Evaluation Sourcebook (.pdf) - School of Natural Resources and ...

THREATSEcological | Management | Social | Understanding Or Attitudes | OrganizationalLACK OF KNOWLEDGE, AWARENESS OR CONCERNFor many ecosystem and community-based projects, a lack of understanding of key issuesby the general public, decision-makers or policymakers can threaten progress toward theproject’s goals. Threats associated with a lack of awareness include:• A lack of understanding or awareness of relevant ecological or environmental issues,such as where storm drains empty, the effects of invasive species or the ecology offorest fires, which can lead to poor stewardship behaviors or ineffective managementpractices.• Misinformation or incomplete understanding about the point of view, values orperspective of other stakeholders, which contributes to conflict and a resistance tocollaborate• A lack of concern for local or regional laws, policies or decision-making, which leadsto a disconnect between citizens and the use or management of the resources in theirarea or to mistrust between decision-makers and residentsTaking the time to measure the extent of different people’s knowledge, awareness orconcern of key issues or skills can help you assess whether, for example, your Education andoutreach efforts (p. 197) are effective. But this assessment can also help you identifypotential project assets, such as a group of engaged and active citizens with high levels ofenvironmental awareness and stewardship, who are eager to support your projects’ efforts.Sample evaluation questions and indicatorsThough most of the questions below deal with knowledge, awareness or concern of environmentalissues, you could assess this threat for any specific issues key to your group’s goals.X To what extent is the community aware of or concerned with environmental issues? Responses to polls, surveys, interviews or focus groups where respondentsrate their knowledge or level of concern for different issues or articulatetheir perception of the point of view of certain organizations or agenciesAccuracy of local newspaper coverage of local environmental issuesFrequency of local newspaper coverage of local environmental issuesNumber of times that federal and state authorities reference localenvironmental and/or natural-resource management plans as part of theirdecision-making process (from meeting minutes or funding proposals)X To what extent is the community engaging in behaviors that suggest that they areaware and concerned? Participation (attendance) in environmental or social activities/eventssponsored by local groups (bird counts, tree plantings, communityheritage events, river clean-up or other work days, field trips, etc.)Voter turn-out ratesNumber of pounds of trash recycledNumber of pounds of compost collectedEcosystem Management Initiative 144