4 behaviors counterproductive to shoreline health.Analysis revealed those counterproductive behaviors were negatively associated with endorsement of biosphericbeliefs and positively associated with stated relevance of human usage goals (p < 0.01 for all). Recommendations for lake managers and environmental educators, particularly the importance of aesthetic preferences, are discussed.