UVM Theses and Dissertations
Format:
Print
Author:
Novetti, Corinne
Dept./Program:
Natural Resources
Year:
2013
Degree:
MS
Abstract:
The management of double-crested cormorants (Phalacorcorax auritus) on Lake Champlain involves efforts from several state, federal, and non-profit organizations. This study used in-depth interviews of key informants to determine the process for involving the public in cormorant management on Lake Champlain; how this process is viewed by managers of natural resource agencies and leaders of public interest groups concerned with cormorant management; and, the extent to which agency managers and leaders of interest organizations feel that the citizen involvement processes in cormorant management are effective.
Committees under the Lake Champlain Fish and Wildlife Management Cooperative emerged as the mechanism through which managers and public interest groups attempt to coordinate management. Interviewees revealed several reasons why the current decision-making structure is ineffective and insufficient at meeting the guiding principles of adaptive management. Factors that influenced effectiveness were: expert authority, communication processes, intergroup conflicts, and trust. I conclude with the recognition that although the current process is faulty, a system potentially exists to appropriately engage managers and public interest groups in effective management. To achieve this full potential, managers and public interest groups will have to address the identified conflicts and improve communication processes.
Committees under the Lake Champlain Fish and Wildlife Management Cooperative emerged as the mechanism through which managers and public interest groups attempt to coordinate management. Interviewees revealed several reasons why the current decision-making structure is ineffective and insufficient at meeting the guiding principles of adaptive management. Factors that influenced effectiveness were: expert authority, communication processes, intergroup conflicts, and trust. I conclude with the recognition that although the current process is faulty, a system potentially exists to appropriately engage managers and public interest groups in effective management. To achieve this full potential, managers and public interest groups will have to address the identified conflicts and improve communication processes.