Graduate Program

Natural Science

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

2011

Thesis Director

Charles Pederson

Thesis Committee Member

Barbara Carlsward

Thesis Committee Member

Andrew Methven

Abstract

Lake conservation management plans have exhibited varying levels of success through out Illinois. Recent research, in eutrophic lakes shows that pollution at any level stabilizes when stakeholder cooperation is enhanced by high conformist tendency and social concern. Involving stakeholders in preliminary stages of lake management plans creates more legitimacy and connectedness with the local government as well as stakeholder involvement with management plans. Public opinion data also allows policy makers to sustainably involve stakeholders in management plans. Members of the Illinois Lake Management Association were surveyed on their perceived threats to lakes, preferences on lake facilities and activities. Responses were analyzed by household income, gender, land use and highest degree earned. The survey found that most demographic groups recognize the most important items that have the greatest impact on impaired lakes as reported by the IEP A and EPA but did not show stakeholders recognized the sources or causes of these items.

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