The influence of beliefs and norms on landowners' civic engagement in water resource protection

Abstract

This study examines the drivers of landowner engagement in water resource conservation in the Red River Basin. Specifically, it applies a theoretical framework, the norm activation theory (NAT), to understand the influence of beliefs and norms on landowners' civic engagement in water resource conservation. Data were collected through a self-administered mail survey of 1,500 landowners in two subwatersheds of the Red River Basin: Wild Rice River and Middle Snake-Tamarac Rivers watersheds. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). Study results demonstrate that landowner beliefs and personal norms to take action are important predictors of landowner civic engagement in water resource conservation. This study offers strategies for policy makers, resource professionals, and other local actors to best design and promote water resource programs that are socially relevant and responsive to changing conditions.